Southeast Tornadoes

Dear friends in Christ,

Lutheran Disaster Response (a cooperative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) is responding to a long band of storms and tornadoes that tore through more than a half-dozen states yesterday, November 10, leaving devastation from Louisiana through Pennsylvania. At least 35 people have been killed and more than 100 injured. Rescue workers fear death tolls may reach up to 150. The hardest-hit states are Tennessee and Alabama. In Tipton County, Tennessee, 274 homes were destroyed; in nearby Madison County, 193 homes were destroyed.

At the moment a network of LDR coordinators are busy assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses of the church. Bob Tribble (LDR coordinator for the Southeast Synod, ELCA) is traveling with Will Rabert (Church World Service) to Wartburg, Tennessee, an area that has received heavy destruction and loss of life. John Sims (LDR coordinator, Lutheran Services in Tennessee) is heading to Clarksville. Eldon Zimmerman (LDR coordinator, Lutheran Ministries of Alabama) reports that 143 homes were damaged or destroyed in the Abbeville, Alabama, area. He is working with the United Methodists to work with Lutheran volunteers and with the Baptists to arrange housing for over-night volunteers. Hal Shope (LDR coordinator for Lutheran Social Ministries of Mississippi) reports that thus far the local communities are able to handle their needs.

As I write this initial report, the immediate needs and damages are being assessed and interfaith efforts are beginning. Many devastated areas are still inaccessible or closed to relief efforts because of dangerous debris that must be removed. LDR will work closely with the affected ELCA Synods and LCMS Districts, as they rally members and congregations to provide support for the response efforts. I will share additional information with you as soon as it is available. 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. Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed.

You can help by your prayers of support for those who have been affected and for those who are reaching out to help. The prayers of God's people are more powerful than these deadly storms and tornadoes.

You can help by volunteering for clean up and repairs, once those needs are known and the systems for response are in place.

You can help by your contributions, which enable the church to respond at once and makes it possible to offer help and hope for the long haul.

To contribute:

ELCA DOMESTIC Disaster Response - "Southeast Tornadoes"

PO Box 71764

Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764

Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522

Credit card gifts via the web

LC-MS World Relief and Human Care - "Southeast Tornadoes"

P.O. Box 66861

St. Louis, MO 63166-9810

Credit card gift line: 1-888-930-4438

Yours in Christ,

Gil Furst

Gilbert B. Furst (Written on 11/11/02, at 4:09 PM). Director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response (Division for Church in Society) and Lutheran Disaster Response (a cooperative ministry of the ELCA and LC-MS) 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago 60631 PHONE: 773-380-2822 FAX: 773-380-2493 Please visit our new website