To: [log in to unmask] Dear friends in Christ, Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to Hurricane Bonnie, even as that storm continues to batter the central North Carolina coastline. Relief efforts are being coordinated through Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas (with Vice President Carl Miller managing our response), along with the North Carolina Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and the Southeastern District (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod). We have sent an initial grant of $15,000, which will be used to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals. On Saturday we will be meeting with the pastors of the Wilmington and Kinston areas to share information, to hear their reports, and to provide support for their ministry in this stressful time. As Bonnie (now downgraded to a tropical storm) moves slowly to the northeast today and tomorrow, there is danger that as much as 16 inches of additional rain could cause widespread flooding and raise water levels in some areas up to 9 feet. Due to the inclement weather, it has not been possible to do a full assessment of the damage. Initial contacts with pastors indicate heavy rain and wind damage, flooding and beach erosion, and as many as 300,000 persons without electricity. The blessing is there have been no fatalities. You can help by your prayers of support for those whose spirits are fragile because of this storm. Your prayers are as powerful as any hurricane winds. You can help by volunteering for the major cleanup that will be needed. We will keep you posted as soon as we have information on when and how volunteers will be helpful. You can help by sending contributions to: ELCA Domestic Disaster Response Fund - "Hurricanes" P.O. Box # 71764 Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764. This has been an extraordinary year of suffering for so many people in so many places. This hurricane is the 26th disaster to which our church has responded this year. But we are people of hope, and we worship a resurrected Lord who is always present with his people. Those who suffer will be supported by his grace. Those who respond will be his enfolding arms and healing hands. In Christ, Gil Furst GILBERT B. FURST (written on Thu, Aug 27, 1998, at 12:47 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