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Dear friends in Christ,
Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to tornadoes that struck Arkansas
last Thursday. The National Weather Service reports 38 tornadoes tore
through Arkansas on January 21, a national record number. Initial
assessments indicate more than 427 homes were destroyed and more than 900
severely damaged. There were at least 7 fatalities. Hardest hit were the
neighborhoods in Saline and Pulaski County -- the same area where LDR
responded to killer tornadoes two years ago.
Our response efforts will be managed by Lutheran Social Service of
Kansas/Oklahoma (Ms. Bernice Karstensen, President). We are asking Mr. Hal
Shope to serve as local coordinator. Hal also served as coordinator for
the 1997 tornado response. LDR will also work closely with the
Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod (ELCA) and with the Mid-South District (LCMS) as
they rally members and congregations to provide support for the response
efforts. I will share additional information with you as soon as it is
available.
As I write this initial report, immediate needs and damages are being
assessed and interfaith efforts are beginning. It is certain that major
cleanup will be needed, as well as counseling services for those whose
lives have been affected by this damaging weather. Emergency disaster
grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed.
You can help by sending contributions to
ELCA DOMESTIC Disaster Response - "Tornadoes"
P.O. 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
Please remember and keep in your prayers our brothers and sisters in the
southeast whose lives have been affected by this latest natural disaster.
In Christ,
Gil Furst
GILBERT B. FURST (written on Tue, Jan 26, 1999, at 4:17 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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