August 25, 2006
Sisters and brothers in Christ,
A series of violent summer storms swept through Le Sueur and Nicollet
Counties in southern Minnesota yesterday evening. The storm system
included large hail, heavy rain, and an estimated ten different tornado
touchdowns, and one death has been reported as a result.
Greg Nelson, disaster coordinator with Lutheran Social Service of
Minnesota, has contacted the ELCA and LCMS clergy in the affected area,
and no damage has been reported to any church buildings. Broken
windows, roof damage, and a destroyed skylight were reported at St. Olaf
College in Northfield. St. Olaf College is one of 28 colleges and
universities of the ELCA.
At least two dozen homes in the affected area were damaged or
completely destroyed including members of Our Saviors Lutheran (ELCA) in
Cleveland. Many of the other Lutheran churches were still waiting to
hear from their members to fully access the extent of the damages.
American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are both providing immediate
disaster relief services, and Lutheran Social Service has e-mailed all
early responders in their network to be available for the next several
days.
Audrey Zellman, LDR coordinator with Lutheran Social Service of
Minnesota, reports that they will continue to talk with local
authorities to help in assessing the unmet needs of the community. She
also reports that they will be in contact with representatives from the
many partner agencies in Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster (MNVOAD), and they will continue to monitor reports from local
clergy.
My Prayer this Day:
Embrace us in your loving arms, Lord God.
Secure us from all worldly harms.
Through storms and struggles be our guide,
And lead us onward in your light. Amen.
In service,
Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
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