Title: Lutherans Support Flood Relief Efforts in Chiapas, Mexico
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 28, 2002

LUTHERANS SUPPORT FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO
02-067-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA)   For the past three years, Chiapas, Mexico, has
been affected by river flooding.  Members of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) are providing $8,120 to help residents there
recover from the disaster.
     "Due to the flooding, corn and bean crops have been destroyed.
Crop destruction has increased poverty in the area.  Children in
Chiapas suffer from malnutrition and other illnesses," said the Rev.
Y. Franklin Ishida, director for international communication, ELCA
Division for Global Mission.
     The ELCA is sending funds to AMEXTRA, the Mexican Association
for Rural and Urban Development.  AMEXTRA requested special
assistance to help improve the living conditions of the people with
whom it works, Ishida said.  "Contributions to the ELCA International
Disaster Response, Division for Global Mission, will help with food
relief efforts in Chiapas," he said.
     "AMEXTRA will support an agronomist, agriculturalist and doctor
for three months to help the Chiapas community recover," said Ishida.
     Coordinated through the ELCA Division for Global Mission,
International Disaster Response helps relief agencies provide funds
for food, medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other
materials and supplies.  Funds are also used to rebuild communities
and to repair structures destroyed by major disasters.

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

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html