Disaster Relief

Congregation Liaison: Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee

Staff Liaison: Pastor Lara Forbes

Many disasters impact our world. As needs arise, information can be found here about donating to relief efforts.

Current Opportunities to Help

Helping the People Effected by the Violence in The Middle East (Israel & Gaza) – November 2023

You have undoubtably read or heard about the ongoing violence in Isael and Gaza.  Thousands of innocent civilians are caught in the middle of this.  You may be wondering how you can help these people impacted by this situation.

First off, pray for the families of innocent civilians whose lives were lost, as well as pray for healing for all the injured, fearful and traumatized.  May God’s healing presence bring them peace and hope in their time of need.

Our Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee has directed $1,000 from the New Opportunity fund to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) directed to the “The Middle East Crisis”.  The ELCA has a longstanding relationship with partners in the region, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Augusta Victoria Hospital.  Lutheran Disaster Response is providing support to Augusta Victoria Hospital so it can arrange accommodations for patients and staff unable to return to Gaza.

The need is great and urgent.  If you are able, you are encouraged to provide support for the people affected by this violence.  You can do that directly at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link:  https://community.elca.org/middle-east-crisis.  Ensure the designation is “Middle East Crisis”.  Or you can write a check to Saint Andrew’s and put “Middle East Crisis” on the memo line.  Donations made directly to LDR rather than through the church will reach the people affected quicker.

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) assures that your gifts designated for “Middle East Crisis” will be used entirely (100%) to provide long-lasting support to those whose lives have been impacted by disasters in the region.   For further information about LDR’s efforts visit: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Middle-East-Crisis

Ongoing Needs

Helping the People Effected by the Wildfires in Hawaii – August 2023

You have undoubtably read or heard about the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. These fires have destroyed homes, businesses and lines of communication. You may be wondering how you can help the thousands of people impacted by these fires.

First off, pray for the Maui communities impacted by the wildfires. May God’s healing presence bring them peace and hope in their time of need and give strength to those working diligently to contain the fires and care for affected communities.

Our Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee has directed $1,000 from the New Opportunity fund to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) directed to their “U. S. Wildfires Fund”. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires.  They continue to work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction.  Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to accompanying recovering communities in the years ahead.

The need is great and urgent.  If you are able, you are encouraged to provide support for the people affected by these fires.  You can do that directly at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link: https://community.elca.org/uswildfires.  Ensure the designation is “U.S. Wildfires”. Or you can write a check to Saint Andrew’s and put “Hawaii Wildfires” on the memo line. Donations made directly to LDR rather than through the church will reach the people affected quicker.

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) assures that your gifts designated for “U.S. Wildfires” will be used entirely (100%) to provide long-lasting support for those whose lives have been impacted by these fires.  For further information about LDR’s efforts visit: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/US-Wildfires.

Support for People of Syria and Turkey – February 2023

On February 6, 2023, two powerful earthquakes, one a magnitude 7.8 and the second a magnitude 7.5, hit Turkey and significantly impacted neighboring Syria. The two quakes devastated both countries, killing thousands of people and collapsing thousands of buildings. At this time, financial gifts are the number one need to assist our neighbors who are injured, hungry, and displaced from these quakes.
The need is ongoing. If you are able, you are encouraged to provide support for these people affected by the quake. You can do that at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link: https://community.elca.org/middle-east-crisis or with a check to Saint Andrew’s with “Middle East Earthquake” on the memo line.

Support for Ukraine – from June 2022

Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, millions of people have fled the country and are seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. There are major humanitarian concerns for both internally displaced people and refugees. Many people fleeing their homes in Ukraine need shelter and basic necessities such as food, water and toiletries. Care for people also includes pastoral and psychological support to address the trauma they’ve endured.

Continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and their safety. Pray for all of those in Eastern and Central Europe who are affected by this crisis. Pray for partner churches in the region and the work they are doing to show God’s love and mercy to people in great need. Pray for the Ukrainian refugees arriving in our area and starting over. And pray for a swift and merciful end to the violence.

If you are able, and would like to help the people in Eastern Europe, you can donate to Lutheran Disaster Response at: https://community.elca.org/eastern-europe-crisis-response or with a check to Saint Andrew’s with “Ukraine support” in the memo line.

To help support the refugees arriving in our area, learn more at Lutheran Community Services Northwest.

Please pray for all whose lives have been affected by natural and human-caused disasters.  Pray for the responders and for those providing ongoing care to affected communities.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution through Saint Andrew’s to help any relief efforts, note “Disaster Relief” on your donation and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office.

Funds collected will be forwarded to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response.