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Dear friends in Christ,
I want to share with you a note from Donald Green, and my reply to him. He
talks about his recent volunteer experiences in Puerto Rico. I will follow
these notes with my own first-hand report.
Thanks for your interest.
In Christ,
Gil Furst
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DONALD GREEN Jan. 21, 1999 at 8:42 Eastern (2143 characters)
Friends and Colleagues,
I have just returned from Puerto Rico after spending 10 days with Lutheran
Disaster Response(LDR). What a great time our 11 volunteers from SWPA had!
Even though there is still much first stage clean-up to accomplish, the
Red Cross has closed up shop. FEMA is not as organized or as cooperative
as in mainland disasters. Most people do not have insurance (those whom we
are aiding can't afford it). LDR is just getting organized to begin
serious reconstruction efforts, as well as advocacy with their clients for
better treatment by FEMA.
There is genuine need for volunteers!!! However, though the Lutheran Camp
where the efforts are being staged can accomodate 50 people, LDR is not
capable of adequately utilizing that many volunteers at one time.
If you are considering going as a volunteer, make sure that your group has
some people with constrution knowledge and background. Many volunteers are
physically able, even handy in repairs, but SKILLED leadership is needed
for each construction site. Remember this is a volunteer effort to aid the
victims of Hurican Georges and not primarily to make the volunteers feel
good or get some rays in PR.
If you are travelling to PR on vacation or as a volunteer contact LDR in PR
to see whether there are any supplies which you could carry with you as
luggage. Some nails and screws which are needed cannot be purchased on the
island.
Our LDR staff on the scene in PR are to be commended. Without an SMO
infra-structure in PR, the staff has had to organize the effort from
scratch. Their efforts have been complicated by having too many volunteers
and not enough vehicles and support staff in January. Hopefully, with
Chicago's cooperation these issues will be redressed. Great job - Brook,
Mary Ann and Joy! Keep them in your prayers. This will be a long term
recovery effort.
If you can't volunteer, contributions for the effort can be directed to LDR
8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631
Shalom,
Pastor Don Green
Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and Outreach
Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA
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GIL FURST Jan. 21, 1999 at 20:53 Eastern (1546 characters)
Re: #1747 from DONALD GREEN on Jan. 21, 1999
Hello Donald,
Thank you for your fine report about the recent SWPA volunteer efforts in
Puerto Rico. I just arrived in P.R. today for several days of meetings,
problem solving, strategizing, and meeting with volunteers and survivors.
I will have a more comprehensive online, most likely this weekend.
Your analysis of the situtation is right on target. Getting organized and
running has been a major challenge. The need for prayer support and
volunteers is critical. Most of the staff is in place, but the transition
from chaos to recovery is still happening.
> If you can't volunteer, contributions for the effort can be directed to
> LDR 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631
As of the end of December...
Total income for hurricane responses in 1998: $147,839.30
Total expenses for hurricane responses in 1998: $334,493.68
The need is great, and we Lutherans are committed to be offer a loving and
long-term response to the people of Puerto Rico.
To contribute:
ELCA DOMESTIC Disaster Response - (designate "hurricane" or "Puerto Rico")
PO Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
LCMS World Relief
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-9810
Credit card gift line: 1-888-930-4438
In Christ,
Gil Furst
GILBERT B. FURST (written on Thu, Jan 21, 1999, at 7:24 pm)
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response (Division for Church in Society),
Lutheran Disaster Response (A cooperative ministry of the ELCA and LCMS)
8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago 60631 PHONE: 773-380-2822 FAX: 773-380-2493
Visit our website: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster
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