by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
The expectations of Lutherans who coordinate relief operations
following a natural disaster have significantly increased in
light of some "extreme" natural disasters in the United States,
according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran
Disaster Response (LDR). In light of these expectations more
than 40 LDR coordinators gathered April 5-6 in Chicago to discuss
some lessons learned in managing disaster relief operations. The
group explored ideas on how better to meet LDR's initiative of
providing immediate assistance to people displaced from their
homes, offering emotional and spiritual support for those
affected by disaster, caring for caregivers, coordinating
volunteers and long-term recovery response, and distributing
hardship grants for survivors of disasters who need assistance in
covering immediate expenses. LDR is a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, greeted and
thanked LDR coordinators for their work. "We've seen an
outpouring of generosity" from members of the church in response
to disasters," he said. "But how does (that) generosity of
hearts take root in the lives of hurting people? I'm here to
thank you for being that connective tissue in the body of
Christ." Hanson said LDR coordinators serve as "models in living
out our baptismal identity (by) serving all people." He added,
"You are bridge builders. In moments of great fear ... you and I
are sent into the world to build bridges between (us) and those
who have been separated from us. Thank you for your faithful
witness."
LINKS:
Lutheran Disaster Response
http://www.ldr.org
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop
http://www.ELCA.org/bishop
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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
