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To: [log in to unmask] Dear friends in Christ, Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the needs resulting from the Rio Grande River flooding on Monday, August 24, in the southern Texas towns of Eagle Pass and Del Rio. First reports indicate that up to 400 homes were severely damaged or condemned, $10 million damage has occurred, and at least six deaths have been verified. The storm is a result of Tropical Storm Charley, which dumped more than 18 inches of rain on the area in a 24-hour period -- nearly a year's worth of rain in a single day. Lutheran Social Services of the South (the Rev. Norman Hein, disaster coordinator), is managing the LDR response, along with the Texas District (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) and the Southwestern Texas Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Emergency funds have already been distributed through the local Lutheran churches to assist individuals affected by the high waters. A meeting is being held today to assess the situation and to organize an interfaith long-term response. You can help by sending contributions to the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response Fund, P.O. Box # 71764, Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764. As we watch Hurricane Bonnie approach the Carolina coast, please remember and keep in your prayers our brothers and sisters in Texas whose lives have been affected by this latest natural disaster. In Christ, Gil Furst GILBERT B. FURST (written on Wed, Aug 26, 1998, at 11:53 am) 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