CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, is participating in recovery efforts in northern Mississippi, after a tornado killed five people there last month, and in Hutchinson, Kan., after a natural gas explosion killed two people in a mobile home park there in January.
In Pontotoc, Miss., more than 300 homes were destroyed or damaged, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.
"An initial $5,000 grant was provided by Lutheran Disaster Response to assist with emergency needs and cleanup efforts," Furst said. Volunteers are cutting fallen trees, and local congregations are providing shelter, food and other basic needs, he said.
Lutheran Social Ministries of Mississippi, Jackson, is managing recovery efforts on behalf of Lutheran Disaster Response. Lutherans are also part of an interfaith response organization that has formed in Pontotoc to help with recovery efforts.
"Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to helping rebuild and restore dignity and life to the people of Pontotoc and other areas affected," Furst said.
A natural gas explosion in a mobile home park killed two people and destroyed one house in Hutchinson, Kan., said Furst.
"Local officials evacuated people from 191 homes and 43 businesses there. The park remains closed and residents may never return to live there," Furst said.
"Needs are great among the evacuees. Many are elderly people on fixed incomes, some are physically and/or mentally challenged and others are young, working poor families," he said.
Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Kansas/Oklahoma, Wichita, Kan., are helping to provide food, medicine and clothing. "Special needs" include rental assistance, relocation costs, home repairs and medical care, Furst 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:
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
