CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will help bring relief to the people of Arkansas after 38 tornadoes struck the state Jan. 21. Response efforts will be organized through Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
"There were at least seven fatalities," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran Disaster Response.=20
Initial assessments indicate more than 425 homes were destroyed and more than 900 were severely damaged. Among the hardest hit neighborhoods are Saline and Pulaski County -- the "same area where Lutherans responded to killer tornadoes two years ago," said Furst.
Immediate needs and damages are being assessed and interfaith efforts are beginning, he said. =20
"It is certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by this damaging weather. Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed," said Furst.
Relief efforts will be managed by Lutheran Social Service of Kansas/Oklahoma. Lutheran Disaster Response will work closely with the ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and the LCMS Mid-South District.=20
A series of tornadoes struck areas near Jackson, Tenn., Jan. 17.=20 Eight people were killed and more than 100 others are injured. =20
"Lutheran Disaster Response stands ready to offer assistance when it is needed," said Furst. "Local resources appear sufficient for the needs."
Interfaith disaster response organizations, including Church World Service, are providing assistance to survivors in Tennessee.
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors
of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
800-638-3522
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
