April 24, 2006
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In the midst of Holy Week, severe storms and tornados struck four
counties in central Iowa. The major damage was focused in Iowa City
where over 100 buildings received some damage, particularly in an area
populated heavily by students from the University of Iowa.
While there were no ELCA or LCMS church buildings damaged in the
affected area, there were several clergy members involved. Bishop Philip
Hougen, of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, and his wife, Diane,
suffered minor injuries when a piece of wood shattered their windshield
as they drove home from Maundy Thursday services. The home of Pastors
Edward Breed and Cindy Ford Breed was severely damaged, and they have
been displaced until repairs can be made. Also, the daughter of a
Davenport pastor was a member of the Alpha Xi Omega sorority at
University of Iowa. The sorority house was completely destroyed.
Fortunately, Iowa City is an unusually well-prepared location for a
disaster of this scale. Lutheran Disaster Response, among other
organizations, has conducted preparedness training for many volunteer
service groups on campus at the university. For this reason, local
volunteers have already been very active in the initial clean-up. Also,
the campus ministry network, in cooperation with the university's
Department of Sociology, has been actively contacting those affected to
provide spiritual care, assess unmet needs, and encourage registration
with the American Red Cross.
One unique vulnerable population that has been identified is the large
number of graduate and international students on campus who might not
have the same emotional support system as the undergraduate students.
These students will be contacted for spiritual care and other unmet
needs assessments.
There will be a need for a long-term recovery committee in Iowa City,
based on the extent of the affected area. Rev. Michael Stadie, LDR
Coordinator for Iowa, has made initial contacts with university,
community, and local religious leaders to encourage the set-up of such a
committee, and other faith-based disaster partners will be engaged as
the process continues.
As we celebrate this Easter season, there is joy in the face of
tragedy. Even in trying times, when our faith is tested by life's
difficulties, the Resurrection reminds us of the hope for new life.
In service,
Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
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