Disaster appeal tops $880,000

Australian flood- and fire-affected congregations, communities and individuals will have up to $880,000 to assist their recovery, thanks to the generosity of people across Australia, New Zealand and the world.

‘It’s amazing how quickly Lutherans will open their hearts and their pockets when they see people in need’, LCA Business Manager Debbie Venz said. ‘As a church we want to be a place where love comes to life, where people can see and experience God’s love for them even in the worst of circumstances.

‘The unrestrained generosity we’ve seen since we opened the LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund is a wonderful example of how we can be God’s healing hands in a hurting world.’

Districts in which people have been affected by floods and fires are currently developing protocols for the distribution of funds. The Queensland District, for example, is focusing on four primary areas of assistance: material support; counselling services; building congregations’ capacity to care for neighbours and communities; and payment of Christian Life Week fees for flood-affected children and their friends.

Congregations, community groups and individuals wishing to apply for disaster relief should contact their district office. Future editions of The Lutheran will report on how and where the appeal funds have been allocated.

A separate appeal has been launched to support earthquake-affected people in New Zealand