CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran congregations and volunteers from four rural counties in southwest Georgia are working together to provide emergency assistance after three tornadoes struck the area in mid-February.
Lutheran Disaster Response -- a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) -- Lutheran Ministries of Georgia, and ELCA Domestic Disaster Response are assessing the damage and managing relief efforts in southwest Georgia.
The Rev. Gary Danielson, president of Lutheran Ministries of Georgia, said more than 260 homes were destroyed and 131 had major damage. A majority of the homes damaged were mobile homes. Danielson said the tornadoes claimed the lives of 22 people and injured hundreds.
Members of Lutheran Disaster Response will work closely with staff of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and the LCMS Florida-Georgia District "to rally members and congregations for response efforts and to provide other support," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran Disaster Response. ELCA Domestic Disaster Response is located in the ELCA Division for Church and Society.
Furst said local volunteers and relief efforts are being coordinated through an interfaith recovery network.
"Lutheran Disaster Response continues the church's commitment to bring help and hope to disaster survivors over the long haul," said Furst.
Lutheran Disaster Response continues work in the following areas:
+ North Carolina -- $179,000 in grants and materials were provided March
1 to people who were affected by Hurricane Floyd in September 1999;
+ New Jersey -- Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey is providing
free counseling for those affected by Hurricane Floyd;
+ Littleton, Colo. -- spiritual and emotional support is being arranged
as that community approaches the first anniversary of the
school-shooting massacre;
+ Owensboro, Ky. -- interfaith efforts continue to bring volunteers and
service to tornado survivors;
+ Oklahoma City, Okla., and Wichita, Kan. -- outreach continues to
people who experienced the worst tornado in U.S. history. In addition
to on-going rebuilding and counseling, "Camp Noah," a special resource
for children who have experienced disasters, is planned for this summer;
+ St. Croix, V.I. -- ELCA Domestic Disaster Response is piloting a
project to prepare individuals, houses, and church leaders for the
approaching hurricane season this year.
"Sometimes people wonder about so much destruction and devastation. We are constantly reminded that we live in an imperfect world in which we have little control," Furst said.
"But, we are also reminded that ultimately God is in control and works through those who respond to need with prayers, contributions and hands-on service," Furst said.
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://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
