10/07/2011

Children at All Shepherds in Lewis Center Receive Letter of Gratitude from Central States Synod re Gift to Rebuild After Joplin Tornados

The following letter was sent to the children of All Shepherds Lutheran Church in Lewis Center, Ohio for their generous gift of $500 and hand-drawn poster sent to the Central States Synod in response to the EF5 tornado that destroyed the city of Joplin, Missouri. A collection was taken during All Shepherds' VBS. Thanks to the children of this congregation and of every congregation in our synod who put the needs of others ahead of their own by giving of themselves so freely. You are a positive witness to all people, everywhere.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble." With those words I addressed the members of Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin 3 days following the horrific EF5 tornado of May 22nd. I assured them the prayers and love of people throughout the Church, indeed around the world, surround them. Your wonderful drawing and generous gift of $500.00, from Vacation Bible School, is a great testimony to God's steadfast love in Jesus Christ and the bonds we share in Christ's Church. God's very present help comes also through loving hearts like yours.

At the 2011 Central States Assembly we pledged to bring hope and healing to the Joplin community in partnership with Peace Lutheran Church and Lutheran Disaster Response over the months and years to come. We will walk with Peace Lutheran Church in their recovery and rebuilding as well as in their witness and service in the community. While the tornado was one of the most deadly in modern history, and 8,000 homes destroyed, one third of the city's housing, we are an Easter people. We know God's love in Christ is stronger than death.

On behalf of Peace Lutheran Church of Joplin, Missouri and the Central States Synod, I thank you for this generous gift, a sign of God's grace at work among you.

Peace in Christ,

Gerald L. Mansholt
Bishop

Work still needs to be done to rebuild in Joplin, Missouri and may other places in the United States. Please consider how you might help your neighbor. For more information about the work of ELCA Disaster Response, visit the ELCA website.