name: ELCA Disaster Response -> ELCA Disaster Response (International Response - Blog Updates)

notes: Hurricane Sandy: US Impact Posted on November 1, 2012 by Pastor Michael Stadie Share Greetings! Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and the violent storms it caused. We grieve with those who lost loved ones and homes. We at Lutheran Disaster Response are in contact with synods and affiliate organizations in areas impacted by Sandy. We have heard that congregations were damaged by the storm but we are waiting to share the information until we have a more complete list. Yesterday afternoon we hosted a conference call with our LDR network coordinators to hear reports of the damages in their area and to begin planning how we will respond to the needs. In the midst of the reporting of affects from Sandy we also heard stories of Lutherans already doing important work, helping to clean up, providing pastoral care, feeding and sheltering those affected. It was a strong reminder that whenever Lutherans respond, that is Lutheran Disaster Response! As we move through this phase of immediate relief and into the long-term recovery, please continue to check back and to share this information with your friends and family! As a church called to serve, the ELCA through Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to be present, for as long is as needed. Gracious God, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy reveal your presence to those in the Caribbean and the eastern region of our country so that all may know your healing, hope, and love. As one community on earth bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray, serve, and help all those who suffer. Amen Pastor Michael Stadie Program Director, Lutheran Disaster Response ___________ Gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response allow the church to respond domestically and internationally in times of need. Donate now. -> Hurricane Sandy’s Mark on the Caribbean Posted on October 29, 2012 by meganbradfield Share Greetings to All! Last week the world was just hearing about Hurricane Sandy. I was in Haiti visiting our companions and discussing work still underway from other large disasters from recent years. The rain was pouring from the time I touched down in the country early Tuesday until I left late Thursday. Haiti typically gets stints of rain that last a few hours, but a few days? In the context, a little bit of rain can go far and a lot of rain can destroy people’s livelihoods, health and well-being. FNGA, partner of the Lutheran World Federation, mobilizing their emergency team. Upon my departure from Haiti, I began to hear stories of towns under water and people missing. Now, four days after the storm has passed Haiti more accurate information on Sandy’s destruction is known. Haiti has reported over 50 people dead and many more missing. For Cuba that was more directly hit by the storm, Sandy is the second deadliest storm to hit the island nation in fifty years killing 11 people. Elsewhere, Jamaica has confirmed one person dead and the Bahamas two. The ELCA has been gifted with relationships and networks of actors all around the world that can pull together in times of need. As we work with our companions to respond to the needs of under-served families devastated by Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean, we are also in thought of our communities in the US that are bracing for the impact of the storm. I encourage you to find time in your day to give thought in prayer to those who have already experienced loss and for those that will in the days to come. Please also participate in the response either through your giving of time, prayer or resources. Tomorrow we will be issuing an appeal with ways to give and more information about the response of your church, the ELCA. Peace, Megan Bradfield, Director for International Disaster Response ___________ Gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response allow the church to respond globally in times of need. Donate now.

notes: -> Hurricane Sandy: US Impact Posted on November 1, 2012 by Pastor Michael Stadie Share Greetings! Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and the violent storms it caused. We grieve with those who lost loved ones and homes. We at Lutheran Disaster Response are in contact with synods and affiliate organizations in areas impacted by Sandy. We have heard that congregations were damaged by the storm but we are waiting to share the information until we have a more complete list. Yesterday afternoon we hosted a conference call with our LDR network coordinators to hear reports of the damages in their area and to begin planning how we will respond to the needs. In the midst of the reporting of affects from Sandy we also heard stories of Lutherans already doing important work, helping to clean up, providing pastoral care, feeding and sheltering those affected. It was a strong reminder that whenever Lutherans respond, that is Lutheran Disaster Response! As we move through this phase of immediate relief and into the long-term recovery, please continue to check back and to share this information with your friends and family! As a church called to serve, the ELCA through Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to be present, for as long is as needed. Gracious God, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy reveal your presence to those in the Caribbean and the eastern region of our country so that all may know your healing, hope, and love. As one community on earth bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray, serve, and help all those who suffer. Amen Pastor Michael Stadie Program Director, Lutheran Disaster Response ___________ Gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response allow the church to respond domestically and internationally in times of need. Donate now.