South Sudan: What It Means to Run for Safety
Megan Brandsrud Since mid-December 2013, the world’s newest nation, South Sudan, has been the setting of a political crisis turned violent. According to a May 16, 2014, report from the United Nations, more than 1.3 million people have been...
Typhoon Haiyan: Recovery Work Continues Six Months Later
Megan Brandsrud Six months ago, Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) crashed into the Philippines. As one of the strongest storms in recorded history, it affected more than 14 million people and destroyed approximately 1 million homes. More than...
Disaster Relief Team Travels to New Jersey, Marks 50th Trip
Megan Brandsrud This week, 33 volunteers from St. Philip’s Disaster Relief Ministry of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minn., traveled to New Jersey to assist in Hurricane Sandy recovery projects. This trip marked St. Philip’s Disaster Relief Ministry’s 50th...
Central African Republic: Distributing Seed for the Rainy Season
Megan Brandsrud Security in the Central African Republic (CAR) still remains a major issue, as armed fighting and looting continues. According to a May 1, 2014, report from the United Nations, there are approximately 584,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in...
Honoring the 17th Anniversary of the Red River Flood
Megan Brandsrud In mid-April 1997, following a harsh winter with above-normal snowfall, the Red River of the North flooded the Red River Valley, resulting in the worst flood in the area since 1826. The riverbed that is normally 100 yards...
Namibia: Cash Grants Help Provide Food Security During Drought
Megan Brandsrud Namibia is facing one of the worst droughts it has seen in more than 25 years. According to a report from the United Nations, 778,504 people do not have food security, and 169,000 children are at risk of...