ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 25, 2004 Lutherans Respond To Storms in the Midwest 04-105-MR CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is assessing damage this week after tornadoes, storms and floods struck Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Parts of northeastern Illinois are under flood warnings May 25, when the Des Plaines River is expected to crest. "At the moment, a network of LDR coordinators is busy assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, LDR director. "Many devastated areas are still inaccessible or closed to relief efforts because of dangerous debris that must be removed." Furst said it is "certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by this destructive weather. Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed." LDR is working with ELCA synods and LCMS districts that have been affected, Furst reported. They will "rally members and congregations to provide support for the response efforts." Once specific response needs are known, volunteers will be needed for cleanup and repairs, he said. "The prayers of God's people are more powerful than these deadly storms and tornadoes," Furst said, adding that "contributions" will "enable the church to respond at once and make it possible to offer help and hope for the long haul." _ _ _ DOMESTIC DISASTERS: Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include: ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764 Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522 Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.elca.org/disaster For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news