Lutheran Disaster Response
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Lutheran Disaster Response shares God's hope, healing and renewal with those impacted by disasters.
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has an extensive history of responding to disasters, both domestically and internationally. With a focus on long-term recovery, we are there to provide assistance to those in need long after the dust settles and the headlines change. We have a long commitment of working with local communities in a way that allows them to develop their own response after being impacted by a disaster. As the disaster ministry program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we accompany those affected by disaster as they navigate their way to renewal. How We Work:
Local Response - We work through congregations, organizations and companion churches who have relationships with and are part of the impacted communities. Emotional and Spiritual Care - As people recover from disaster, it is important to rebuild lives, as well as homes. Through pastoral care and programs, such as Camp Noah, we address the personal effects of disaster. Volunteer Coordination - We coordinate volunteers through our affiliates in the area to help homeowners with clean-up and rebuilding to help them save on expenses. Long-Term Recovery - Whether rebuilding after a disaster takes a few months or a few years, we are the last to leave. Refugee Communities - In times of civil unrest, drought and famine, we work to set up refugee camps and provide these communities essential care and emotional support. Disaster Risk Reduction - We help communities build on their assets to reduce the effects of potential future disasters. Relief to Development - We account for not only the immediate but the long-term goals of the communities we serve by participating in capacity building to create more resilient communities.
09/13/2026
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, September 16 at 11 a.m. Central for Calm in Crisis: An introduction to Psychological First Aid.
When people experience a crisis, compassionate and informed support can make a lasting difference. This introductory course provides practical tools and techniques to help you offer immediate emotional and psychological support to individuals affected by disasters, emergencies, and other traumatic events.
Participants will learn to recognize common stress reactions, provide comfort and practical assistance, promote healthy coping strategies, and connect individuals with additional resources when needed. Grounded in the core principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA), this training emphasizes empathy, resilience, and actionable support that can be applied in a variety of settings.
Whether you're a leader, volunteer, helping professional, or simply someone who wants to support others during difficult times, this course will help you build the confidence and skills to respond effectively when it matters most.
Register today:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mk5ray2cQ6672thg2RTp6w
09/11/2026
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who showed extraordinary strength in the face of tragedy.
As leaders, we are reminded that resilience, service, and compassion are often revealed during life's most challenging moments. May we continue to lead with purpose, support one another, and never forget those impacted by this day.
08/27/2026
Devastating flash flooding has impacted communities across Nepal and Tibet. As recovery efforts begin, we invite congregations to pray, share, and respond.
Resources are now available to help your congregation support this work:
📄 Bulletin Insert https://resources.elca.org/lutheran-disaster-response/nepal-flooding-bulletin-insert/
🖥️ PowerPoint Slide:
https://resources.elca.org/lutheran-disaster-response/nepal-flooding-powerpoint-slide/
Together, we can accompany our companions and partners in Nepal with prayer, compassion, and tangible support.
Lutheran Disaster Response: Nepal Flooding Bulletin Insert - ELCA Resources File size: 0.126 mb Download
08/26/2026
We are horrified and saddened by the news coming from Nepal about the flash flooding today. The ELCA is in contact with our companions and partners in Nepal as the impact continues to unfold. We hold our companions and partners, and the people of Nepal and Tibet in prayer in this incredibly challenging time.
Let us pray:
Loving God, in the communion of Christ, we are joined with the trials and sufferings of all. Be with the people of Nepal and Tibet affected by devastating flash flooding. Protect those who remain in danger, comfort those who grieve, strengthen first responders and aid workers, and guide leaders as they coordinate relief efforts.
Surround our companions and partners with your presence and peace. In the midst of uncertainty and loss, sustain hope, courage, and resilience through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
08/26/2026
Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
08/25/2026
When disaster strikes, our response begins. When the headlines fade, our commitment remains.
Over the past two weeks, Lutheran Disaster Response has connected with partners and communities beginning the long journey of recovery after storms, flooding, wildfires and earthquakes across the United States and around the world.
From Colorado to Puerto Rico to Hawai'i, from Colombia to Ukraine, we are reminded of a simple truth: recovery takes time.
While news coverage moves on, families continue rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods and finding hope after unimaginable challenges. That's why Lutheran Disaster Response walks alongside communities not just in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but for as long as recovery takes.
We stay. Because that's what we do.
Your support helps provide relief, recovery and resilience for neighbors affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. Most importantly, it reminds survivors that they have not been forgotten.
❤️ Join us in accompanying our neighbors from day one until the work is done.
👉 Give today: https://give.elca.org/s/5920753/NZSeo7xp
https://give.elca.org/page/88370/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=utm_LDRaugust2026ealert&utm_content=082126+LDR+August+e-Alert+-+Core&ea.url.id=5920755&forwarded=true
Support Lutheran Disaster Response! Lutheran Disaster Response shares God's hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.
08/12/2026
Following Monday's 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia, Lutheran Disaster Response is working with our partner, The Lutheran World Federation , and Iglesia Evangelica Luterana de Colombia, the ELCA's companion church in Colombia as they are already assessing and responding to needs in the impacted communities.
We also continue to accompany the people of Venezuela, LWF and our companion church, IELV, in their long recovery process.
Your support and prayers are needed to assist those impacted by these earthquakes--please give generously!
Giving link: https://give.elca.org/page/99823/donate/1
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