“We are showing up,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop. “Lutheran Disaster Response, working through Lutheran World Relief, is meeting the immediate needs of people affected by this storm. This means that our entire church is on the ground in the Philippines, and we will stay there until the work is done. We are a church that does God’s work with our hands,” she said.

The relief funds will provide for the distribution of cooking utensils, shelter repair kits and debris removal.

“Lutheran World Relief is a tried and true partner,” said Carl Stecker, ELCA director for global diakonia. “Their long presence in the Philippines and their experience in disaster response, recovery and development provide strong reason to have confidence that our $1 million commitment will be used to meet the immediate and longer term recovery needs in some of the hardest-hit areas. We know that they are results-oriented and will provide systematic and timely reports of their activities. We are proud to partner with them,” he said.

According to the United Nations, at least 9 million people are affected and more than 600,000 are displaced from their homes as a result of the storm. Widespread destruction has complicated relief efforts, leaving thousands stranded in at least eight regions of the country.

Lutheran Disaster Response International will also provide assistance through the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, an ELCA companion. The response will be coordinated with The Lutheran World Federation.

Financial gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response will be used 100 percent to support relief efforts for all survivors impacted by the typhoon. Information about Lutheran Disaster Response is available at www.ELCA.org/typhoon. Lutheran World Relief is an independent Lutheran agency that works with community-based partners.

Source: ELCA News Service (Chicago)