Addressing those affected by the tornadoes, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick issued a statement on behalf of all LCMS members.
“We are all saddened,” Kieschnick said. “Our hearts are full with deep compassion for those losing their homes, loved ones, communities — for those trying to recover physically, psychologically, and financially from these powerful effects of nature.
“We hold everyone in our prayers — those in need of care and those providing the care — and I speak here not only of the tornado victims but also of the many thousands suffering or serving in Burma [Myanmar] and China.
“We plead for the grace of God,” he said, “to touch their lives through His Word of assurance and through the ministry of our congregations and others — such as LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Laborers For Christ — who are working hard to help people deal with their troubles.
“Romans 8 offers a universal truth for all concerned: ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.’ “
(Click here to read related story, “Lutheran aid ‘getting through’ in Myanmar.”
Posted May 29, 2008