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 series of deadly storms that affected parts of the Delta
area of Mississippi last weekend. It is estimated that 168 homes have been
affected, and over 40 have been destroyed. Assessments of the damage
continue even as I write this report. There are at least twelve confirmed
deaths.
An initial $10,000 grant has been provided by LDR to assist with emergency
needs, and for cleanup and recovery efforts. Many of the affected were poor
and elderly, whose houses were underinsured or uninsured.
Lutheran Social Ministries of Mississippi (Robert Hartenfeld, Executive
Director) will manage LDR efforts. Hal Shope is serving as the LDR-LSMM
disaster response coordinator. The Episcopal Diocese is working with LDR in
the response efforts.
Your prayers for the safety and well being of those affected are important.
As the church responds, the survivors are aware that in the midst of their
losses, God loves them and God's people will offer help and hope.
On a personal note: I returned yesterday evening from St. Louis, where a
retirement reception was held for Elaine Richter Bryant, Associate Director
of Lutheran Disaster Response. Over the years Elaine's special ministries
have directly touched many of you. She has served as a valued colleague for
both Leon Phillips (former LDR Director) and for me in Lutheran Disaster
Response. I hope she has found much satisfaction in this aspect of her
ministry, and I pray she will find God's abundant blessings in her
retirement and continuing service to the church.
Yours in Christ,
Gil Furst
Gilbert B. Furst (Written on 11/30/01, at 3:29 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 website: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster
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