Deadly Storms

Dear brothers in Christ,

Epic and deadly storms swept across the southern United States late Wednesday, killing more than 250 people and causing millions of dollars in damages. Our brothers and sisters at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, Ala., are among the many facing the devastation wrought by the storms. All this comes on the heels of tornados that struck St. Louis on Good Friday and damaged homes and businesses in Mapleton, Iowa, earlier this month. This is not to mention the ravages of other storms and flooding in various parts of the country.

We have been in touch with LCMS leaders in the Southern and Mid-South Districts and give all praise to our Heavenly Father that the lives of LCMS members have been spared. Our thoughts and prayers go out to these brothers and sisters, though, as they deal with the aftermath of the storms and as they console their friends and neighbors, who may have lost loved ones.

As you prepare for worship this weekend, we want to provide you with a bulletin insert to share with your congregation, which gives information about the storm damage in the South and how we can help our hurting brothers and sisters. Also, I encourage you and your congregation to visit LCMS.org often for the latest news about the church’s response to the storm and inspirational stories of endurance during these difficult times.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). In the face of innocent loss of life and destruction at unimaginable levels, we turn to the Lord of wind and wave, who stilled the storm with His mighty Word, yet demonstrated His boundless mercy to us all on the arms of the cross. Please join me in helping financially those who have suffered loss. The task of recovery ahead is great, but God’s mercy is boundless.

Together in Christ’s mercy,

Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, President
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

"Witness, Mercy, Life Together."


The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
e-mail: president@lcms.org
Web page: http://classic.lcms.org/president

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(This e-mail was sent to the pastors of the LC-MS. I thought it would be good to share.)