Dear friends in Christ,
It has been two weeks since Hurricane Helene first came ashore as a Category 4 storm near Perry, Fla. Today, the estimated death toll from Helene stands at almost 250 people across seven states, with many people still unaccounted for, particularly in North Carolina.
Within days of Helene’s landfall, the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, took a multi-day trip to the affected areas. He estimates the total Synod response to Helene will be around $1 million.
Now, as Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida, spawning multiple tornadoes and leaving millions without power, those already weary from the effects of one monstrous storm are facing another.
After flooding from Helene ravaged the shared campus of Mountainside Lutheran Church and Recognized Service Organization Camp Linn Haven in Newland, N.C., the Rev. Bryan Chestnutt, Mountainside’s pastor, said he immediately felt the church’s support. “We didn’t even know what we needed. … We couldn’t even think straight. … The counsel we got and the help that we are getting from our district president and from the Synod has been wonderful. … At a time like this, you really feel what the word ‘synod’ means.”
We don’t yet know the full impact of either Helene or Milton. We do know that much will be required — in time, volunteers, money and resources — before the recovery is complete.
Even more important, we know that our Lord is faithful. He never abandons His children. And He works all things for good “for those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
In the weeks and months ahead, please continue to pray for all who have been impacted by these terrible storms. Help spread the word by sharing updates on the response. And prayerfully consider how you might take part in the recovery effort, which will take many months, by volunteering your time or offering your financial support. Learn more at lcms.org/hurricane-response.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
