May 7, 2007

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

For the devastated town of Greensburg, Kansas, and other areas throughout the Great Plains affected by tornadoes over the weekend, the dawning of a new day means the beginning of a long road towards recovery.  At least 10 people were killed and dozens were injured as severe storms spawned as many as 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, and preliminary damage assessments have begun.

The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, a town of 1,500 residents that has suffered the loss of an estimated 90 percent of its infrastructure.  Currently, the town is closed, except to residents and search and rescue teams.  Volunteers are currently not being allowed access while the emergent phase of the disaster continues.

Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, will be deploying to the affected region later today to perform initial assessments and connect with disaster partners in the area.  Tomorrow, local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Pratt to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of the affected communities.

Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care.  Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up.  Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this Saturday.  After initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs, and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase.

We lift up in prayer those who lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event.  With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more wide spread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm.

A prayer from women of Uruguay:
O God, open our eyes that we may see thee at work in 
The midst of the turmoil and chaos of the day
Open our hearts that we may receive the gift
Of thy love, given for the whole world.

In service,

Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone:  773-380-2748
Fax:      773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at www.ldr.org