Lutheran Disaster Response is working with partners around the world to respond to the pandemic, including Jersusalem, Egypt, Sudan, Madagascar, and India.
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The ELCA’s global companion churches are taking steps to raise awareness about the pandemic and adopting new practices in order to continue their missions while staying safe and practicing physical distancing.
We have collected stories from around the globe to show how the ELCA’s companions and partners are handling the COVID-19 pandemic. View the presentation here.
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Although some relief efforts have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to be present with the Southeastern Synod to address the long-term recovery needs of survivors.
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Lutheran Disaster Response is working with partners around the world to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Early Tuesday morning, a powerful tornado ripped through Nashville and other parts of Tennessee, leaving destruction in its wake. The tornado was part of a series of severe storms. At least 24 people have been killed, homes and other buildings have been destroyed, and thousands of people are without electricity. The worship space for St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nashville, an ELCA congregation, was crushed by the tornado.
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With the outbreaks of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is now a pandemic. A step-by-step approach to prepare for a serious outbreak can be useful. View the Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns (updated 3/11/2020).
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Ten years ago, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti.This earthquake was the most powerful to strike Haiti in more than 200 years. About 300,000 people were killed in the destruction, and about 3 million people were affected altogether.
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Intense wildfires have brought catastrophic fire conditions for the majority of Australia.
The Lutheran Church of Australia has distributed food and non-food items to families affected.
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On December 31, 2019, heavy rainfalls caused severe flooding and landslides in the greater Jakarta area.
Huria Kristen Batak Protestan, a companion church of the ELCA, was there to help.
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At least 12 fires are currently raging across the state of California, fueled by high winds and extremely low humidity. Tens of thousands of people have been under evactuation orders, and more than 300 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Nearly half a million people have also faced rolling power outages designed to prevent more fires.
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On October 12th, Super Typhoon Hagibis made landfall in Japan leading 181 rivers to crest and causing widespread flooding and landslides across the impacted area. Lutheran Disaster Response, through local partner, CWS Japan, is responding to this disaster, prioritizing the most vulnerable communities.
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Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas with devastating force. The storm left more than 70,000 people homeless and nearly 50 people reported dead. The number is expected to grow. Pastor Cliff Lewis reported that Our Saviours Lutheran Church members were mostly unharmed, though the loss of family members was reported.
Lutheran Disaster Response, in partnership with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, North Carolina Synod, Lutheran Services Carolinas and other partners, is responding to this disaster. In the Bahamas, Lutheran Disaster Response has committed an initial $15,000 for water, food and non-food items. Staff will travel to do further assessment of needs on the Islands.
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From the Office of Bishop Pedro M. Suarez in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, we receive this update (also available as PDF) on local churches, and a request for prayer and donations.
Hurricane Dorian has caused widespread destruction and flooding throughout the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have received an initial report from Pr. Cliff Lewis of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Freeport that his family is okay, but that information is still being gathered about extensive flooding and building destruction. While we wait for further details, we continue to surround all affected in prayer.
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Hurricane Dorian has caused widespread power outages and flooding throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dorian is expected to strengthen into a category 4 storm by the time it makes landfall in the mainland U.S., threatening to cause significant damage in areas that are still recovering from recent storms.
Lutheran Disaster Response is closely monitoring the situation and in touch with our synods, affiliates and other partners throughout impacted areas. We are ready to respond and stand by our neighbors as they recover from this hurricane.
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