09/13/2011

Mission Investment Fund Assists ELCA Congregations with Flood Recovery

CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) contributed a $25,000 grant to the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod to support congregations rebuilding after floods damaged church buildings and homes in the Minot area.

According to the Rev. Mark E. Narum, bishop of the synod, the devastation in and surrounding Minot “is unfathomable.” He said there is no insurance coverage for at least four ELCA congregations impacted earlier this year. 

“And depending on the congregation, anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of parishioners have severely damaged homes. The internal capacity to rebuild is really limited,” he said.

Eva M. Roby, president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund, said the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod “is to be commended for taking a very strategic approach to rebuilding. The Mission Investment Fund grant will allow the synod to bring on the expertise to create the best plan for going forward. This way, the synod will be able to closely examine the needs of its congregations and their members and present the best solution for rebuilding places of worship and mission outreach.”

“Our country has faced an inordinate number of disasters this year -- from tornadoes to floods to hurricanes,” said Roby. She said the task of rebuilding after a disaster “can seem insurmountable, but the Mission Investment Fund is able to offer assistance to ELCA congregations or synods coping with natural disasters.”

According to Roby, the Mission Investment Fund is the only lending institution of the ELCA.

“We can offer the right resources for renovation and rebuilding. Our church building consultants are available to visit affected congregations, assess their damage and consult with pastors and congregation members about possible repairs or rebuilding,” said Roby.

“Our loan advisers can assist congregations in applying for Mission Investment Funds loans for rebuilding -- and we expedite these applications and offer the best possible loan rate. And in some cases, as we've done in North Dakota, the Mission Investment Fund may be able to grant funds for specific needs,” she said.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson visited with ELCA members Aug. 27-28 in Minot, N.D., to learn more about how they are coping and to express the solidarity of the entire church in a time of disaster. His visit included surveying church buildings and worshiping with congregations in and surrounding Minot.

Lutheran Disaster Response continues its long-term commitment to support recovery efforts there. Volunteers are needed for cleanup and other recovery work.

The Mission Investment Fund is a financial ministry of the ELCA. For congregations seeking to discuss their disaster situations with Mission Investment Fund staff, call 1-877-886-3522 or visit http://www.ELCA.org/MIF for more information.

Information about ELCA Disaster Response is available at http://www.ELCA.org/disaster on the Web.