CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) continue to support relief efforts in El Salvador, after an earthquake and its aftershocks struck the Central American country Jan. 13.
The church's International Disaster Response initially provided $50,000 for emergency assistance in El Salvador and parts of Guatemala. An additional $20,000 was provided on Feb. 6.
Coordinated through the ELCA Division for Global Mission, International Disaster Response helps relief agencies provide funds for food, medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other materials and supplies. Funds are also used to rebuild communities and to repair structures destroyed by major disasters.
"In recent days, relief efforts have been complicated by rain," said the Rev. Y. Franklin Ishida, director for international communication, ELCA Division for Global Mission.
"Living conditions have become more precarious for people living in already unstable environments. Many conditions are exacerbating the mental trauma earthquake survivors are experiencing," he said.
At least 2,500 people were injured and 70,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, Ishida said. "Tens of thousands have been left homeless. As many as 4,200 are reported missing. Those missing are from Las Colinas, six miles east of San Salvador," he said. San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador.
Funds sent by the ELCA help support relief efforts coordinated through Action by Churches Together (ACT), a worldwide network of churches and related agencies meeting human need through coordinated emergency response. ACT is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland. The ELCA is a member of WCC and LWF.
ACT members in Central America are working with LWF's Department of World Service, the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Norwegian Church Aid, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
ACT is distributing food and other items in two relief centers, Ishida said. One center is located in Santa Tecla, serving 300 people, and the other in San Salvador, serving 3,000 people, he said.
"ACT members are also trying to reach rural areas accessible only by helicopter or foot. Medicine, water and basic personal supplies continue to be among the most needed items," Ishida said.
"Relief groups are urging people who want to help to contribute cash rather than material goods, since most relief items can be purchased in Central America," he said.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to
survivors of major disasters outside the United States, Puerto Rico or
the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:
ELCA International Disaster Response
PO Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
1-800-638-3522
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
