Disaster Response | Lutheran Disaster Response |
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REVIEW THE LATEST INFORMATION - August of 2010
LETTER FROM CAMP VICTOR - July of 2010
These overwhelming statistics represent a job well done. We exemplified the Christian spirit, transforming lives, one family and one home at a time, day in and day out for five years. With these accomplishments as our focus, we all prayed that we could continue our mission. Sadly, and despite the generous support from our major sponsors and donors, LESM (Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi) can no longer sustain our disaster recovery camps. Federal grants have been exhausted, and although many of the LESM's ministries will continue, the Coast recovery camps - Camp Victor and Mission on the Bay - will be closing at the end of August. OIL SPILL IN THE GULF - June 10, 2010 Sisters and Brothers in Christ, We continue to monitor the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and pray fervently for all those who have been affected. Indeed, while the long-term effects of this tragedy will be felt by all of us, for those whose lives and livelihoods have been directly impacted, the needs for help are acute and overwhelming. Earlier this week, Jessica Vermilyea, disaster coordinator with Lutheran Social Services of the South, took part in an ecumenical listening tour into the bayou marsh areas of Plaquemines Parish in southeastern Louisiana. As part of this group, Jessica heard from fishermen, business owners, and other local leaders about how the oil spill is affecting them, even as many of them continue to struggle with recovery from Hurricane Katrina. We have received numerous inquiries from Lutherans around the country about volunteering in some capacity along the Gulf Coast. At this moment, only people who are being specifically trained and equipped by BP are being permitted to work directly in the clean-up process. This has much to do with the health and safety risks of handling the crude oil. In the future, opportunities may emerge for other types of volunteer roles, and each state in the area is receiving names of volunteers who are interested in helping. To register, follow one of the following links: Louisiana: volunteerlouisiana.gov Mississippi: volunteermississippi.org Florida: volunteerfloridadisaster.org Alabama: servealabama.gov Several questions have been raised about whether a national funding appeal should be launched in response to this tragedy. Our commitment has always been that we will find the most efficient ways possible to use financial contributions to meet unmet needs that arise from disaster. At this time, BP has pledged that it is their responsibility to pay for all costs related to clean-up as well as to reimburse those who have experienced a loss of income as a result of the spill, and anyone seeking to file a claim can do so directly through the BP Web site. Given the unique nature of this situation, we will not be seeking funding for this response. Instead, we lift up the unfolding needs of those in the many states affected by flooding and tornadoes so far this spring, including as recently as this past weekend in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. I ask you to consider giving a gift to support the responses getting underway in places like Yazoo City, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee. In the mean time, we will continue to listen for emerging unmet needs along the Gulf Coast and for meaningful ways that we might engage there. As we do, I ask for your continued prayers for the beautiful land and people of the Gulf Coast as they struggle to overcome this continuing tragedy. In service, Rev. Kevin A. Massey, Director Lutheran Disaster Response Bringing Help and Hope... Phone: 773-380-2748 Fax: 773-380-2493 ARE YOU READY? ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT Basic Disaster Supplies Kit Three-day supply of non-perishable food Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit and manual Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper) Matches and waterproof container Whistle to signal for help Extra clothing Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener Photocopies of credit and identification cards Cash and coins Special needs items - such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers Other items to meet your unique family needs The Western Pennsylvania VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) also includes: Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Filter mask or cotton T-Shirt to help filter the air Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Important family documents A READY HOPE EFFECTIVE DISASTER MINISTRY FOR CONGREGATIONS by Kathryn M. Haueisen and Carol H. Flores In A Ready Hope: Effective Disaster Ministry for Congregations, authors Kathryn M. Haueisen and Carol Flores use their personal and professional experience dealing with natural disasters to guide readers on planning ahead and reacting properly when disaster strikes. This book is an introduction for people of faith who are new to the ministry of disaster preparedness and response. A Ready Hope provides an overview of existing disaster-response networks, details the predictable phases of disaster recovery at both the individual and community level, lifts up helpful and unhelpful ways that congregational leaders and members can be involved in disaster response efforts, and provides resources to prepare congregations to respond appropriately to a disaster in their community. A variety of organizations bring help when disaster strikes. Faith-based organizations also bring hope to the survivors of the disaster and to the other rescue and relief workers who leave home to assist. This book will help people of faith equip themselves to be part of God's heart and hands when a disaster occurs. For further information about A Ready Hope or to request review copies - click here Paperback cost - $18.00 ISBN 978-1-56699-386-9 Alban Institute Publishing
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 August 2010 ) |
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