May 7, 2003

CHICAGO - Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), are assessing damage in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee after storms and tornadoes brought death and destruction May 4.

"At least 38 people are known dead and hundreds injured," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response. "At least 10 people were killed in Madison County, Tenn.," he said.

"Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed. The hardest-hit states are Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee," he said. Some of the worst damage is along the Kansas-Missouri state line and in south Pierce City, Mo. Major damage occurred in Cherokee County and Crawford County, Kan., and Lawrence County, Tenn.

A network of Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators began assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses for the church "from the beginning," Furst reported. Interfaith efforts have also begun. "Many devastated areas are inaccessible or closed to relief efforts because of dangerous debris that must be removed," Furst said.

Staff of Lutheran Disaster Response is working with staff of affected ELCA synods and LCMS districts, as they rally congregations to provide support for recovery efforts, said Furst.

"It is certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as spiritual and emotional care for the children and adults whose lives have been affected by this destructive weather. Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed," he said.

ELCA News Service