Christians Respond to Fatal Tornado Disaster
After as many as 25 tornadoes touched down across Wisconsin last Thursday, Christian relief agencies began dispatching volunteers and relief workers immediately to provide both physical and spiritual help for the survivors.
As many as 25 tornadoes touched down across Wisconsin last Thursday, destroying over a hundred houses, injuring dozens of people and killing one man. Christian relief agencies began dispatching volunteers and relief workers immediately to provide both physical and spiritual help for the survivors.
According to reports from the area, F-3 tornados – a force so destructive it can lift a car into the air and throw it into a neighboring house – ripped through central and southern Wisconsin. Wisconsin governor Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency in several of the most-damaged counties.
Lutheran Disaster Response, a joint ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, is one of several Christian groups that have already or plan to dispatch workers who will help in the recovery process.
Healther L. Feltman, director of LDR, said the churches plan to “provide skilled volunteers to assist with debris removal in affected areas and will offer spiritual and emotional care to anyone who needs it,” according to ELCA news service.
Lutherans will also provide a long-term recovery committee to help rebuild homes for those with little or no insurance. But, according to Feltman, LDR still needs financial gifts to help the effort.
"Gifts to LDR are needed," she said. "In situations like this, the church is being called to live out its mission and stand with these people."
The Episcopal Relief and Development is also planning to respond. The ERD made contact with partners in the three dioceses affected by the tornadoes, and is ready to offer emergency assistance as needs become known.
To give to the LDR, mail to:
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.ELCA.org/disaster
