Lutheran family rallies around flood-hit communities

Members of the LCANZ are continuing to rally in support of flood-hit communities in Central New South Wales, with more than $30,000 so far donated to the relief effort via the church’s Disaster and Welfare Fund.

The LCANZ’s General Church Board last week authorised the release of $40,000 from the fund to the NSW and ACT District to be distributed in the areas of greatest need, particularly around the towns of Forbes and Eugowra. The Lutheran church at Forbes was flooded and may not be able to be used for many months, according to NSW and ACT District Administrator Russell Veerhuis.

Central West Lutheran Parish Pastor James Leach and his wife Adele have been supporting locals with visits, home-cooked meals, other food and drinks, gift cards, tracts and other items as needed.

Floodwaters are now inundating South Australian towns along the River Murray and the Lutheran church at Forster and Camp Kedron at Lake Bonnie have been closed. South Australia – Northern Territory District Administrator Angela Rogers said she knew of a number of Lutheran farming families already impacted in South Australia by the rising water levels.

She encouraged LCANZ members to pray for those affected, donate through the Disaster and Welfare Fund and, when and where practical, support the economies of rural communities. SA-NT congregations have been asked to take a retiring offering this week in support of flood-hit communities.

The peak of the floodwaters in several areas is yet to come and, with the clean-up, repair and recovery efforts across south-eastern Australia expected to take many months, more support will be required. Under the terms of the LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund, any funds not used in support of the initial Forbes appeal will be held until required for other purposes. This will likely include other flood- and storm-affected areas across Australia, as needs become apparent.

Ways to donate can be found on the LCA website www.lca.org.au/disaster-welfare