By Cheryl Magness (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
An LCMS assessment team led by Director of Disaster Response Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson set out Aug. 30 from the LCMS International Center in St. Louis to Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
[Webmaster's Note] - To listen to the video click the Facebook icon or unmute by clicking on the volume control icon.
Equipped with diapers, wipes, work gloves, face masks, batteries, flashlights and cases of water, they headed for Corpus Christi and Houston, Texas, two of the areas severely affected by the storm.
Their goal? To share the Gospel while helping in whatever way possible and to collect information about how the LCMS can best serve the recovery effort both now and in the long term.
Work has begun in earnest to provide relief and ongoing support for those suffering the effects of Harvey.
The Synod’s Harvey webpage offers devotional materials, prayers, fliers, bulletin inserts and blurbs (with more to be added) to assist churches in getting the word out to members.
An online volunteer sign-up form has been created for individuals who wish to volunteer. Plans also are being made to connect schools in need with schools that want to help.
The primary need right now is for donations to fund the relief effort. There are several giving options:
- Online — Harvey donation form.
- Text — Type LCMSHarvey into the text message field and send it to 41444. You’ll receive a text back with a link to a phone-friendly, secure donation form.
- Phone — Call 888-930-4438 to make a credit-card donation. Calling hours (Central time) begin at 8 a.m. and have been extended this weekend to 9 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 p.m. Friday, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday.
- Mail — Make check payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” or “LCMS.” On the memo line, please write “Disaster Response/Relief” or “Hurricane Harvey.” Mail your donation to: The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison released a Hurricane Harvey video update Aug. 30 (see video at top of article) that details the Synod’s plans to “come alongside” by supporting local efforts to assist those in need.
Harrison asked LCMS members to pray, volunteer and give, directing them to Isaiah 43:1-3: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’ ”
Visit the Synod’s Harvey webpage regularly to get the latest news on LCMS efforts to help and to access useful resources.