LCMS responds to Oklahoma tornado

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicki Biggs
Director, Integrated Communications
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
www.lcms.org
314-996-1236
314-556-3829 (cell)

Disaster Response ministry prepares for long-term recovery efforts

ST. LOUIS, May 21, 2013—In the wake of the monstrous tornado that struck Moore, Okla., and severe storms that affected other areas of the Midwest yesterday, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) asks for prayers and financial gifts to help those affected by the disaster.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the LCMS, and the Rev. John Fale, associate executive director of the LCMS’ Mercy Operations Group, have been in contact with LCMS Oklahoma District President Rev. Barrie E. Henke to begin assessing needs in Moore and plan the church’s long-term disaster response plan.

“The needs are going to be huge,” Fale said. “We don’t know yet the extent of what they will be, but, by the grace of God, we will be there to respond with the love and mercy of Christ to help those affected by the tornado to regain some sense of normalcy.”

The EF4 tornado destroyed parts of Moore and killed at least 24 people. Before striking Moore, the tornado touched down in Newcastle, Okla., about 10 miles away.

“We know there are many people who wish to participate in bringing tangible relief to those who suffer from disasters,” Fale added. “Those who wish to volunteer with response efforts in Oklahoma are asked to wait for the assessment of the damages and the needs. In the meantime, the best way to support our Synod’s relief effort is by contributing to the LCMS’ general disaster fund.”

To financially support the LCMS relief effort:

Give a donation online at https://www.lcms.org/givenow/disaster

Mail checks made payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod”
(with a memo line or note designating “LCMS Disaster Relief” to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

Call toll-free 888-930-4438 (8:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday)

In the last nine years, the LCMS has awarded more than $31.7 million through 698 domestic and international grants for emergency response and ongoing disaster relief in the wake of events including the tsunami in Asia; Hurricane Katrina; the earthquakes in Japan, Haiti and Chile; and Superstorm Sandy. To learn more about the LCMS Disaster Response ministry, visit www.lcms.org/disaster.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members – 600,000 households – in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

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