Lutherans Rebuild after Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Floods

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- This spring Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), continues to provide financial assistance, pastoral care, resources for children and support for = care-givers to survivors of tornadoes, hurricanes and floods.=20
In Arkansas, a record-setting 38 tornadoes struck the state Jan. 21 killing seven people and destroying 427 homes, severely damaging 900 others, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response. Furst visited Royal Oaks and other areas in the state April 5-7.
Lutheran Disaster Response volunteers continues to remove debris, repair and re-roof homes and buildings. Three tornado shelters -- underground safety facilities -- will be built in Royal Oaks. Among the people the shelters will serve include an 80-year-old couple, a widow in her 70s and a handicapped child, said Furst. =20
Lutheran Disaster Response also continues to work in Puerto Rico, where 400 volunteers have repaired houses and churches and removed debris following island-wide destruction from Hurricane Georges six months ago. Furst visited the island March 24-26.
"So far, 88 minor and major repairs have been made to houses," said Furst. "More than 1,500 properties have had debris removed.=20 Fourteen church properties are scheduled for or have received repairs."
Volunteers from Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and other areas will continue to provide recovery assistance in Puerto Rico.
"On the first day of spring we visited pastors, lay leaders and flood survivors in southwest Texas," said Furst.
About five months ago floods affected more than 1,350 square miles in southwest Texas -- Cuero, New Braunfels, Seguin and Victoria -- causing half a billion dollars worth of damage, said Furst.
"Although many repairs have been made, I am surprised to see houses still standing as broken shells, people putting flood-damaged furniture and water-soaked, moldy sheet rock and insulation on curbsides, and empty lots where houses once stood," Furst said.
In Victoria, the goal is to work on 250 flood-damaged houses for people who have the greatest needs, said Furst. About 60 percent of the homeowners there are over the age of 60, and 35 percent are below the average median income level. Furst said intensive repair work will begin in June and continue for at least another year.
Lutheran Disaster Response, the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod and the LCMS Texas District have distributed $370,000 to help flood survivors and support the relief ministries in southwest Texas. Two fraternal benefit societies -- Lutheran Brotherhood, Minneapolis, and Aid Association for Lutherans, Appleton, Wis. -- have also provided financial support.
Lutheran Disaster Response will help manage the relief work with Lutheran Social Services of the South though the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod and the LCMS Texas District.
"I left Texas deeply aware of the sorrow, loss, grief and turmoil in so many hearts," Furst said. "But I also see God's people present and active, offering help, encouragement and love. Signs of recovery, hope and new life are already beginning to blossom."
"As I stand with people affected by wind and floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, I am also deeply aware of God's presence," said Furst. =20
"Through Lutheran Disaster Response, people in desperate situations are experiencing the humble servanthood of Jesus Christ through the ministries of their Christian brothers and sisters," he said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html