Zion’s Response to Hurricane Helene/Milton
Zion Lutheran Church is taking up a collection to help with the hurricane disaster response.
You may place your donation in the offering plate at church.
Checks should be made payable to:
“Zion Lutheran Church”
with “Disaster Response” in the memo line.
TO VOLUNTEER
Visit lcms-lert.org.
TO GIVE
VISIT lcms.org/givenow. TEXT “LCMSDISASTERS” to 41444. CALL the LCMS toll-free gift line between 8 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Central time at 888-930-4438.
MAIL
Make checks payable to “The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod” (or “LCMS”). On the memo line, write “Disaster Response” and mail to the LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
PRAYER
Lord of heaven and earth, we know that you hold all things and people in Your hands. In your mercy, provide for the needs of those who have been affected, in big ways or small, by Hurricane Helene. Work through the efforts of those who bring relief, aid and comfort, and protect all involved from any further harm. Most of all, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In His name we pray. Amen.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Fla., on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. Since that time, it has left a devastating trail of death and destruction across the southeastern United States. The death toll is currently estimated at more than 180 people in six states.
On Sept. 30, the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, departed for a multi-day visit to assess the damage, after which an initial response plan will be developed in cooperation with the districts affected. Other LCMS districts and Recognized Service Organizations are also assisting with the response.
While early reports seemed to indicate the damage would not be extensive, that quickly changed. In Florida, the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas sustained severe flooding, with multiple homes taking in water, making them currently uninhabitable. Meanwhile, south-central Georgia experienced significant tree damage, and western North Carolina — particularly Asheville — remains in dire conditions, with closed roads impeding transportation, and widespread power and cellular outages making communication difficult or impossible.
Johnson encourages everyone in the LCMS to take part in the response as they are able. First, and most important, please pray for those affected by the storms. Second, consider volunteering to assist with the response. Third, consider a gift to LCMS Disaster Response.
