Title: Lutherans Respond to Alabama and Georgia's Deadly Tornadoes
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 20, 1998

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO ALABAMA AND GEORGIA'S DEADLY TORNADOES
98-13-091-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will
respond to tornadoes that left fatalities across Alabama and Georgia last
week, said the Rev. Leon A. Phillips, director for the ELCA's Domestic
Disaster Response.
     "Many areas devastated by the tornadoes are closed to relief efforts
because of dangerous debris that must first be removed," said Phillips.
     The storm that carried the tornadoes affected Mississippi, central
Alabama, Georgia and North and South Carolina. Forty-four people were
killed and hundreds of people are injured and homeless.
     "Lutherans are working to assess the damage in the De Kalb, Gwinnett
and Cobb County areas of Georgia," said the Rev. Susan L. Gamelin,
assistant to the bishop for the ELCA's Southeastern Synod (Alabama,
Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee).
     "The Dunwoody area of De Kalb seems the hardest hit, with one death
and many, many homes and apartment buildings destroyed. Christ the King
Lutheran Church in Norcross, Ga., lost its steeple," said Gamelin.
     "Though it has been an extraordinary month of suffering for so many
people in so many places, we are so bold as to celebrate Easter, the
victorious resurrection of a Lord who stands with his people for all time.
Those who suffer will be supported by God's grace. Those who respond will
be his arms and healing hands," said Phillips.
     "The ELCA's Domestic Disaster Response will work closely with the
synod as they seek to rally members and congregations to the response
efforts, and to provide other support," said Phillips. "Response efforts
will also be managed by Lutheran Ministries of Georgia whose president, the
Rev. Gary L. Danielsen, has already begun assessment and response."
     The synod is working with Eldon Zimmerman, disaster coordinator for
Lutheran Ministries of Alabama, to assess the loss of life, injuries and
property damage there.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html