ELCA NEWS SERVICE
April 9, 2008
Lutherans Provide Assistance in Response to Eritrea's Emergence from War
08-041-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- International Disaster Response of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $50,000 to
help meet the basic needs of people in Eritrea. Emerging from
three decades of conflict and recurring drought conditions, the
damage to Eritrea's economy is immense.
The ELCA sent the funds to Action by Churches Together (ACT)
for implementation by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which
issued an appeal for funds, said Dr. Belletech Deressa, director,
international development and disaster response, ELCA Global
Mission. The governor of the Debub zone of Eritrea sought
financial assistance from LWF World Service to "provide
lifesaving assistance" to more than 8,100 people who are moving
to new resettlement areas, she said. Drought conditions in Debub
and the Areza sub-zone have caused a shortage in drinking water
for people and livestock.
"Eritrea remains in the grip of an emergency that has been
prolonged and deepened by recurring droughts" and the stalemate
over a two-year border war with Ethiopia, said Deressa. The
damage to Eritrea's economic activities from these circumstances
is immense, she added.
Coordinated by ELCA Global Mission, International Disaster
Response channels its funds through international church
organizations and relief agencies. Funds provide for food,
medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other materials
for survivors of disasters.
ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies
working to save lives and support communities in emergency
situations worldwide. It is based with the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the LWF, both in Geneva. The ELCA is a member
of the WCC and LWF.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to
survivors of major disasters outside the United States, Puerto
Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:
ELCA International Disaster Response, PO Box 71764, Chicago, IL
60694-1764, 1-800-638-3522 and
http://www.ELCA.org/disaster/idrgive on the Internet.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
