January 15, 2010

CHICAGO – International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) increased its initial financial commitment to support relief efforts in Haiti to $600,000. The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director, ELCA Global Mission, made the announcement Jan. 15, emphasizing the significance of a coordinated response by the "Lutheran family" in the United States.

Following the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, the ELCA made an initial financial commitment of $250,000 to the disaster. The church said it would advance another $500,000 based on member giving.

Malpica Padilla said the $600,000 commitment is based on "a strong and generous response" this week by ELCA members. The figure could soon be increased to more than $1 million, pending the continuing response of members, he said.

The ELCA will distribute its funds through three organizations, Malpica Padilla said: + $300,000 will be sent to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), a key responder and member of Action by Churches Together (ACT). The funds will support LWF efforts to provide shelter to people left homeless by the quake. The LWF is a global communion of 140 member churches in 79 countries, representing over 68.9 million Christians. The ACT Alliance is global alliance of churches and related agencies working together in disaster response and development. The ELCA is a member of both, and routinely works through both in responding to international disasters. + $150,000 will be sent to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for material aid. LWR is an international relief and development ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. "Lutheran World Relief is a key companion and partner of this church," Malpica Padilla said. "They have proven expertise in mobilizing material aid in emergency situations." + $150,000 will be sent to Church World Service (CWS) for construction of temporary water systems and distribution of water purification materials. CWS is a cooperative ministry of 36 Christian denominations and communions. The organization is "operational in the Dominican Republic with a staging area for aid distribution," Malpica Padilla said.

"The ELCA is blessed to work in Haiti through these companions in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Each organization, with its own capacities and networks through which it works, provides a formidable framework for the massive relief work ahead of us," Malpica Padilla said. "This is a time for us to work together as a Lutheran family in the United States."

In addition, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its members are working to raise $3 million to support relief efforts in Haiti. Thrivent Financial, Minneapolis, is the nation's largest fraternal benefit society.

"Thrivent Financial will match $1 for every $2 donated by Thrivent Financial members, up to $1 million total for the potential of generating $3 million," according to a news release from Thrivent.

The funds will be directed to ELCA (International) Disaster Response, LWR, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's Committee on Relief.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and all those working tirelessly to rescue the thousands of victims," said Bruce Nicholson, Thrivent Financial chair, president and chief executive officer. "Thrivent Financial and our members want to help in this time of great need. We believe our members throughout the country will give generously to those affected by this catastrophic natural disaster."

Malpica Padilla said he was grateful for Thrivent's initiative to provide matching gifts to the three Lutheran churches and LWR.

Financial contributions to support relief efforts in Haiti can be made at http://www.ELCA.org/haitiearthquake/, or by calling 800-638-3522.

ELCA News Service