Midwest Spring Storms

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 — and resulting floods — that affected Midwest states this past week. Especially affected are Iowa and Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin. Illinois is under a flood watch tonight, when the Des Plaines River crests.

At the moment a network of LDR coordinators is busy assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses of the church. Michael Stadie (LDR coordinator, Lutheran Services in Iowa) is traveling with Bishop Steven Ullestad to the affected areas. Carol Frederick and Roger Kruger (Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska) are working with District and Synod offices to assess needs. Dave Roth (Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois) and Beth Stockbridge (Lutheran Social Services of Illinois) are monitoring the Illinois floods as well as responding to the Utica tornadoes.

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
PO Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764

Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via the web: www.elca.org/disaster

LC-MS World Relief and Human Care
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 May 24 2004 at 3:09 p.m). 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