CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response has provided an initial $10,000 grant to Lutheran Social Services of Montana, Missoula, for emergency assistance to communities impacted by smoke and wildfires in the state. Lutheran Disaster Response is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran=20 Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
"Emergency needs include food, clothing and shelter," said Elaine Richter Bryant, associate director for Lutheran Disaster Response. "Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to being a resource for congregations in their communities for the long term," she said. Bryant is also director for LCMS World Relief, St. Louis.
Bryant said Lutheran pastors in Hamilton, Mont., reported that the Bitterroot River Valley has become a "fire-banked and smoke-filled trap with one way out. Perhaps the worst is limited visibility," she said.
"The density of smoke keeps people from seeing the actual location of fires. Uncontained fires, which are not being addressed, mean that the end of this impact phase is not in sight. Winds may change the direction of the fire's path but they also intensify the flames. Only rain or snow will end these fires. We anticipate another six to eight weeks like this," Bryant said.
The Rev. Stephen D. VanGilder, Faith Lutheran Church, Hamilton, said Lutheran Disaster Response workers, pastors and others involved in responding to the smoke and wildfires "have been a non-anxious presence to those that are anxious. The wildfires pose a threat to residents' homes and property. Many have acquired upper respiratory problems from the hazardous air. So, people have banded together to provide help. We're also keeping track of who is where. Some residents have evacuated while others have opted to stay home," he said.
Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation, and Grace Lutheran Church, an LCMS congregation, Hamilton, have become "alternate Red Cross shelters," said VanGilder.
Emergency assistance provided by both congregations will be "centralized in a trailer on a public parking lot in Missoula. The trailer will have a large banner with the words 'Lutheran Disaster Response' posted on the side. We will continue to gather information and assess the needs of people, prioritize those needs and determine ways in which we can help," VanGilder said.
Pastors, congregations, volunteers and staff of Lutheran Social Service agencies "have united together to help those affected by the disaster," said Dr. Sharon Erickson, executive director, Lutheran Social Services of Montana.
"This disaster is unique in that the effects may be as much from the geographic scope of the fires and the length of time expected for the fires to burn -- firefighters are projecting that the fires will not be put out until smothered by snow -- as by the catastrophic losses of those who no longer have homes," Erickson said.
"Lutheran Disaster Response will be there through the duration, and it is heartening to see God's people at work relieving the suffering of others," she said.
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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
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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
