Again we are rallying to respond to a disaster. Your gifts designated to "U.S. Tornadoes" through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely - 100 percent - to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Thank you for your gifts, your prayers and your partnership.
This is flood season in Alaska so we have communities that are experiencing their own disaster without national attention. If your community would benefit from a grant for disaster relief, contact the synod office.
Lutheran Disaster Response is the way Lutherans participate in the ministry of disaster recovery across the United States and across the world. The Salvation Army is known for their soup kitchens, Church of the Brethren provides trained childcare workers in shelters, the Red Cross coordinates shelter and basic immediate supplies. Lutheran Disaster Response assists with quick immediate grants to help with the initial recovery efforts but our main niche is to provide longterm counseling.
For the first anniversary of 9/11, the federal government and New York state funded the anniversary gathering for the families. Lutheran Disaster Response funded the second year commemoration because we were still doing the longterm work with the families and recognized the need long after every other disaster response agency had packed up and left New York City.
Many different groups are quick to publicize their disaster response work. Unlike those who advertise, every cent you donate to Lutheran Disaster Response goes to the recovery efforts of the disaster you designate. 100%. As a church body, we provide the infrastructure so our giving isn't siphoned into publicity, salaries and offices. You can give through your congregation in the Sunday offering or online at www.elca.org.
When a disaster occurs, Lutheran Disaster Response first assesses what the synod and congregation are able to do. Key to this is the understanding that our local congregations are our first responders. Some congregations are well underway in developing disaster preparedness plans with their community networks. Thank you! If you're in the Wasilla area June 22, attend the workshop with Don Warble at Good Shepherd Lutheran. Don will be helping us with synod-wide disaster preparation planning.
See more about Lutheran Disaster Response on www.elca.org.
With you,
Bishop Shelley
