December 1, 2005
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write this update with a sense of relief: yesterday, November 30,
marked the final day of the 2005 hurricane season. The record-breaking
season included 26 named storms, 13 of which were hurricanes, and caused
total insured losses of over $47 billion.
First and foremost, please hear my thanks. Since Hurricane Katrina hit
three months ago, the outpouring of generosity has been an amazing
beacon of hope. To this point, we've received monetary donations in
excess of $19 million, along with truckloads of in-kind donations. Just
as importantly, thousands of volunteers have traveled to the Gulf Coast,
helping to begin what will be a long and arduous recovery process.
Even though coverage of the hurricanes no longer dominates the news,
life along the Gulf Coast is certainly not back to normal. Lutheran
Disaster Response is committed to a long-term recovery effort: likely 8
to 10 years. For this reason, continued support, through your thoughts
and prayers, your donations and your hours as volunteers, will sustain
our long-term efforts.
As this horrific hurricane season ends, the importance of preparedness
for storms yet to come is clear. A very important part of our ministry
is to help individuals, congregations and communities be "prepared to
bear" and "prepared to care" before, during, and after a disaster. With
June right around the corner, a new round of hurricanes will inevitably
challenge our strength and our faith, even as we will continue to
recover from the wounds of the most recent storms.
"Preparedness" is a fitting theme for Advent. May this season of
preparing, watching, and waiting be a comfort and blessing.
My Prayer This Day
"Comfort, comfort now my people; Tell of peace!" so says our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness Mourning under sorrow's load.
To God's people now proclaim That God's promise waits for them!
Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever!
Heather Feltman, Diaconal Minister
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Michael Nevergall
Associate for Program Interpretation
Lutheran Disaster Response
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
(800) 638-3522 -- ext. 2863
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