Hi,
**Following is a verbal montage of my post-Katrina experiences as a volunteer.
Before I even left, a young Vietnamese man asked if he could send money with me - he didn't know where to send it. I told him that if he wanted to trust me I would take it. He handed me a folded up bill and a card with his name & address. When I looked at the bill later, I realized he had given me $100.
**As we landed in Baton Rouge, there was a round of applause for those of us traveling to volunteer.
**Memories from the shelters: A doctor, and nurses prayed over, talked, and held a suicidal mom whose 2nd son had been killed in the street before Katrina hit. As she tried to take his picture to the mortuary, a wall of water hit. She made it to safety with nothing, not even his picture. By the power of Jesus, she was convinced she had a purpose and would go on. She smiled.
**A 77 year old black woman who had lost everything told me, "If we trust Jesus, we never need to worry about anything."
**One day we gave a list of needed medications. I was with a medical team, and by the end of the day almost all of those medications were delivered from private donors.
**Over and over again, from complete strangers, "God bless you for coming."
And finally, in a dark home, deep in the woods of Louisiana, where we had to be led by the Mayor in order to find her, we met Olivia. She was wheelchair bound, no electricity, living alone, with major medical problems. It was HOT. And as we ministered to her, in that house lit by 2 flashlights, she began to recite the 23rd Psalm. We all joined in, and then we prayed with her, hugged and kissed her, and left, and we were all changed and strengthened.
We went and prayed as we went to go where Jesus would have gone. He answered our prayers.
"Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. His grace has brought me safe so far, His grace will see me home." And His grace did see us home safely. God bless.
Carol Fechner, (Wife of Pastor Dave Fechner who previously served at Glidden and Sioux City)
Friday, September 23, 2005
Servant Event to Lacombe, LA -October 8-23, 2005
Katrina Relief Trip
October 8th-23rd
This trip will be led by Pastor Tim Phillips from Gloria Dei, Urbandale.
(Other trips are also being planned)
Purpose: To remove debris and clean up the homes of the members of The Village Lutheran Church, Lacombe, Louisiana.
Trip Itinerary: Two days of travel from Des Moines to Lacombe arriving on Sunday evening the 9th of October. Set up base camp and begin work. Each day we will go to the different homes and use chainsaws to remove downed trees. We will help them clean up their yards and give them comfort and encouragement. In the mornings we will begin with prayer and in the evenings we will have group devotions. We will need to be self -contained—providing our own food and housing. We are arranging for people to donate the use of RV’s and trailers. We will return home leaving on Saturday the 22nd and arriving in Des Moines the evening of the 23rd.
The Work: The work will be hard but we Iowans are used to that! The rewards of serving the people of Lacombe in Jesus’ name will be wonderful. Think of what a blessing it will be to them when we arrive to help.
Shots: You will need to get a Hepatitis shot and make sure your Tetanus shot is current. Check with your medical professional for details.
Funding: You will need to cover your own expenses, which will include food, drink and a portion of the transportation expenses. The trip is about 1,100 miles. You will also need to pay for your overnight expenses both on the trip down and on the way back.
Questions:
Do I have to go for the whole two weeks? No. If you have your own transportation you can caravan with us going down and come back whenever you wish.
What do I need to take? A complete list of what to bring will be provided when you indicate your interest to go. In general bring work clothes and items you would need when camping. We will be staying in camping trailers with electricity.
How do I sign up? Contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org
OR Gloria Dei, 515- 276-1700, or tphillips@Gloriadeionline.com
Special need: We need a person to plan and prepare meals for the team. This could be a couple that works together to keep us well fed.
Questions? Please ask.
Thank you !!
October 8th-23rd
This trip will be led by Pastor Tim Phillips from Gloria Dei, Urbandale.
(Other trips are also being planned)
Purpose: To remove debris and clean up the homes of the members of The Village Lutheran Church, Lacombe, Louisiana.
Trip Itinerary: Two days of travel from Des Moines to Lacombe arriving on Sunday evening the 9th of October. Set up base camp and begin work. Each day we will go to the different homes and use chainsaws to remove downed trees. We will help them clean up their yards and give them comfort and encouragement. In the mornings we will begin with prayer and in the evenings we will have group devotions. We will need to be self -contained—providing our own food and housing. We are arranging for people to donate the use of RV’s and trailers. We will return home leaving on Saturday the 22nd and arriving in Des Moines the evening of the 23rd.
The Work: The work will be hard but we Iowans are used to that! The rewards of serving the people of Lacombe in Jesus’ name will be wonderful. Think of what a blessing it will be to them when we arrive to help.
Shots: You will need to get a Hepatitis shot and make sure your Tetanus shot is current. Check with your medical professional for details.
Funding: You will need to cover your own expenses, which will include food, drink and a portion of the transportation expenses. The trip is about 1,100 miles. You will also need to pay for your overnight expenses both on the trip down and on the way back.
Questions:
Do I have to go for the whole two weeks? No. If you have your own transportation you can caravan with us going down and come back whenever you wish.
What do I need to take? A complete list of what to bring will be provided when you indicate your interest to go. In general bring work clothes and items you would need when camping. We will be staying in camping trailers with electricity.
How do I sign up? Contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org
OR Gloria Dei, 515- 276-1700, or tphillips@Gloriadeionline.com
Special need: We need a person to plan and prepare meals for the team. This could be a couple that works together to keep us well fed.
Questions? Please ask.
Thank you !!
Collection Points for IDW
HI,
In an earlier message, I listed Trinity, Jefferson and Our Savior, Denison as collection points for items to go to Lacombe, LA. I asked for a Des Moines area point and Faith, Adel has generously offered. Thank you, Pastor Gerken.
PLEASE contact me at ellie.menz@idwlcms.org before taking items to the collection points so we know what has been donated and what is needed.
Continue to pray for the members of our adopted churches, Faith, Bethel and Village.
Ellie Menz
In an earlier message, I listed Trinity, Jefferson and Our Savior, Denison as collection points for items to go to Lacombe, LA. I asked for a Des Moines area point and Faith, Adel has generously offered. Thank you, Pastor Gerken.
PLEASE contact me at ellie.menz@idwlcms.org before taking items to the collection points so we know what has been donated and what is needed.
Continue to pray for the members of our adopted churches, Faith, Bethel and Village.
Ellie Menz
Update on Faith Lutheran, Harahan, LA
Received this update 9-23-05 from Pastor Rothchild--
Ellie,
I just got off the phone with Pastor Lofthus of Faith Lutheran Church and School. Their enrollment at the beginning of the school year was 105. They project an enrollment of 45 when the school hopefully reopens on October 10th. As to financial assistance they could use $350,000 to help them through the current school year. That is a worst case scenario. We have not yet received any directs as of this morning. I don’t know what the situation would be in IDW. I also shared with Pastor Lofthus the concern from DP Kurtis Schultz about trying to be equitable. I don’t know if we could pledge a portion of the monies which we might get from LCMS Human Care. What are your thoughts? We do not have those kinds of funds on hand here in IDE. He would like some sort of answer next week.
Peace only in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dean F. Rothchild
Ellie,
I just got off the phone with Pastor Lofthus of Faith Lutheran Church and School. Their enrollment at the beginning of the school year was 105. They project an enrollment of 45 when the school hopefully reopens on October 10th. As to financial assistance they could use $350,000 to help them through the current school year. That is a worst case scenario. We have not yet received any directs as of this morning. I don’t know what the situation would be in IDW. I also shared with Pastor Lofthus the concern from DP Kurtis Schultz about trying to be equitable. I don’t know if we could pledge a portion of the monies which we might get from LCMS Human Care. What are your thoughts? We do not have those kinds of funds on hand here in IDE. He would like some sort of answer next week.
Peace only in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dean F. Rothchild
Update on Bethel Lutheran
Following is an update from Pastor Rothchild on Bethel, one of our three adopted churches.
Note to Iowa District West members: Checks can be made to Iowa District West-Disaster Relief. IDW--1317 Tower Drive Fort Dodge, IA, 50501
President and Mrs. Arp had dinner on Monday evening with Vicar Jerome Terry and his wife Dora. Vicar Terry was serving Bethel Lutheran. His home and the church building look to be a total loss at this point. Their immediate needs for their members would be in the area of financial assistance. Any help in that regards with door offerings would be appreciated. Funds can be designated to Iowa District East-Disaster Relief and sent to the District Office.
Note to Iowa District West members: Checks can be made to Iowa District West-Disaster Relief. IDW--1317 Tower Drive Fort Dodge, IA, 50501
President and Mrs. Arp had dinner on Monday evening with Vicar Jerome Terry and his wife Dora. Vicar Terry was serving Bethel Lutheran. His home and the church building look to be a total loss at this point. Their immediate needs for their members would be in the area of financial assistance. Any help in that regards with door offerings would be appreciated. Funds can be designated to Iowa District East-Disaster Relief and sent to the District Office.
Thrivent pledges $5 Million to Katrina Relief
We ask that you be in touch with your local Thrivent representative concerning gifts and Thrivent's matching process. Below is a message from the Thrivent website. A link to the website is at the bottom of this message.
Through the Individual Member Response, gifts members make to one of the four eligible organizations will be supplemented $1 for every $2 given, up to $300 per member (e.g., if a member gives $600 to a relief organization, Thrivent Financial will provide that organization with an additional $300.) A Thrivent Financial Hurricane Katrina Response Form must accompany the member's gift.
All funds raised and contributed through the Individual Member Response will be directed to four eligible recipients: Lutheran Disaster Response ELCA Domestic Disaster Response LCMS World Relief/Human Care WELS Committee on Relief.
These organizations will distribute the funds to those in need using their established processes. Thrivent Financial has pledged a total of $5 million for these efforts, to supplement up to $10 million donated and raised by our members. http://thrivent.com/fraternal/katrina.html click on Ministry Areas and then click on LCMS World Relief and Human Care. I also encourage you to consider a special "door offering" this weekend or in the weeks to come. We need to give our people the opportunity to respond to the relief effort. The images of the destruction and misery are fresh in their minds. They want to do something "right now," but the needs in this relief effort will be felt for a long time. So, we also need to consider a longer term response.
Through the Individual Member Response, gifts members make to one of the four eligible organizations will be supplemented $1 for every $2 given, up to $300 per member (e.g., if a member gives $600 to a relief organization, Thrivent Financial will provide that organization with an additional $300.) A Thrivent Financial Hurricane Katrina Response Form must accompany the member's gift.
All funds raised and contributed through the Individual Member Response will be directed to four eligible recipients: Lutheran Disaster Response ELCA Domestic Disaster Response LCMS World Relief/Human Care WELS Committee on Relief.
These organizations will distribute the funds to those in need using their established processes. Thrivent Financial has pledged a total of $5 million for these efforts, to supplement up to $10 million donated and raised by our members. http://thrivent.com/fraternal/katrina.html click on Ministry Areas and then click on LCMS World Relief and Human Care. I also encourage you to consider a special "door offering" this weekend or in the weeks to come. We need to give our people the opportunity to respond to the relief effort. The images of the destruction and misery are fresh in their minds. They want to do something "right now," but the needs in this relief effort will be felt for a long time. So, we also need to consider a longer term response.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
"Iowa 5" Share Katrina Relief Experiences
"Here am I! Send me! Send me!"
Following is a summary of the amazing adventures the "Iowa 5" as they volunteered in Louisiana. The Iowa 5 team consisted of Karen Christiansen of Denison, Amanda Latham of Clarinda, Cinthy Branan of Villisca, Lori Lyons of Schaller and Lori's brother Mike Young of Faribault, Minnesota
Lori writes:
On Thursday, September 8 a vanload of willing workers headed south from Iowa to Louisiana. Prior to our leaving, we had all felt "Here am I. Send me!" Little did the members of our team know or understand how we were going to touch the lives of others, and more so, how our lives would be affected by this experience.
On our trip down to Louisiana, the convoys of military, police, electric company trucks and modular homes headed to Louisiana in hopes of helping those in need, moved us. We were reminded that we all were of one like-minded; all with a mission!
On Saturday, September 10 this team from Iowa was named the "Iowa 5 team". We were told we had a special mission and that we were headed toward Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi where homes had been damaged by the eye of the storm. This particular site was severely damaged by the storm surge, which sent 20 - 25 feet high water. As we drove into the area, we had seen trucks, cars and boats strewn about and even stuck in trees as the water had risen so high. We entered the community and instantly felt like we were not even in the United States. Power lines, trees and homes tossed about like puzzle pieces strewn on a table. We noticed how homes had a big X on them from the military noting that the home had been cleared and no people remained. Often we would see a cell phone number, the words "we're ok" and the name of their insurance company along side of the X. Clothed in our work clothes, steel toed boots and high rubber boots, work gloves, goggles and air masks; we entered a home to help the home -owner salvage the frame. We began with moving out belongings and then we gutted the entire house. We removed all the sheetrock and insulation as it had begun to grow mold. We had all been exposed to hard, physical labor however, this task set in front of us was physically demanding. Along side of us worked the Southern District President Pastor Schultz and his wife Becky who despite the fact that their home had been damaged, were there working and supporting someone else in need. James, the homeowner, encouraged us by his energy, his hope for his future. It was quickly noted by all of us that life isn't about "ME" ...it's about serving our God and His people.
Sunday and Monday we had the opportunity to serve at a shelter in Plaquemine, Louisiana. This shelter that was set up in a Civic Center housed 400 plus men, women and children affected by the hurricane. On Sunday we sorted and organized the donations of clothes and set up an "after school program/library" area for the children to use. The atmosphere seemed calm and orderly with a constant noise through out the center. On Monday, we were asked to fill out paper work for the refugees so that they could begin to receive funds. This gave us an opportunity to visit one-on-one with the people. As a lady in the shelter was being assisted in filling out her paperwork, you could not help but notice her smile that reached ear to ear. We mentioned that her joy was contagious. She said, "God spared me, He must have a plan and a purpose for my life." She obviously knew where her joy came from! Her joy was not found in the "stuff" that floated away as the waters rose. Her joy and her strength came from her creator!
On Tuesday, the "Iowa 5" was equipped with chainsaws and ropes and headed to Slidell where we would be facing a heavy wind damaged area. Electricity was still not available, however, we saw signs stating that the water was ok. We began work at an elderly couple's home. The back yard was a disaster. The temperature and humidity were extremely high and it was an exhausting task. It was simply amazing that just when we didn't feel we could move one more inch, God provided us the strength and the mind necessary to complete this huge task. As in the words in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And for that we are so very thankful!
As we were nearing completion, an elderly gentleman came and asked if we could possibly help him by carrying out mattresses that were wet. We figured we'd be at his house for just a little while. Once we walked into his home, we could smell the mold and mildew and knew that this smell was not healthy for this man to be around. We had decided to remove all the wet carpet, clothes and furniture to keep the toxins to a minimum. We looked outside in his backyard and recognized the need to help clear the mess. We just couldn't leave without clearing his yard. Again, God provided us with the strength and the muscles to go on. As we were saying goodbye, the elderly man asked if we could say a prayer. Three young men that were going to be working on the neighboring house were invited to join us in the prayer. When they asked what we were going to do, we informed them that we were going to pray. One of the men asked "pray to who?" We pray that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts and that they to would also learn to know where their refuge and strength is in time of need! As the elder prayed, our hearts were uplifted once again with the hope and the faith of these people.
Wednesday, September 14 took us to Destrehan to work on the home of Atonement Lutheran School's principal. Officials were just beginning to allow people to enter this area. We were stopped by police and asked for papers to prove our destination. We were able to help by temporarily repairing the roof by shingling effected areas, cut and hauled tree limbs and fixed a fence. Upon completion of our assignment in Destrehan, we drove back into Baton Rouge and noticed a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky. Yes, God's promises remain faithful and true!
God took the Iowa 5 team 3,100 miles to renew our spirits, refresh our hearts and opened our minds to a greater understanding of what our purpose in our lives should be...and that is to serve one another as Christ Himself served.
The Iowa 5 team want to remind you that this experience was not done to have the glory be given to these 5, however, all glory, honor and praise be to God!
Following is a summary of the amazing adventures the "Iowa 5" as they volunteered in Louisiana. The Iowa 5 team consisted of Karen Christiansen of Denison, Amanda Latham of Clarinda, Cinthy Branan of Villisca, Lori Lyons of Schaller and Lori's brother Mike Young of Faribault, Minnesota
Lori writes:
On Thursday, September 8 a vanload of willing workers headed south from Iowa to Louisiana. Prior to our leaving, we had all felt "Here am I. Send me!" Little did the members of our team know or understand how we were going to touch the lives of others, and more so, how our lives would be affected by this experience.
On our trip down to Louisiana, the convoys of military, police, electric company trucks and modular homes headed to Louisiana in hopes of helping those in need, moved us. We were reminded that we all were of one like-minded; all with a mission!
On Saturday, September 10 this team from Iowa was named the "Iowa 5 team". We were told we had a special mission and that we were headed toward Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi where homes had been damaged by the eye of the storm. This particular site was severely damaged by the storm surge, which sent 20 - 25 feet high water. As we drove into the area, we had seen trucks, cars and boats strewn about and even stuck in trees as the water had risen so high. We entered the community and instantly felt like we were not even in the United States. Power lines, trees and homes tossed about like puzzle pieces strewn on a table. We noticed how homes had a big X on them from the military noting that the home had been cleared and no people remained. Often we would see a cell phone number, the words "we're ok" and the name of their insurance company along side of the X. Clothed in our work clothes, steel toed boots and high rubber boots, work gloves, goggles and air masks; we entered a home to help the home -owner salvage the frame. We began with moving out belongings and then we gutted the entire house. We removed all the sheetrock and insulation as it had begun to grow mold. We had all been exposed to hard, physical labor however, this task set in front of us was physically demanding. Along side of us worked the Southern District President Pastor Schultz and his wife Becky who despite the fact that their home had been damaged, were there working and supporting someone else in need. James, the homeowner, encouraged us by his energy, his hope for his future. It was quickly noted by all of us that life isn't about "ME" ...it's about serving our God and His people.
Sunday and Monday we had the opportunity to serve at a shelter in Plaquemine, Louisiana. This shelter that was set up in a Civic Center housed 400 plus men, women and children affected by the hurricane. On Sunday we sorted and organized the donations of clothes and set up an "after school program/library" area for the children to use. The atmosphere seemed calm and orderly with a constant noise through out the center. On Monday, we were asked to fill out paper work for the refugees so that they could begin to receive funds. This gave us an opportunity to visit one-on-one with the people. As a lady in the shelter was being assisted in filling out her paperwork, you could not help but notice her smile that reached ear to ear. We mentioned that her joy was contagious. She said, "God spared me, He must have a plan and a purpose for my life." She obviously knew where her joy came from! Her joy was not found in the "stuff" that floated away as the waters rose. Her joy and her strength came from her creator!
On Tuesday, the "Iowa 5" was equipped with chainsaws and ropes and headed to Slidell where we would be facing a heavy wind damaged area. Electricity was still not available, however, we saw signs stating that the water was ok. We began work at an elderly couple's home. The back yard was a disaster. The temperature and humidity were extremely high and it was an exhausting task. It was simply amazing that just when we didn't feel we could move one more inch, God provided us the strength and the mind necessary to complete this huge task. As in the words in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And for that we are so very thankful!
As we were nearing completion, an elderly gentleman came and asked if we could possibly help him by carrying out mattresses that were wet. We figured we'd be at his house for just a little while. Once we walked into his home, we could smell the mold and mildew and knew that this smell was not healthy for this man to be around. We had decided to remove all the wet carpet, clothes and furniture to keep the toxins to a minimum. We looked outside in his backyard and recognized the need to help clear the mess. We just couldn't leave without clearing his yard. Again, God provided us with the strength and the muscles to go on. As we were saying goodbye, the elderly man asked if we could say a prayer. Three young men that were going to be working on the neighboring house were invited to join us in the prayer. When they asked what we were going to do, we informed them that we were going to pray. One of the men asked "pray to who?" We pray that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts and that they to would also learn to know where their refuge and strength is in time of need! As the elder prayed, our hearts were uplifted once again with the hope and the faith of these people.
Wednesday, September 14 took us to Destrehan to work on the home of Atonement Lutheran School's principal. Officials were just beginning to allow people to enter this area. We were stopped by police and asked for papers to prove our destination. We were able to help by temporarily repairing the roof by shingling effected areas, cut and hauled tree limbs and fixed a fence. Upon completion of our assignment in Destrehan, we drove back into Baton Rouge and noticed a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky. Yes, God's promises remain faithful and true!
God took the Iowa 5 team 3,100 miles to renew our spirits, refresh our hearts and opened our minds to a greater understanding of what our purpose in our lives should be...and that is to serve one another as Christ Himself served.
The Iowa 5 team want to remind you that this experience was not done to have the glory be given to these 5, however, all glory, honor and praise be to God!
Helping our three 'adopted' churches
Katrina Update September 21, 2005
Iowa District East and West are combining efforts to adopt three Lutheran churches in Louisiana. The three churches have been contacted. Faith Lutheran in Harahan and Bethel Lutheran in New Orleans are not able to accept our physical help at this time. Rochelle Kurncur from Village Lutheran Church in Lacombe, LA shared the needs established after their church service on Sunday.
Their faces lit up when she told them that churches in Iowa will be sending help and supplies. She explained that many are very tired and really will appreciate any help.
There were 30 families who shared needs. Some members are living in shelters, some with relatives and some are still disbursed. Many more needs will be shared with us at a later time. One family returned to their home and found only a slab where their house used to be. Another reported that she is living in a tent in her front yard with her 5 year old. Many members need help to clean out furniture, mud, insulation, sheetrock, etc. from their home and 21 families need help to remove trees from their houses and yards.
She said that they have enough clothes at this point.
What does Village Lutheran need now?
1. Immediate help! If you wish to go to Louisiana to help with the clean up, contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org We plan to coordinate groups to go from Iowa. Volunteers need to be self contained'. Motor homes, RV's or 5th wheelers are needed to park at the church parking lot as a headquarters for volunteers from Iowa. The volunteers will sleep and eat there. The church has electricity for the hook up. One option is for RV's to remain in Lacombe for a period of time as volunteers come and go from Iowa to Lacombe. Another option is for individuals to come and go in their own RV.
2. Volunteers need to be self supporting. Your congregation may wish to help with gas expenses, etc.
3. Volunteers need to have hepatitis and tetanus shots. Check out www.cdc.gov for details on the shots needed or contact your medical professionals. (Tetanus shot is effective for 10 years).
4. Volunteers need to take rubber gloves, masks, sturdy shoes, rubber boots, bug spray, hand sanitizer and a list of cleaning supplies (you will be given that list when you indicate an interest in going)
5. Volunteers will need to take water and food for themselves. Rochelle said that a few restaurants are starting up again and you can buy groceries there but felt it best to bring some food and water with you.
6. Following are things we need to collect to send with the volunteers. These items will need to be donated and will stay in Lacombe, except for the generators and the skid loaders. They will be returned to Iowa.
2 Generators for church member use there.
Crow bars
Axes
Flat shovels
Wheelbarrows (can't buy them there)
Hammers
Two skid loaders and operators (Operators can return to IowaJ)
Log chains
Chain saws, oil for saw, empty gas container, extra chains, files for sharpening,
Utility two-wheeled carts
Hand saw, branch clippers
Gas grills so families have a way to cook and prepare food
Trailers to haul skid loaders and equipment
7. Gift cards are requested. They will be given to the church members. They would appreciate Sears, Penney's, Target, Dollar General or Wal Mart cards. No K-Mart in the area.
8. Following are specific items the members requested:
Ready to eat food since many have no way to prepare food.
Hygiene pack--toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, wash cloth, combs, brushes, shampoo, hair spray, etc.
Small first aid kits
Feminine hygiene products
Pony Tail Clips
AA and C batteries
Diapers and diaper wipes for newborn and for size 4 or 5
Pull ups
Large garbage bags
Cat food and litter
Dog food
Heart worm medicine and flea spray
Contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org to let me know the amount and what you wish to donate. Don't take the items to collection points until you have contacted me so we can keep an accurate account of the items received and needed. Collection points in IDW will be Trinity, Jefferson and Our Savior, Denison. Looking for another collection point in the Des Moines area.
If you wish to donate money, please make checks payable to IDE/Disaster Relief OR to IDW/Disaster Relief and give to your local church or send to your District Office.
This will be an ongoing, changing project. Check out www.iowayoutreach.blogspot.com www.idwlcms.org or www.lcmside.org for continual updates.
Please continue to pray for the members of Bethel, Faith and Village.
God's Blessings, Pastor Dean Rothchild, Pastor Victor Young, Pastor Erland Asmus, Pastor Jonathan Offt, Pastor Tim Phillips and Ellie Menz
PS: IDW Pastors: If you are able to get this information to some of your members via e-mail and they respond before the Pastor's Conference, you may wish to bring the smaller items with you and I will collect them at the Conference. For the large items, we will work out details for delivery based on where the items and the volunteers are located.
Iowa District East and West are combining efforts to adopt three Lutheran churches in Louisiana. The three churches have been contacted. Faith Lutheran in Harahan and Bethel Lutheran in New Orleans are not able to accept our physical help at this time. Rochelle Kurncur from Village Lutheran Church in Lacombe, LA shared the needs established after their church service on Sunday.
Their faces lit up when she told them that churches in Iowa will be sending help and supplies. She explained that many are very tired and really will appreciate any help.
There were 30 families who shared needs. Some members are living in shelters, some with relatives and some are still disbursed. Many more needs will be shared with us at a later time. One family returned to their home and found only a slab where their house used to be. Another reported that she is living in a tent in her front yard with her 5 year old. Many members need help to clean out furniture, mud, insulation, sheetrock, etc. from their home and 21 families need help to remove trees from their houses and yards.
She said that they have enough clothes at this point.
What does Village Lutheran need now?
1. Immediate help! If you wish to go to Louisiana to help with the clean up, contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org We plan to coordinate groups to go from Iowa. Volunteers need to be self contained'. Motor homes, RV's or 5th wheelers are needed to park at the church parking lot as a headquarters for volunteers from Iowa. The volunteers will sleep and eat there. The church has electricity for the hook up. One option is for RV's to remain in Lacombe for a period of time as volunteers come and go from Iowa to Lacombe. Another option is for individuals to come and go in their own RV.
2. Volunteers need to be self supporting. Your congregation may wish to help with gas expenses, etc.
3. Volunteers need to have hepatitis and tetanus shots. Check out www.cdc.gov for details on the shots needed or contact your medical professionals. (Tetanus shot is effective for 10 years).
4. Volunteers need to take rubber gloves, masks, sturdy shoes, rubber boots, bug spray, hand sanitizer and a list of cleaning supplies (you will be given that list when you indicate an interest in going)
5. Volunteers will need to take water and food for themselves. Rochelle said that a few restaurants are starting up again and you can buy groceries there but felt it best to bring some food and water with you.
6. Following are things we need to collect to send with the volunteers. These items will need to be donated and will stay in Lacombe, except for the generators and the skid loaders. They will be returned to Iowa.
2 Generators for church member use there.
Crow bars
Axes
Flat shovels
Wheelbarrows (can't buy them there)
Hammers
Two skid loaders and operators (Operators can return to IowaJ)
Log chains
Chain saws, oil for saw, empty gas container, extra chains, files for sharpening,
Utility two-wheeled carts
Hand saw, branch clippers
Gas grills so families have a way to cook and prepare food
Trailers to haul skid loaders and equipment
7. Gift cards are requested. They will be given to the church members. They would appreciate Sears, Penney's, Target, Dollar General or Wal Mart cards. No K-Mart in the area.
8. Following are specific items the members requested:
Ready to eat food since many have no way to prepare food.
Hygiene pack--toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, wash cloth, combs, brushes, shampoo, hair spray, etc.
Small first aid kits
Feminine hygiene products
Pony Tail Clips
AA and C batteries
Diapers and diaper wipes for newborn and for size 4 or 5
Pull ups
Large garbage bags
Cat food and litter
Dog food
Heart worm medicine and flea spray
Contact ellie.menz@idwlcms.org to let me know the amount and what you wish to donate. Don't take the items to collection points until you have contacted me so we can keep an accurate account of the items received and needed. Collection points in IDW will be Trinity, Jefferson and Our Savior, Denison. Looking for another collection point in the Des Moines area.
If you wish to donate money, please make checks payable to IDE/Disaster Relief OR to IDW/Disaster Relief and give to your local church or send to your District Office.
This will be an ongoing, changing project. Check out www.iowayoutreach.blogspot.com www.idwlcms.org or www.lcmside.org for continual updates.
Please continue to pray for the members of Bethel, Faith and Village.
God's Blessings, Pastor Dean Rothchild, Pastor Victor Young, Pastor Erland Asmus, Pastor Jonathan Offt, Pastor Tim Phillips and Ellie Menz
PS: IDW Pastors: If you are able to get this information to some of your members via e-mail and they respond before the Pastor's Conference, you may wish to bring the smaller items with you and I will collect them at the Conference. For the large items, we will work out details for delivery based on where the items and the volunteers are located.
Friday, September 2, 2005
Wal-Mart Cards
Called Pastor Mast in Humble, Tx. He has a Lutheran mission church in the Houston area. I had a long discussion with him on the situatuion from his perspective. He is going into the community and helping the people who have come into the area. He suggested WalMart cards and cash to buy food and to give to the people there. He said we could send Wal Mart cards that he can give to them and the people can buy things that are needed to survive right now. His phone is 281-744-2414.
If you are led to send any donations to the church for this effort, just put "Hurricane Relief" on the memo line. 100% of the $ collected will go directly to hurricane victims. There is a letter from Pastor Mast on the IDW website: http://www.idwlcms.org/ Click on Congregation to Congregation.
Family of JOY c/o Pastor Mike Mast 7811 Silver Lure Humble, TX 77346
Adopt a Student
Many Lutheran schools around the country have offered to take in New Orleans Lutheran school students (elementary and high school). Some have offered housing in their homes. Almost all have indicated they would not charge any tuition/take what parents can afford to pay. Some families have already enrolled their children in Lutheran schools. "The look on the faces of the parents when they were told that they would not be charged any tuition was one of tears, amazement, and thanks." If you have not already done so, identify families who have moved from New Orleans to your area who have had their children in Lutheran schools and offer to provide a tuition free Lutheran school education while they sort through the mess in New Orleans. If you can adopt a student please contact Ron at his new office so that he can share that information and connects those in need with those who can provide assistance.
Adopt a Teacher
Can you use another teacher during the interim? One suggestion is to provide free room and board for one of these teachers, pay them $1,000 every two weeks and utilize them on your staff for the next few months while they sort out what can be done to get the school up and running again. Most of these teachers at the high school are single and could be of service to a school with their gifts. With no tuition money flowing into the high school, it will be very difficult to maintain any kind of payroll for a prolonged period of time. If you are interested in adopting a teacher contact Ron for a list and resume of potential candidates. The Dave's are working with Ron and others to find adoptive schools for our displaced workers.
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