Dear Friends:
Gustav has left his mark. President Kieschnick said in an email that was sent shortly after the Gustav landed “
For the past few days and especially today, many Americans have been following the development of Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall this morning, affecting many of the same communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This is particularly disturbing and worrisome to those whose lives were altered by Katrina, since Gustav arrived only three days after the 3rd anniversary of Katrina. All our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those in the Southern, Texas, and Florida-Georgia Districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, as well as all citizens in the greater Gulf Coast and East Texas area whose lives will most directly be affected, whose property will be damaged, and whose possessions will be destroyed, remain in our prayers.
The people, pastors, congregations, organizations, institutions, and districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are to be commended for the faithful love, care, and concern demonstrated for the many people who will once again be displaced by a most unwelcome intruder from the Gulf. May our gracious God cast His mantle of protection upon all those in the path of Gustav; may He bless the hospitality extended to the many evacuees who are arriving in states across our land, in need of safety, security, shelter, food, clothing, and spiritual care; may He keep all affected by this powerful storm safe and secure in His grace, mercy, and peace; and may His love for us in Jesus Christ motivate our generous response to the needs of His people.”
We have heard from LCMS Human Care and they are on site providing assistance in those areas where need is greatest. They share this update with us:
Please find attached an update from the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Gustav (editors note: no attachment was included in the information I was given). Yesterday, our team traveled to Baton Rouge to meet with Pastor Schmieding at Trinity Lutheran Church. Baton Rouge has been hard hit by high winds and heavy rainfall. Approximately 400 homes have severe damage with large trees falling through them. Another 2000 homes are reported to have moderate storm damage. Over 90% of Baton Rouge is without power and some power may not be restored for 2-3 weeks. There is moderate to severe flooding report across Louisiana. Today, our team will travel to Houma and on toward the towns nearer the Gulf Coast before returning to New Orleans. Tonight we will meet with District President Schultz.
Yesterday we delivered bags of ice to Trinity where they hosted a free ice give away. Within an hour all the ice was gone with a steady stream of cars waiting in line. We ordered 44,000 pounds of ice to be delivered today as the congregation continues this ministry. Today, with the help of RAI staff, we are delivering a trailer filled with assorted items to be used by volunteers or given to those in need.
Thank you for your support and prayers on behalf of the thousands of people in need on the Gulf Coast.
Your assistance is needed. If you wish to make a financial contribution, please contact the LCMS World Relief – Human Care website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=891
The Southeastern District is also preparing for the possibility of the next three named storms to find their way through our area. During Thursday, congregations and schools in Circuits 1, 12, 13E, and 18 should be receiving a phone call from a member of the Disaster Response Task Force. They will be seeking emergency contact information so that following Hurricane Hanna, we can assess damage and need. We look to assist and resource congregations and schools in their outreach to both members and people within the community.
We are blessed to be able to work in partnership with both LDR (Lutheran Disaster Response) and LCMS World Relief – Human Care. They offer incredible resources and support for congregations involved in disaster response, relief, and recovery.
I encourage to review your congregational disaster response plan. Two steps you will want to take in preparation for a disaster event is to gather a current phone list of all members.
You will want to make special note of members who needed additional assistance because of medical need or age. Identify a contact system so that you are able to be in touch following an event.
1. Make certain that your important records are in a safe place and that you have made a back up of your computer files.
2.
As I mentioned, if you are in Circuit 1, 12, 13E, and 18 your congregation or school will be hearing from someone during this day regarding the District Disaster procedures. We will work to keep you posted through the website and email.
Liz DeMik and I will monitor these events, if you need to be in touch with us our contact info is:
Liz DeMik: disasterhelp@se.lcms.org cell phone: 703.899.7244
Sally Hiller: sjhiller@se.lcms.org cell phone: 301.467.0690
As always, we pray to God for his mercy and compassion to be poured out upon all of his children. And we pray that Jesus who is the master of the winds and waves, will calm them.
Sally J Hiller
Mission and Ministry Executive, Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive Alexandria VA 22310-2501
voice: 703.971.9371, Ext. 205 or 800.637.5723, fax 703.922.6047, web www.se.lcms.org