God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Psalm 46:1-3
The winds of Hurricane Florence may not have been as powerful as projected, but this slow-moving storm has caused massive flooding in the Carolinas. As a Synod, we join together in praying for comfort and strength for those impacted by the storm and for those who are responding to bring help to others.
Providing Help that is Helpful
The Virginia Synod Office is in communication with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran leaders in North Carolina and South Carolina. A request has been passed along that it is not yet time to respond with “mucking out teams” as flooding continues through at least Wednesday in many areas. As soon as we have contact information for hands-on volunteer opportunities, we will make that information available to the Virginia Synod.
While the urge to do something for our neighbors can be strong, please remember that above all, we want to provide help that is actually helpful, not help that is harmful. Please do not start collecting items like bottled water or blankets. At this point, those items have not been requested by relief workers on the ground in impacted areas. In addition, please do not send used clothing into a disaster area unless those items are specifically requested by a national organization like Lutheran Disaster Response. Until basic services are restored and the clean up is completed, used clothing cannot be stored or distributed properly and often end up being thrown away.
Two Ways to Help Now
Financial Gifts
While we are in the midst of the final stages of Hurricane Florence, we are not at the end of this event. In the wake of a hurricane, Lutheran Disaster Response is collecting funds to help meet the long-term needs of hurricane survivors. You can learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response and donate using the button below.
Donation of Supplies
The North Carolina Synod team is working with Church World Service (CWS) to collect various kits to be distributed in areas of need. Information about the requested kits may be found at cwskits.org. Updated descriptions of the Hygiene Kits, School Kits, and Flood Buckets are also available. As the Virginia Synod, we will be working on a coordinated plan for delivering supplies, so if you are collect kits, please be in touch with Pastor John Wertzfor more information.
If you have questions about the Virginia Synod’s Disaster Response efforts or if you experience flooding in your area, please contact:
Pastor John Wertz, Jr.
Director for Evangelical Mission
