Title: Lutherans Respond to Spring Floods
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 15, 1997

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO SPRING FLOODS
97-14-039-AH

        CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "The tears of the people are adding to the
height of the river," said James Barclay, president of Lutheran Social
Services of South Dakota.  April snow, vicious wind-driven rain and
ice storms added to the misery of the 1996-1997 record winter
snowfalls, according to the Rev. Leon A. Phillips Jr., executive
director of Lutheran Disaster Response.
        Lutheran Disaster Response, a joint ministry of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is
coordinating relief efforts through Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in
North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.  Heavy rains and snow
complicate an already difficult flooding situation throughout the
Dakotas and Minnesota.  Cold temperatures, while slowing the melt,
hampers flood control efforts.
        "The terrible cycle of disasters continues in this country,"
said the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, in a
"disaster-gram" to ELCA congregations.  "Victims of the flooding are
suffering great economic losses.  The horrible burden of  cleaning up
the mess and trying to start life over again lies ahead," Anderson
said.
        Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators are now in place to
provide emergency response in three states:
        + Bonnie Turner, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota,
Fargo.
        + The Rev. Raymond A. Engh, Lutheran Social Services of South
Dakota, Sioux Falls.
        + Melanie Josephson, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, St.
Paul.
        Lutheran Disaster Response will coordinate offers from Lutheran
congregations through the Dakotas and Minnesota to provide volunteers
and other assistance for casualties of the flooding.
        Lutheran Disaster Response will provide counseling services for
people who have experienced the trauma of the disaster.  Volunteers
from local congregations will be trained to be empathetic listeners,
care givers and effective referral agents to serve victims of the
winter storms and flooding.  Lutheran Disaster Response will provide
training for volunteers in these service roles and prepare them to
recognize emergent mental health issues requiring professional help.
        In a disaster situation pastors, who themselves may be
personally affected, are called upon to minister to the needs of their
congregation members and others in the community.  Lutheran Disaster
Response will develop support services to help pastors withstand the
demands they face now and in the coming months.
        "With the long winter, the rising waters and the loss of
electric power to many communities, this is a year that will always be
remembered," the Rev. Arlen D. Hermodson, bishop for the ELCA's
Northwestern Minnesota Synod, Moorhead, Minn., said in a letter to
congregations.
        "The devastation is beyond comprehension.  The losses, in many
cases, are overwhelming.  Added to this is the burden of stress and
mental anguish," Hermodson said.  "We hear of great efforts being made
by congregations to help others in need.  Pastors are trying to
minister to the many needs of their flock," he said.
        "As one body of Christ, we face these disasters together.  As
we work to protect homes and property, help those in need, face
losses, and other physical, financial and prayerful support, we must
remember that we are one body of Christ," Hermodson concluded.
        Aid Association for Lutherans has allocated $500,000 in
disaster relief to help the victims of flooding and winter storms in
North Dakota and Minnesota.  The funds will be used to supplement aid
money raised locally by members of AAL.  The funds may be used to pay
for supplies, equipment or food to help those hurt by the weather
disaster, mostly through Lutheran Disaster Response.  AAL is a
fraternal benefit society based in Appleton, Wis.

DOMESTIC DISASTERS
When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors of
major disasters including the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:

                *************************************
                Lutheran Disaster Response
                        P.O. Box 71764
                        Chicago, IL 60694-1764
                        800-638-3522
              **************************************

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