January 22, 2010

CHICAGO – As of Jan. 22 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have contributed more than $1.4 million to support recovery efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

According to Christina Jackson-Skelton, ELCA treasurer, about 11,000 gifts have been processed, totaling $1.43 million. With an additional $165,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, $1.6 million in gifts have been contributed to the ELCA to support relief efforts in the Caribbean nation.

The funds are being disbursed to three partner organizations of the church working on the ground in Haiti – Church World Service, New York; The Lutheran World Federation, Geneva; and Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore.

"Almost two weeks have passed since the devastating earthquake in Haiti," the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, wrote in a Jan. 22 e-letter to members of the church. "The outpouring of gifts from members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to ELCA Disaster Response has enabled a swift response on behalf of this church."

Hanson said the funds allow the ELCA's partner organizations to provide two water purification systems to bring clean water to 25,000 people, secure food and medical supplies for thousands of people, and blankets and tents to shelter 10,000 people who are homeless.

"Funding, distributed through (the) three partners, will increase as giving continues," wrote Hanson. He said funds are also being sent to Lutheran Services Florida Inc., Tampa, to support Haitians entering or returning to the United States.

"We have a long road to travel together," Hanson wrote. "There is so much more to be done. This church is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Haiti for years to come."

Hanson said general mission-support dollars and gifts to ELCA Vision for Mission make it possible for 100 percent of gifts designated for "Haiti Earthquake Relief" to be used entirely for this response effort.

Thrivent Financial has committed to match funds contributed by Thrivent members on a one-to-two basis up to $1 million. The match is a collective $1 million for the ELCA, LWR, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Thrivent Financial, Minneapolis, is the nation's largest fraternal benefit society.

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

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson's message is at http://www.ELCA.org/bishopstatement/, on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service