December 29, 2008
by Melissa Ramirez Cooper

According to the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, Lutherans have shown courage, strength and perseverance in responding to the needs of their neighbors in 2008. Massey, director, Lutheran Disaster Response, commented on the record-breaking year for U.S. disasters in a Dec. 19 letter he wrote to members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).

At least 500 more tornadoes swept across the country in 2008 than in 2007, Massey said. Widespread flooding affected the Midwest and, in some places, communities experienced 100-year and 500-year record flood levels. In Iowa more than 40,000 households registered for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Late summer brought one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons in recorded history. For the first time ever six consecutive named storms made landfall in the United States, including the four distinct landfalls of Tropical Storm Fay," he said. An earthquake and wildfires also affected Lutherans in 2008.

Lutheran Disaster Response is a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and LCMS. It coordinates volunteers for cleanup and rebuilding efforts, provides emotional and spiritual care, and distributes hardship grants to bring hope, healing and wholeness to disaster survivors.

ELCA News Service