Help victims of Hurricane Dorian!

Hurricane Dorian has devastated the Bahamas and wreaked havoc along the southeastern coast of the United States. You can help in many ways!  Lutheran Disaster Response already has people on the ground to meet people’s immediate needs, evaluate what to do next, and eventually, to rebuild.

Donate now to Lutheran Disaster Response – Help people on the ground now who have been displaced by Hurricane Dorian!

Give – Pray – Love. That’s what people of faith do when our neighbors need us. Here is information from our church family in the Florida-Bahama Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Download this PDF for a bulletin insert or distribution

From our brothers and sisters in the Florida-Bahamas Synod: The situation after Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian has caused widespread destruction and flooding throughout the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have received an initial report from Pr. Cliff Lewis of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Freeport that his family is okay, that there is extensive flooding and building destruction, but that information is still being gathered about the extent of impact. While we wait for further details, we continue to surround all affected in prayer. Everyone who survived this hurricane will have extensive needs. 

Our response

As in all disasters, the ELCA works closely with partners to respond to and support the communities affected. With the Bahamas, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) International and ELCA Global Mission will work through international relief partners–specifically through Church World Service Disaster Response. LDR-Int’l and Church World Service are committed to both immediate and long-term recovery for the whole area impacted by the storm.
 
Beyond the vital work being done by LDR-International and Church World Service for the Bahamas, we will be finding additional ways to support and care for the community of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Donations to the Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Response fund allow us to walk with the congregational leaders in ways that meet their specific needs.
 
Due to the unique international dynamics of the Bahamas, gift cards and supplies are NOT as helpful as financial donations. These funds—to BOTH the synod disaster response fund AND Lutheran Disaster Response—allow us to be most flexible and responsive to those in need. As soon as it is safe, Bishop Suarez and synod leadership will make a pastoral visit. 100% of donations to both LDR and the Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Fund go to the necessary relief and recovery work. 

What you can do: Pray 

Please pray for people who have been affected by hurricanes. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. These resources come from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Litany
O Lord, when the waters rage and foam, Still the storms and grant us your peace. When the gift of creation becomes burden, Still the storms and grant us your peace. When our fears threaten to overtake us, Still the storms and grant us your peace. Speak your word to the wind and to the sea, Fill us with faith. Show us your care in the service of others, Fill us with compassion. Make the joy of your peace overflow in our lives, Fill us with hope. Amen.

Prayer of Intercession:

Gracious God, you still the storms. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, bring comfort to the afflicted and strength to those who come to their aid. Reveal your presence to those in the Caribbean and the eastern region of our country so that all may know your healing, hope, and love. As one community on earth bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray, serve, and help all those who suffer. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Give: Help Hurricane Dorian victims

Your gifts designated for “Hurricane Response” go entirely (100 percent) to direct response until completed. Both Lutheran Disaster Relief and the Florida-Bahama Synod Disaster Response provide immediate and long-lasting support for those who have been impacted by this hurricane. 100% of financial donations to both LDR and the FBSynod Disaster Response  support the ongoing and long-term work being done by these partners.   

Love: Connect to those responding to Hurricane Dorian