Christian Aid and Relief Responds to Disasters

It has been a busy week for WELS Christian Aid and Relief as it responds to several WELS churches dealing with flooding in Florida, wildfires in Colorado, and powerful storms that knocked out power to millions on the East Coast.
Mr. Mark Vance, director of operations, will travel to Peace Lutheran Church, Holiday, Fla., on July 5 to meet with members of the congregation where heavy flooding from Tropical Storm Debby soaked the church building and several members’ homes. “We want them to know their church body is here to support them in repairing the damage,” he says. Vance will also help the church develop a plan to assist the community. Christian Aid and Relief has sent relief funding to the church for needed repairs of the members’ homes and the church facility.
A wildfire continues to burn in the Waldo Canyon just west of Colorado Springs. The fire forced the evacuation last week of Rev. James Seiltz and his family as well as other members at Salem Lutheran Church. The members are back in their homes but remain in a pre-evacuation state. “The fire is 55 percent contained. They are not out of the woods yet, but things are looking much better,” Vance says. The church has formed a committee to develop a plan to provide aid to the Colorado Springs community as it recovers. Christian Aid and Relief is standing by with assistance as the church plans its response to the community.
Meanwhile in storm-ravaged Virginia, Rev. Kevin Wattles, from Grace, Falls Church, rented a cargo van and, along with members of his church, has distributed over 3,000 pounds of ice to people in the community without power. Although the church did not sustain any damage, the church and several members remained without power for several days. More than 400,000 people are still without power in northern Virginia. Christian Aid and Relief provided funds to support the church as it assists the surrounding neighborhood.
Vance says, “In all of these situations Christian Aid and Relief is there to help with funding and damage assessment assistance. We want these churches to know that their brothers and sisters are with them. We need to respond with Christian love and compassion to people across our country in need; Christian Aid and Relief is doing that on behalf of our WELS members. We continue to look for opportunities to assist our congregations to reach out in their communities.”
To learn more about WELS Christian Aid and Relief or to donate, go to WELS Christian Aid and Relief

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