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Lutheran Disaster Response

Indonesia: Update on Possible Political Unrest

The following update is from Sherry Panggabean of the Center for Disaster Risk Management and Community Development Studies (CDRM&CDS), located in Medan, Indonesia. This program is sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation. In particular I would lift up her request for prayers on behalf of the people of Indonesia during this time of political turmoil. For possible petitions see the ELCA Worship prayer resource Violence. (pdf)

Dear all,

The Government of Indonesia plans to raise fuel prices by around 30 percent to keep the state budget healthy, as soaring global oil prices have strained the state coffers’ ability to pay for subsidies aimed at keeping fuel prices below the market price. The plan that is slated to come into effect on April 1 had caused protests across the nation this week, starting from Monday 26.3.2012.
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South Sudan: Resource Shares South Sudanese Stories of LWF Work

Written by two members of Australian Lutheran World Service on a visit to South Sudan, “Coming Home” is a collection of stories around the work of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) as it extends back many years in this newly formed country. It is not meant to be systematic or exhaustive and in this way it is actually quite an easy, and extremely interesting, read.

In these pages you will meet indiviudal South Sudanese citizens and hear their stories. What are the major issues that have affected them? How have LWF projects like boreholes and schools been received? What are the benefits of these programs? Who owns them? How have other LWF projects, like Kakuma refugee camp, played a role in the lives of these citizens of the new South Sudan?

If you find any of these questions intriguing than I would recommend give this resource a good look.

Download and read Coming home. (pdf)

Clay, AL: St. Olaf Students Help in Tornado Debris Clean Up

During their spring break 88 students from the ELCA college of St. Olaf, located in Northfield, MN (also home to Malt-O-Meal factory), spent time in Clay, AL to help with clean up efforts following a January 23 tornado which ripped through the area. It reminded me of an old Lutheran Disaster Response ad that showed a woman cleaning a floor with the words: “Sexy? No. Faithful? Yes.” It’s great to see that a part of a full education at an ELCA college is activities like this that tie students into the larger work of the church and their lives in the world.

To learn more:

Pakistan: Video of CWS Response

The following video shows the affects of the July-August 2011 flooding in the Sindh province of Pakistan and Church World Service’s (CWS-PA) response. The ELCA, through its Disaster Response program, helped fund this response. It’s a good video describing how this work changes lives and how relief transitions into development.

 

Analysis: Climate Justice

One of the roles of the ACT (Action by Churches Together), of which the ELCA is a member, is to focus on issues of climate change. Since the changing climate affects the frequency and severity of disasters, it it important to keep a keen eye on how the climate is change as well as the impacts of that change.

Within this conversation an important point is making sure all voices are heard. A recent article posted by the ACT Alliance shares how climate change is viewed in Central America. The article also takes a sobering look at the interaction of ‘green economics’ and human rights.

I’d recommend giving Climate justice: People want real alternatives not false solutions a read. It’s short, powerful piece sharing a perspective we don’t always get to hear.

Kenya: Feeding School Children, Pastoralists Become Farmers & More

The following is a great update from the ACT Alliance of ongoing responses in Kenya to the drought which has been affecting the area since early last summer. Read how a feeding program has improved the lives of students and is in the transition to a sustainable community gardening project. Also, see how a traditional pastoralist is learning to become a farmer and read of education is the hope for the future.

ACT Alliance members transform lives in Kenya
By George Arende

Emukutan primary school pupil receiving food from ACK feeding program.

Welcome to Emukutan primary school, which besides molding and educating future leaders also provides the one and only meal to 160 children living in a drought affected area of Kajiado County.

Started in 2006 as a community school, it is located close to the main road, making it accessible and the best alternative for many people. Previously they were forced to walk several kilometers in order to attend public schools supported by the government of Kenya.

The dry-spell and lack of rains in 2009, which led to severe drought and loss of animals, has affected the school’s attendance. This trend changed in Sept 2011 following food distribution of maize, beans, cooking oil and ujimix by ACT Alliance member, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) – Kajiado Diocese.
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