To: [log in to unmask] Dear friends in Christ, "It took all summer to fight last winter. We're not looking forward to another winter!" That's how a South Dakota pastor described what his members are feeling, even as temperatures hover in the low 30s and dark clouds hold the promise (threat) of snow. I spent most of last week in the upper Midwest. For several days my focus was on South Dakota, meeting with pastors, with Rose Kormann (Lutheran Disaster Response South Dakota coordinator), Jim Barclay (CEO of Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota), and members of our LDR team members. I also had the opportunity to talk with Bishop Andrea De Groot Nesdahl (South Dakota Synod), and Pastor Dave Larson, a member of her staff. Dr. Gary Harbaugh (Lutheran Disaster Response pastoral care specialist) and I met with pastors and staff members in the Watertown area. We heard them describe how their ministry has been affected and changed as their members still are dealing with the effects of last winter's blizzards, and the resulting spring thaw and high water. The continuing needs in South Dakota are quite different from those of North Dakota and Minnesota. Bishop Andrea De Groot-Nesdahl, South Dakota Synod, places the results of the winter and spring disasters (nearly 200,000 cattle died, many fall harvests destroyed by hailstorms, high ground water that hasn't receded) within the greater context of an on-going farm crisis that extends for many years, perhaps decades. Rose Kormann says many of the people are apprehensive, because the devastation "keeps on rolling." While repair work is being finished in the Watertown area, other recovery work continues to be done in the western part of the state. Miles of fencing need to be strung, and both farm buildings and houses need repairs. Requests for supportive counseling a beginning to come in to her office, as are requests for financial support for such basic needs as groceries and fuel for heating. "Many farms will go under this spring," Jim Barclay noted. The prediction is that nearly ten percent of the South Dakota farms will not survive. How can you and I, brothers and sisters of the household of faith, be supportive and helpful to the South Dakotans who are fatigued "from fighting all summer the effects of last winter"? Even as the first snow flakes fall and people eye the darkening skies with apprehension, you can: > continue your faithful and regular prayers of support. > make financial contributions to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response PO Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764 > volunteer your services by calling Rose Kormann (1-800-568-2401) Although the South Dakotans are not looking forward to another winter, they are immensely grateful for all you continue to do, as you-their brothers and sisters in Christ-uphold and sustain them in their enormous recovery efforts. In Christ, Gil Furst GILBERT B. FURST (written on Wed, Oct 29, 1997, at 11:11 pm) Associate Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response Internet address: [log in to unmask] For more information, click on our web site: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster