In early October, many of us watched as Hurricane Matthew devastated the Caribbean and powered its way towards the U.S. Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas braced themselves as Matthew moved in their direction.

After the hurricane dispelled and rivers receded, thousands of people, still reeling from the impact, were left with the work of putting their lives back together. Even now, across all affected U.S. states and internationally, people are still in the early stages of relief: living in hotels, mucking out homes, etc.

Lutheran Disaster Response, in partnership with its affiliate social ministry organizations, local synods and congregations, are present on the ground working in these communities.

In Georgia, 10 Lutheran Congregations in the Savannah area (listed below) heard about a community that had been severely affected by the hurricane. Pastor Jim Nelson of Holy Spirit Lutheran in Savannah, GA said, “We came together and discussed what we could do, as Lutherans, to help this community.”

“We’re in it for the long haul. Whatever we do, we’ll do it together.”

The community, located on the west side of Savannah, already faced many poverty-related challenges.  About 100 households of the apartment complex were impacted by the flooding. Some residents evacuated at the news of the Hurricane and found their belongings completely ruined when they returned. Others stayed in their homes and watched as the flood waters entered their homes; they saved what they could from the flood waters but not much was left.

On October 29^th, in coordination with the County Commissioner and the local Red Cross, members of these congregations arrived at the apartment complex to provide a Day of Rest; A break from the everyday burden of mucking out homes, to have a meal and fellowship. They brought food, clothes, flood buckets, and an inflatable bounce house for the children.

After a day of food, fun and conversation, a new relationship had been built between the congregations and the community.“We’re in it for the long haul,” Pastor Jim said. “Whatever we do, we’ll do it together.”

A Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator once said, “There are times when we are the only Bible disaster survivors see.” They went on to say, “we simply try to be the hands and feet of God, giving witness to the life giving love of Christ.” Our affiliated SMOs, synods, and congregations like the 10 in Savannah, are important to the ministry of Lutheran Disaster Response because, we are all the church, responding to disasters in the name of Christ, for the sake of our beloved community. We are thankful for their presence now and in the time to come.

Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to accompany congregations, synods, trusted partners and companion churches  that know the communities well and will walk with people on the road to recovery.

Be a part of the response:

Pray

Continue to pray for the people who have been affected by Hurricane Matthew. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.

Give

We still need your help. Gifts to “Hurricane Matthew” will be used to assist those affected by the hurricane until the response is complete.

Connect: 

Stay connected to the latest events and our response to this and other disasters:

• Like Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook and follow @ELCALDR onTwitter.
• Share this bulletin insert with your congregation.
• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
• Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.

___

Participating Congregations 

Ascension Lutheran Church

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Garden City, GA)

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

Jerusalem Lutheran Church (Rincon, GA)

Lord of Life (St. Simon’s Island)

Messiah Lutheran Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church

St. James Lutheran Church (Brunswick, GA)

St. John Lutheran Church(Rincon, GA)

St. Paul Lutheran Church

The Lutheran Disaster Response – US Consultation was last week. Our coordinators came in from around the nation to the Lutheran Center, here in Chicago, to do some collective learning and information sharing. During this time, we also made space to share stories of inspiration, of challenge and joy, and of people. In a year where there has been one of the highest concentrations of disasters in decades, this time to share with one another, was a good reminder of why we continue to do this work. It really lifted up the scripture, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

We heard a range of stories from first times in disaster 20 years ago to being newly appointed just a few months ago. We heard stories of Katrina and Sandy. And of the many  times Lutheran Disaster Response, not only showed up, but stayed, even when it felt like everyone else had moved on and forgotten.

We are so thankful to our coordinators. They are the real heroes when disasters strike. They are the people on the ground, in the communities, figuring out what the needs are and making sure that we do everything in our power to meet them.

In wrapping up the consultation, the Reverend Michael Stadie said, “Go in peace and remember the survivors.” With the approach of All Saint’s Sunday, the Reverend Joe Chu offers this prayer.

God of Life and Hope,

On this day as we remember the saints who have gone on before us, we also remember those whose lives have been cut short because of disasters. And yet, as we lift up living saints everywhere, we also want to raise up those who have given of themselves as volunteers, donors and disaster workers to help relief and pain survivors and help them rebuild their lives. May your Blessings and Life-giving Hope be with all impacted by disasters. Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.

Amen.

We hope that you all might share this prayer with your families, friends, and congregations this coming Sunday. If you know a survivor of disaster or an individual or group who works or volunteers in disaster, say this prayer for them.

Be a part of the response:

Pray

Please pray for the people who have lost loved ones to disaster, specifically those of Hurricane Matthew. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.

Give

Gifts to “Hurricane Matthew” will be used to assist those affected by the hurricane until the response is complete.

Connect: 

Stay connected to the latest events and our response to this and other disasters:

• Like Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook and follow @ELCALDR onTwitter.
• Share this bulletin insert with your congregation.
• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
• Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.