The South Dakota Synod has been receiving updated information from our neighbors in the Gulf Coast Synod regarding the disaster response in the Baton Rouge, LA area.
As you may know, last week Baton Rouge received more than 20 inches of rain in a short amount of time causing the Amite River to rise exponentially. According to the American Red Cross, this is the worst US disaster since Hurricane Sandy. Twelve people have died; fourteen have been arrested for looting. Thirty thousand people have been rescued and 40,000 homes are either damaged or completely destroyed. There is still water in South Baton Rouge, which will remain until it is pumped out.
Our neighbors need our help. They are not ready for volunteers yet, but soon. What you can do to help is to donate to the Gulf Coast Synod Disaster Fund online, to the Lutheran Disaster Response online, or you can send a check with “Louisiana Flood” written in the memo line to the South Dakota Synod office and your donation will be forwarded on to the Gulf Coast Synod .
We lift up those who have been affected by the flood waters in our daily prayers and in the weekly prayers of your congregation.
Please share this updated information in how you can respond with your congregations. The South Dakota Synod will continue to keep you updated with any new information that comes out from the Gulf Coast Synod.
Photo Credit: Gulf Coast Synod, Bishop Michael Rinehart
