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Dear Christian Friends,
I want to share with you the following report based on an article written
for "Human Care News" of the LCMS Board for Human Care Ministries.
Homes washed away. Furniture piled on curbs. Mud everywhere. That was
the scene in October 1998 when floods devastated 1,350 acres in
southeastern Texas, claiming at least 29 lives, leaving thousands homeless
and wreaking some half billion dollars in damages.
Nearly a year and a half later, the catastrophe has long vanished from the
headlines. But needs remain. And so does Lutheran Disaster Response, a
cooperative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that meets urgent needs after major
disasters.
"Unless you have been touched by a natural disaster, you might not
understand the time it takes to repair and rebuild," says the Rev. Norman
Hein, LDR director for Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS). "In
Texas, for example, some people forced from their homes still are unable to
move back. Others were so traumatized that they are only now beginning to
make decisions and get on with their lives," Hein says.
Today, LDR continues to coordinate volunteers from throughout the country
in ongoing relief efforts. In Victoria and Cuero, Texas, volunteers help
with construction projects organized by jean and Dale Peercy. All
volunteers are welcome, but those with electrical and sheet rock skills are
especially needed.
Also in demand are good listeners. Hein tells of a Michigan far wife who
"sat and listened" while here husband did construction work. "That's what
a lot of people need," Hein said. "When you go through a disaster, there's
a great need to tell your story time and again."
Volunteers include vacationing couples who donate a weekend as well as
youth groups on servant projects. In the coming weeks, Hein expects
"couple hundred" students to spend spring break hammering, painting and
doing yard work.
"Congregations are the heart of our ministry response," says Elaine
(Richter) Bryant, LDR associate director. "Churches are present in the
affected communities before, during and after the disaster. Agencies such
as Lutheran Social Services of the South, who locally manage LDR efforts,
work to equip congregations for the long haul."
Long-term response is possible because of volunteer and financial support.
LDR of LSSS has channeled a total of $350,000 in financial support from
individuals, congregations and other sources to help flood survivors.
(That total includes contributions made through LCMS World Relief and ELCA
Domestic Disaster Response).
Although the floods are no longer big news, the opportunity for ministry is
as great as ever - in Texas as well as other LDR disaster sites like North
Carolina and Oklahoma.
To learn more about where and how you can help, call ELCA (1-800-638-3522,
Ext. 2822) or LCMS (1-800-248-1930, Ext. 1386), or visit
www.elca.org/dcs/disaster.
To contribute:
ELCA DOMESTIC Disaster Response - "Floods"
PO Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
LC-MS World Relief
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-9810
Credit card gift line: 1-888-930-4438
Yours in Christ,
Gil Furst
GILBERT B. FURST (written on Mon, Mar 27, 2000,11:06 am). Director for
ELCA DOMESTIC DISASTER RESPONSE (Division for Church in Society) and
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE (a cooperative ministry of the ELCA and LC-MS)
8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago 60631 PHONE: 773-380-2822 FAX: 773-380-2493
Please visit our website: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster
