CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Staff of Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is assessing damage left behind by a tornado in Hoisington, Kan., April 21. One person was killed and 28 were injured.
"Preliminary assessment indicates that 182 homes were destroyed, 52 others sustained major damage that is not repairable, and 392 had minor damage" in Hoisington, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster Response. He said ELCA and LCMS church facilities there sustained minor damage.
"An initial $10,000 grant has been provided by Lutheran Disaster Response to assist with emergency needs, cleanup and initial recovery efforts," said Furst.
Staff of Lutheran Social Services of Kansas/Oklahoma, Wichita, Kan., is managing Lutheran Disaster Response relief efforts. The Rev. Charles H. Maahs, bishop of the ELCA Central States Synod, Shawnee Mission, Kan., and the Rev. Rocky Mease, chaplain, LCMS Kansas District, are providing pastoral care and support, Furst said.
"Local volunteers are being used to provide initial cleanup efforts," Furst said.
"A local steering committee [made up] of area Lutheran pastors and insurance company representatives" is participating in recovery efforts, said Furst. Representatives of Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits organization based in Appleton, Wis., and Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal benefits organization based in Minneapolis, are also participating.
"Your prayers for the safety and well-being of those affected are important," Furst said. He added that donations "help the church respond, letting the disaster survivors know they are not alone, that God still loves them and God's people will offer help and hope." -- -- -- 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
- - -
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
