June 29, 2007

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

Anyone who has tried to fly recently will tell you that wild summer weather is making travel a bit more difficult these days.  Summer has certainly started with a bang this year, especially for those who have experienced severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding.  In addition, our neighbors in Northern California are now experiencing the difficulty of fighting a wildfire.

In Texas, Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response, the local Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate, is busy monitoring and assessing the damage from flooding that has plagued the northern portion of the state over the last couple of weeks.  In these areas, we are partnering with the American Red Cross and others who are still providing shelter and other care for those who have been evacuated from their homes.

Through conversation with local congregations, community leaders, and representatives from the ELCA Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod and the LCMS Texas District, hardship grant assistance will be provided to several households identified as having lost a majority of their personal property.  As the full extent of the community unmet need becomes apparent, we will shape our response accordingly, and volunteers may be needed to assist with clean-up.

We are also monitoring the situation in and around South Lake Tahoe where wildfires have been raging for nearly a week now.  Rev. Linda Boston with the local LDR affiliate, Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, has been in communication with leaders from the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA and the California, Nevada, and Hawaii District of the LCMS to assess the needs, especially of those in the service industry and others who help operate this heavily tourist area.

Firefighters have made progress in containing the wildfires, and as of today the fire was reported as 80% contained.  In some areas, persons will be permitted to return to their homes today.  An initial report indicates that 254 homes were affected and 75 business and community buildings affected.  

These disasters are strong reminders for all of us, especially in the summer months of wild, unpredictable weather, that we should take time to make sure that our household and those of our neighbors are prepared for whatever might happen.  We lift up in prayer all those who have been impacted by these recent events, and we seek to serve those in need with an eye to justice in our rebuilding and renewal.

In service,

Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response

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mdn 062807


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