CHICAGO (ELCA) Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutherann Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is participating in relief efforts in Xenia, Ohio, after a tornado and severe storms struck the town Sept. 20.
The tornado killed one person. Initial assessments indicate that more than 260 homes were damaged and 60 destroyed, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director of Lutheran Disaster Response. There is an estimated $20 million worth of recovery work needed in Xenia, he said.
Lutheran Disaster Response has provided more than $6,000 to help appoint a full-time case worker "who will be employed to assess the individual needs of disaster survivors and to coordinate resources," said Furst.
"In 1974, a tornado in Xenia killed 33 people and destroyed 300 homes," said Furst. "This new disaster not only caused new challenges and difficulties, but for many residents it has revitalized 26-year-old sorrows," he 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:
ELCA Domestic 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
