Urgent Need for Disaster Funds:
Flood Relief, Tornado Relief.

Dear friends,

Spring has marked a turbulent time for U.S. states, particularly in the Midwest.  With more severe weather expected, the needs will likely increase.

I saw the situation in southern Indiana for myself, especially the community of Columbus, Indiana. Flooding is at an all time high in Indiana and Iowa, causing forced evacuations, closing roads, and damaging homes - including hundreds of LCMS member homes - and a few LCMS church buildings. More than 260 LCMS churches in Indiana and Iowa are in counties declared disaster areas by state and federal officials. Flooding is also an issue throughout the Midwest from Minnesota to Oklahoma. Tornadoes have hit communities in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and Colorado this spring. Most recently, an F-3 tornado near Blencoe, Iowa, killed four Boy Scouts and injured 48 others.

We rely on your support to provide assistance following disasters like these, and share Christ's saving love and grace in times of need. Your gift to LCMS World Relief and Human Care will help LCMS districts and congregations respond to tornadoes and flooding.

To help those affected by recent disasters, send donations marked "Flood Relief 2008" and "Tornado Relief 2008" to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861, or call toll-free, 1-888-930-4438.

Mercy Forever,
Rev. Matthew Harrison, Executive Director LCMS World Relief & Human Care

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