CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS), is organizing recovery work after storms and tornadoes brought death and destruction Nov. 10 in several Eastern and Southern U.S. states.
"At least 35 people have been killed and more than 100 injured," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster Response.
Furst said some of the hardest-hit states are Tennessee and Alabama. "In Tipton County, Tenn., 274 homes were destroyed, and in nearby Madison Country, 193 homes were destroyed," he said. In Abbeville, Ala., 143 homes were damaged or destroyed.
"At the moment a network of Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators is busy assessing damage and determining appropriate responses on behalf of the church. Interfaith efforts are also beginning," said Furst.
Many devastated areas are still inaccessible or closed to relief workers because of dangerous debris that must be removed, Furst reported.
"Lutheran Disaster Response will work closely with affected ELCA synods and LCMS districts," he said. Lutheran congregations will be called upon to provide support for relief efforts. It is "certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by this destructive weather," Furst said.
Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed.
"The prayers of God's people are more powerful than these deadly storms and tornadoes," Furst added. -- -- -- 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, Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.elca.org/disaster
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
