“Starting to work again, but for others”

By: Takeshi Komino

April 26^th 2016

One missing body has been found in Aso-Mountain yesterday, and the death toll from direct consequence of earthquake is now 49.  In addition to this number, at least 13 people have lost their lives due to hardship during evacuation process. For many, the start of the week was a mixed one; some started to clean the rubble in their houses, some started to work, and some are still not ready to go outside of evacuation center.  There are many scenarios, but even for those who started to go to work, their primary motive seems to be ‘assisting others’.

Ms. Rika, a pregnant mother with her son Mondo (rare name in Japanese, but they named him after Italian/French word of ‘the world’), stayed in a car after the earthquake for 10 days.

Staying and sleeping in the car was not an easy thing, and even after major part of their house was cleaned up, Mondo refused to go back home, and he named their car ‘a house at the time of earthquake’.  After a while Mondo accepted and their family went back home, but he doesn’t want to sleep alone in a bedroom while his mother is in the living room.  Being close to his loved ones seem to be keeping him up from traumatic experience nearly 2 weeks ago.

Being able to go to kindergarten seems like a great relief for many children.  This is a place where children can feel safe, with teachers they are so much used to.  Parents are also relieved as this gives them time to work or to do necessary clean-ups and administrative processes towards their recovery.

While I was seeing and hearing about how this helps the children and parents, I wondered where these teachers and caretakers come from.  Are they not affected?  When I asked this question, all of them replied ‘we are also from this community, and we come here from our cars or evacuation centers’.  Despite the fact that they have the same needs as other affected community members, they come here and work.  One of them said “because they need this”.

Ms. Uemura (above photo: right) was reporting to the mother how her daughter was during the day, and what she could do well.  The mother then asked her ‘how should we deal when the child refuse to do everything?’.  These are questions all parents ask at some point in time, and presence of people like Ms. Uemura is very encouraging for young parents.  After this family went home, I asked Ms. Uemura about her own situation.  She said “my children are now living with my sister so that I could work here”.  Initially, she thought she would be away from her children for a week until the school for her children re-opens, but it is over 10 days now, and she doesn’t know how much longer it would take for her to reunite with her own children.

Every day counts when one has a young child, because they grow up every day.  It is not easy to be away, but she made a conscious decision of come here and work.  When I asked why, she said “I think it is natural when you work for YMCA”.  It seems to link with what other teachers said “because they need this”.

All interviews and photos are by Takeshi Komino, Japan Country Representative, Church World Service.

Be a part of the response:

Pray

Continue to pray for the people affected by the earthquakes. May God’s healing presence comfort them in their time of need.

Give

Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, International will be used to assist those directly impacted by the earthquake until the response is complete. (Select Lutheran Disaster Response, International from the Designation drop-down list.)

Connect

To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:

• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
• Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.
• Like Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook and follow @ELCALDR on Twitter.

On April 25, 2015, around 11:55 a.m. local time, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, with its epicenter approximately 43 miles from its capital city, Kathmandu. The earthquake was felt around the whole country, but the Kathmandu valley and western region of the country were hit hardest.

On May 12, 2015, just a little more than two weeks later, around 12:50 p.m. local time, another earthquake struck Nepal approximately 47 miles northeast of its capital, Kathmandu – an area already affected by the April 25 earthquake. The 7.3-magnitude earthquake, while still considered an aftershock of the previous quake, was followed by several strong aftershocks that continue to be felt in the region.

More than 8,460 people were killed and more than 480,000 homes damaged or destroyed. As a church, we have been and will continue to walk with our sisters and brothers of Nepal, responding to the needs of our neighbor.

Our Response:

Emergency Relief

Relief aid was provided to people within days of the first and second earthquakes. Immediate distribution of ready-to-eat food, blankets and hygiene kits were provided to households. Water filtration units and personal care kits were also a priority in the beginning stages of recovery.

Agriculture and Development

Many families were poor before the disaster, but the earthquakes have tipped some into absolute poverty. Cash-for-work programs have been initiated for debris cleanup and water maintenance. Small grants and training for self-help groups are being organized. Training in agriculture, livestock support and income generation is taking place in rural areas. Because much of the land was disrupted by the earthquake, support has been given to farmers with seed distribution, irrigation projects and soil management. Ten mini tractors have also been supplied.

Shelter

The earthquakes destroyed or damaged more than 500,000 homes. The timing of the earthquakes meant that reconstruction of housing, a most pressing need, could not take place before the annual monsoon season. Emergency shelter kits were distributed and people constructed temporary shelters. Now, people are ready to reconstruct their homes and want to learn how to make them earthquake resistant. Masons are being taught earthquake resistant techniques, technical support is being given and grants for reconstruction are being distributed. By working together, we will build back better.

Health and Education

The Shanti Nepal primary health clinic provided emergency medical treatment after the earthquakes. Although the clinic is in need
of improvements, it is meeting some initial health care needs in communities. Support is being provided with repairs, training and equipment. Rebuilding and repairing is also taking place at Elim Kids Academy, a Christian school that the ELCA helps support by providing scholarships and teacher training programs. Temporary learning centers have been set up in areas until the government is able to rebuild schools.

Looking Ahead:

Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to helping communities in Nepal be resilient to future disasters. This will happen through education and capacity building, income generating trainings and activities, progressive farming techniques and methods, access to and reconstruction of safe and secure permanent housing, and uplifting gender justice, human dignity and advocacy.

As a church, we are often present where others are not – reaching out to the “least of these.” In response and recovery efforts to the Nepal earthquakes, special attention has been given to people living with disabilities, ethnic minorities,  women and children.

Your gifts made it possible for our church to respond – bringing help, hope and healing to our Nepal neighbors. But they still need your help. By working together, we can do far more than we ever could alone.

Be a part of the response:

Pray

Continue to pray for the people affected by the earthquakes, especially as they work to rebuild their homes and lives. Pray for staff that will work alongside survivors in communities affected.

Give

Your gifts are still needed. Gifts designated for the “Nepal Area Earthquake” will be used in full (100 percent) to assist those directly impacted until the response is complete. Gifts from people like you allow us to continue to serve those in need.

Connect

To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:

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

In late February and early March, a profusion of strong winds, tornadoes and flood waters ripped through the southeastern region of the United States. The severe weather has left thousands in need of assistance. More than 35,000 have registered for FEMA assistance in Louisiana alone.

Through congregations, synods and Upbring (formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of the South), our disaster affiliate organization, Lutheran Disaster Response is working to assist those who have been affected by the flooding.

Or coordinator, Jessica Vermilyea, said, “Many families woke during the night to discover water in their homes, flooded vehicles and having to leave everything behind. The literal darkness of that experience, combined with the fear of their unknown futures, weighs heavily on each of them.”

Meet Nikki

Nikki’s husband lives with Crohn’s disease and her daughter is expecting her first child any day now. She told me that she is doing what she can each and every day to help her family get back on their feet. Because Nikki’s home was not located in a flood zone, she did not carry flood insurance and remains hopeful there will be federal assistance to help meet her needs, but fears it won’t be enough. Currently, her family is living with relatives and trying to salvage what they can. Nikki’s biggest concern at the moment, is making sure her new grandbaby will have a safe place to come home to. She is very thankful for the help she’s receiving and prays for continued strength and guidance.

There are many more, like Nikki, which have lost almost everything, and are fearful of not being able to recover. We will continue to monitor the situation until long-term recovery needs are become more defined and the community’s efforts to address long term recovery of survivors are more organized. We will then know how we will work with our many partners in the community to accompany survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve their “New Normal.” We will share those details with you as they become available.

In the meantime, Volunteers are needed now in both Louisiana and Texas, to assist with gutting and clean-up work from the recent flooding.

Groups interested in volunteering in Louisiana can contact Jessica Vermilyea by email at Jessica.Vermilyea@upbring.org or by phone at 504-376-9121.

For groups interested in volunteering in Texas, please contact the VRC listed below.

Deweyville VRC Location (serving Orange County):

Deweyville High School

171 TX-12 Orange, TX 77632

409.233.7872

deweyvillevrc@gmail.com

Be a part of the response:

Your gifts to respond to these U.S. spring storms through Lutheran Disaster Response will work to bring God’s hope, healing and renewal to those who have been affected.

Gifts designated for U.S. Spring Storms will be used in full (100 percent) until the response is complete to help disaster survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Your generous offerings of prayer and financial support will help address the unmet needs of those affected.

Join me in prayer and partnership, and use this bulletin insert in your congregation to help spread the word and support those who need rest.

As you begin to make plans for future mission trips for rebuild groups, please keep these areas in mind.

In late February and early March, a profusion of strong winds, tornadoes and flood waters ripped through the southeastern region of the United States.

The impacts of the storm and flooding were so severe that on March 13, the state of Louisiana received federal disaster declaration. As of March 20th, we know that more than 18,000 people registered for FEMA assistance in Louisiana and that number is climbing.  On March 19, Texas received its federal disaster declaration.

And as the days continue, more flood waters are coming in and continuing to displace families with homes being destroyed and entire highways being inaccessible.

Through congregations, synods and Upbring (formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of the South), our disaster affiliate organization, Lutheran Disaster Response is working to assist those who have been affected by the flooding. Lutheran Disaster Response’s coordinator is present, working with local community leaders and officials to begin planning the proper responses, particularly the long-term recovery efforts.

Pastor Anna-Kari Johnson, Associate Program Director for New Congregations, recently gave a sermon on John 12: 1-8. In it she spoke about Mary’s joy at Jesus’ gift of resurrection of Lazarus. Mary was so elated that she breaks open the expensive nard perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet. Johnson said, “Some criticize her, but I ask you—when your own eyes see the person you love most and Jesus by your side—what are you going to break open at Jesus’ feet?”

As we commemorate Holy Week, let us reflect on the gift of life that Jesus gave us, through his death, and what we are willing to break open at His feet.

We know that this will be a long road to recovery. As survivors begin to pick up the pieces of their lives and strive for a new sense of normalcy, we will be there to assist through every phase of this disaster recovery process. Your gifts are needed to continue Lutheran Disaster Response’s relief efforts.

Be a part of the response:

Your gifts to respond to these U.S. spring storms through Lutheran Disaster Response will work to bring God’s hope, healing and renewal to those who have been affected.

Gifts designated for U.S. Spring Storms will be used in full (100 percent) until the response is complete to help disaster survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Your generous offerings of prayer and financial support will help address the unmet needs of those affected.

Join me in prayer and partnership, and use this bulletin insert in your congregation to help spread the word and support those who need rest.

Can We Talk About Climate Change?

By: Hannah Mornement

After an intense two weeks of negotiations at the climate change summit in Paris a historic agreement was reached but for the people of Northern Ethiopia it is already too late. They are already experiencing the effects of El Niño, a global climate phenomenon which has already driven up global temperatures and was made worse by climate change. Experts say that 2016 will leave millions hungry and cause water shortages and disease outbreaks.

In addition to their usual struggles Ethiopians many of whom already live in poverty are experiencing the additional effects of global warming. A country whose economy heavily depends on agriculture, with over 80% of its 93 million population small scale farmers and pastoralists, it is now bearing the brunt of this negative impact leading to increased poverty, water scarcity and food insecurity. By January 2016 the United Nations predicted that 15 million people will need food aid. This current drought is set to be the worst in 30 years.

Failed harvest

“This is the worst harvest I have seen” said Woday Gelaye, 75, who has been farming in this area for over 60 years. “Because of the recurrent drought and the heavy, short rainy season even his chickpea crop has been put back.” Extending his hand he shows me just a few small chickpea pulses. This crop too is meager. Having had to sell his ox to buy additional food for his wife, eight children and four grandchildren he no longer has the help needed to plough his other 2 small fields – and nothing left to sell.

After the failure of his crops earlier in the season the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) provided Woday with 31kg of seeds.

His situation sadly is no exception. It is estimated that 73,000 people in this region of Ethiopia have been affected by the failed harvest due to the unpredictable climate, and will need emergency food aid to tide them over before the next harvest in a few monts. There are currently 768 people benefiting from the LWF Emergency Seed Program. Mr Gelaye is one of the lucky beneficiaries.

Just 2 hours down the dusty road from Meket to Lalibela, blending into the thirsty landscape a brother and sister live on a small farm with her 3 year old child. Debre, 21 and Baye, 19, are not part of the LWF Food Security Project and just weeks away from having absolutely nothing left. “The rain started late, we thought we were managing well, but when the crops were at knee level. The heavy rain came and destroyed everything. To survive we started to sell our goats, sheep and cows. My biggest fear now is that if the government doesn’t help soon we will have to leave – migrate to a nearby district or perhaps Sudan.”

Livestock are the life of these arid lowlands, but more and more families have to sell their cattle, leaving them even more vulnerable than before.

New farming techniques

Things have to change if the people are going to survive generation after generation in this region. The LWF, who have been working in Ethiopia for 43 years and in this region for the last 10 years, are doing just that – with their Food Security Project. Budgeted for 3 years it was started at the end of 2014 and is benefiting around 4,670 people, just 2.7 percent of the district’s population. It is comprised of an irrigation scheme, irrigation agronomy and crop production, vegetable production, compost technology, conservation agriculture – introduced by CLWR (Canadian Lutheran World Relief) – water management, seedling production and distribution amongst other agricultural related tasks. All these projects are using tools that are available to the farmers, like manure. A team of LWF experts are teaching them how to get the most out of the land.

Shamble, 46, has already profited within the first year. He has been part of LWF’s Food Security Project in Midaghe for a year and was trained in irrigation agronomy along with crop and vegetable production.

“I was also trained in compost production and given an improved variety of drought resistant teff.” Teff is an important food grain in Ethiopia which is used to make the typical injera bread. “I have also benefited from the cash for work scheme, digging the irrigation trench, and working as a guard overnight. My life and my family’s life has really improved, I have built a new house and been able to buy some sheep and cows.”

Development projects like these are crucial if the future generations are to survive. Climate phenomena like El Niño are not new occurrences, but scientists say that global warming has contributed to making them larger and more damaging. Without projects like LWFs Food Security Program the people of Ethiopia face a bleak future. This is a country that has suffered for decades but is desperately trying to help itself. We cannot afford turn a blind eye. The lives and livelihoods of millions of people are at stake.

Hannah Mornement is the daughter of Adrienne Mornement who worked with LWF in 1985 in the Nekemte region, in Ethiopia. She went back to visit the program after 30 years.

Edited by LWF Communications.

Lutheran Disaster Response has already committed $70,000 to this project. It is our hope that as the need rises, we will be able to continually accompany out partner, Lutheran World Federation in creating food-secure communities.

Be a part of the response:

Pray

Please pray for all those affected by this crisis. Remember those who have lost everything and all those who are working to respond. You can use these prayers and resources in your worship services.

Give

Your gifts are needed now to help with immediate relief to assist those directly impacted by the droughts and other climate change related disasters. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response will be used to provide immediate, life-saving aid.

Connect

• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
• Subscribe to the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.
• Like our Facebook page.

To Learn More:

Visit the Lutheran World Federation’s website.

Read our past blogs

• Until All are Fed
• Needs of the Afflicted: Drought in Ethiopia