ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 8, 2008  

Lutherans Assess Damage from Feb. 6 Winter Storms, Tornadoes
08-011-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR)
is assessing damage left behind by severe storms and
tornadoes that swept across Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky,
Mississippi and Tennessee Feb. 6.  The storms killed more
than 50 people.
     Local Lutheran leaders and disaster response partners
are collecting information about the situation,
particularly the needs of communities affected, said the
Rev. Kevin A. Massey, acting director of LDR -- a
collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church Missouri
Synod (LCMS).
     "While preliminary assessments are being made, it
appears as though the impact is significant and
widespread," said Massey.  Although the full extent of
the damage is not yet known, ELCA synods and LCMS
districts report that there does not appear to be any
structural damage to Lutheran church facilities, he said.
     "LDR anticipates involvement with long-term recovery
efforts that link individuals, families, and communities
with the resources needed to restore their lives and
livelihoods, said Massey.
     "As we await further information, we pray for those
who have been injured or experienced loss in these
devastating storms," Massey said.
     The Rev. David B. Mattson, Christ by the Lake Lutheran
Church, Bull Shoals, Ark., said members of the church are
meeting with other congregations in the area in response
to the storms.  "First responders are cleaning up debris,
so right now it's a wait-and-see with what is necessary,"
he said.
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