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To: [log in to unmask] Dear friends in Christ, Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating relief efforts in the St. Peter and Comfrey areas of southwest Minnesota, following devastating tornadoes that caused severe damage and two deaths three days ago. Relief operations are being managed for LDR by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (Mark Peterson, president). Yesterday, Mark, along with Melanie Josephson, LDR disaster coordinator for Minnesota, visited the area to meet with pastors and to assess the damage. They report widespread destruction and loss of homes in the 100-mile area, as well as extensive damage to Gustavus Adolphus College. Bishop Stan Olson and Synod Minister Larry Wohlrabe are providing ministry support to the pastors and congregations of the Southwest Minnesota Synod An initial grant of $10,000 has been sent by LDR for immediate financial assistance. To help set up the local relief operation, LDR is bringing in two members of a newly formed "Disaster Response Team," Jorgen Vaage, from Florida, and Milo Matheson, from Minnesota. They will live on site for several weeks to help get the local response coordinated and focused. As damage assessment continues and the local relief operation is set up, initial financial assistance has already begun. Counselors from LSS-MN are also being deployed to the area. As soon as the specific needs are identified, I will provide details in this meeting. Meanwhile, your prayers for the survivors of this latest disaster -- many who have lost their homes and possessions -- will be meaningful and helpful. Your contributions to help in this new disaster relief effort may be sent to: ELCA Domestic Disaster Response - "SW Minnesota Tornado" PO Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764 For additional information on how to volunteer, you can call LDR/LSS at 1-800-987-0061. In Christ, Gil Furst GILBERT B. FURST (written on Wed, Apr 1, 1998, at 10:19 am) 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