Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Fires. Floods. When disaster strikes, immediate response is crucial. LCMS World Relief & Human Care Disaster Response works with LCMS districts and RSOs to address both short-term and long-term needs of congregations, church workers and laypeople. Your support of the LCMS’ general disaster fund facilitates response when and where it is needed, across the country.
Helping with Natural Disasters
The people in Louisiana and Mississippi remain in our hearts and prayers as do other brothers and sisters who have also experienced recent devastations. We are sharing with you ways our church body is helping to respond to these disasters. The following paragraphs are from communications in our FL-GA and Southeastern Districts of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We hold on to our Lord’s promise: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) - Pastor Charles Reich
Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Ida came on shore as a Category 4 Hurricane in Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday Morning. Some areas experienced wind gust of 177 mph according to the National weather service.
An LCMS assessment team will be joining the Southern District as soon as possible to develop a plan of response including when and where volunteers are needed.
Please keep in mind that it may be days before the assessment team can get into the area, and possibly weeks before a work camp can be set. The FLGA District will be working through the LCMS-LERT system and all responses will be coordinated through the Southern District. Teams are being assembled from FL-GA at this time. Contact Rhonda Wise in our congregation if you interested in participating with a team and she can get you connected.
Donations can be made either through our own church, Grace Lutheran Church, memo line = “Disaster Response” or website glwh.org chose “GIVE” and check box “hurricane repairs” OR through the district’s website: flgadistrict.org click “online giving” and the disaster response tab. These donations will be sent directly to the Southern District for Hurricane Ida assistance.
Haiti
Just days after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Tropical Storm Grace pummeled families desperately trying to survive. Now, the threat of COVID-19, cholera and other infectious diseases loom large as we work to reach families in need. Lutheran World Relief is active in Disaster Response to Haiti. You can give a gift to help at: https://donate.lwr.org/give/352921/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=activecampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=enews_08.26.21_nonFNpreheader&utm_campaign=haiti21&c_src=eNews_08.26.21&c_src2=nonFNpreheader
LCMS Disaster Response is also on site in Haiti assessing needs. You may support recovery work through LCMS Disaster Response at: https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/disaster-response
Afghanistan Resettlement
Lutheran Social Services of the Washington Capital Area is working to resettle 800 Afghan Allies. Not far from the District Office and Washington DC, refugees have been housed at the Dulles Expo Center, while they wait to resettle. A gift to LSS provides for transportation, temporary housing, and other immediate needs upon arrival. You may contribute at: https://lssnca.org/take_action/donate-afghan-allies.html
If you are interested in volunteering, or in receiving information about how to volunteer, more information can be found on the SED website.
Our friends at LIRS (Lutheran Immigration Refugee Services) are working hard to welcome nearly 50,000 of the evacuees. They share that “unlike the refugees we typically serve, many of the evacuees will enter the U.S. under humanitarian parole, which is a status that limits public benefits or services funded by the federal government after 90 days. Thankfully, the 'Long Welcome' is possible, a mosaic of support that will serve a refugee not just for 30 or 90 days, but for the long haul, making sure families have the resources to live in safety and freedom.” If you are interested in learning more about what LIRS is doing, contact them at www.lirs.org/helpnow for updates and ways you can continue to help.
Seminary of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus, Addis Ababa
The Seminary sits on the bank of a river that grew six feet in three minutes without warning; students and faculty did not have time to get out. Those that survived did so by climbing on the roofs of buildings that were severely damaged in the devastating floods, in which 8 people died. Additionally, the offices of the Lutheran Hour Ministries - Ethiopia were destroyed, while LCMS Missionaries Rev. Eric and Johanna Stinnett and Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe lost their homes.
To make a contribution to Mekane Yesus Seminary to help support staff and to rebuild, go to the Southeastern District’s website and on the “donate now” tab choose “Mekane Yesus Seminary Support” https://app.siteorganic.com/app/giving/sout6315285
To help Lutheran Hour Ministries get their Ethiopian Team back on its feet go to: https://www.lhm.org/give/forms/formgeneral.asp?campaign=22CMN08EA&id=14
To send a note of encouragement to the Stinnetts, Rabes, and our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Mekane Yesus seminary: mservices@lcms.org
To make a contribution that will help the Stinnett family replace their lost household goods, clothing, and vehicle: lcms.org/givenow/mercy
Below are links to two websites that show additional ways to get involved.