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Dear friends in Christ,

"It took all summer to fight last winter.  We're not looking forward to
another winter!"  That's how a South Dakota pastor described what his
members are feeling, even as temperatures hover in the low 30s and dark
clouds hold the promise (threat) of snow.

I spent most of last week in the upper Midwest.  For several days my focus
was on South Dakota, meeting with pastors, with Rose Kormann (Lutheran
Disaster Response South Dakota coordinator), Jim Barclay (CEO of Lutheran
Social Services of South Dakota), and members of our LDR team members.  I
also had the opportunity to talk with Bishop Andrea De Groot Nesdahl (South
Dakota Synod), and Pastor Dave Larson, a member of her staff.  Dr. Gary
Harbaugh (Lutheran Disaster Response pastoral care specialist) and I met
with pastors and staff members in the Watertown area.  We heard them
describe how their ministry has been affected and changed as their members
still are dealing with the effects of last winter's blizzards, and the
resulting spring thaw and high water.

The continuing needs in South Dakota are quite different from those of
North Dakota and Minnesota.  Bishop Andrea De Groot-Nesdahl, South Dakota
Synod, places the results of the winter and spring disasters (nearly
200,000 cattle died, many fall harvests destroyed by hailstorms, high
ground water that hasn't receded) within the greater context of an on-going
farm crisis that extends for many years, perhaps decades.

Rose Kormann says many of the people are apprehensive, because the
devastation "keeps on rolling."  While repair work is being finished in the
Watertown area, other recovery work continues to be done in the western
part of the state.  Miles of fencing need to be strung, and both farm
buildings and houses need repairs.  Requests for supportive counseling a
beginning to come in to her office, as are requests for financial support
for such basic needs as groceries and fuel for heating.  "Many farms will
go under this spring," Jim Barclay noted.  The prediction is that nearly
ten percent of the South Dakota farms will not survive.

How can you and I, brothers and sisters of the household of faith, be
supportive and helpful to the South Dakotans who are fatigued "from
fighting all summer the effects of last winter"?  Even as the first snow
flakes fall and people eye the darkening skies with apprehension, you can:
 > continue your faithful and regular prayers of support.
 > make financial contributions to
       ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
       PO Box 71764
       Chicago, IL 60694-1764
 > volunteer your services by calling Rose Kormann (1-800-568-2401)

Although the South Dakotans are not looking forward to another winter, they
are immensely grateful for all you continue to do, as you-their brothers
and sisters in Christ-uphold and sustain them in their enormous recovery
efforts.

In Christ,
Gil Furst

GILBERT B. FURST (written on Wed, Oct 29, 1997, at 11:11 pm)
Associate Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Internet address: [log in to unmask]
For more information, click on our web site:  www.elca.org/dcs/disaster