Please pray for our brothers and sisters impacted by flooding in the Ohio River valley that has destroyed more than 1,200 homes and caused major damage to at least 150 others. Numerous additional homes in the area have minor damage (substantial water in basements). After three days of additional rain, those numbers are anticipated to increase. The most recent Ohio River flooding was 14 years ago, in 2004.

Over the weekend, severe thunderstorms swept through the central US and spawned tornadoes, gale force winds and flooding from the Upper Midwest to Appalachia. Tornadoes caused as many as five deaths in Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Mary Bates, director of NALC disaster response, has been in contact with congregations who are in areas of flooding and storm damage. She has also been attending the Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio Emergency Management Agency briefings, identifying how to volunteer and how to assist families who do not have flood insurance.

Your help is needed! To volunteer, contact Mary Bates, NALC Disaster Response, at [email protected] or 740-509-1132.

Send material donations, such as flood buckets, gift cards (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart), furniture, appliances, and other household items, to the National Disaster Warehouse, 810 Main St., Caldwell, Ohio 43724 or contact Mary at [email protected] or 740-509-1132 to arrange a pick up. A “Stuff the Truck” event may also be scheduled in the future, as long-term recovery will extend throughout 2018.

Donate to the Disaster Response Fund

Please note: This fund is for domestic disasters only. Gifts for international disaster relief may be directed to Lutheran World Relief, Water Mission, or the international relief organization of your choice.

Financial gifts should be sent to NALC Disaster Response, 2299 Palmer Dr., Suite 220, New Brighton, MN 55112 or you may donate online here.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Thanks be to God for NALC!!