The fifth such conference hosted by LCMS Disaster Response, it is the first to address the church’s role in the wake of man-made tragedies such as shootings or bombings.
Although many of those with flood damage have begun cleanup, some still haven’t been able to get back to their homes because of impassable roads. Temporary housing is a big need.
In the wake of September’s torrential rains that caused flooding across the state of Colorado, national LCMS Disaster Response and LCMS Rocky Mountain District leaders met with area pastors whose communities were affected to determine immediate relief needs and long term recovery efforts.
Lutherans from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay gather to learn about how the church can and does bear mercy in times of disaster.
Members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colo., are staffing a local shelter — providing food, clothing and other necessities to weary flood victims.
Anyone with an interest in responding to victims of natural and man-made disasters is welcome to attend the Synod’s Fifth National Disaster Response Conference, Oct. 7-10 in St. Louis.
Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colo., had about an inch of standing water in its basement, damaging carpeting, drywall and furniture in its main conference room and kitchen.
Rev. Glenn Merritt, director, LCMS Disaster Response discusses the role the LCMS takes in working with local districts and congregations during times of disaster.
Pastor Matthew Canion of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waco, Texas is requesting volunteers for restoration projects in West, Texas, following the devastating fertilizer plant explosion in April.
The Rev. John Fale, associate executive director of LCMS Mercy Operations, explains how The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod shows mercy in the midst of chaos and disaster.
“Some people got out with only the clothes on their backs. They don’t even have a change of clothes or a toothbrush,” said the Rev. Dr. Dennis Lucero of Colorado Springs, Colo.
The LCMS approves an initial $100,000 emergency grant to assist tornado victims in Oklahoma. Those interested in volunteering for cleanup may now register for service.
In a gripping account, Pastor Mark Bersche of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Moore, relates how the massive tornado turned an ordinary Monday into a day he’ll never forget.
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