2005 Synod Assembly

Sime Speaks on Disaster Response

(Live Update added 9:50 a.m., Saturday, May 7, 2005)

Kathryn Sime, who directs the ELCA's World Hunger and Disaster Appeal, spoke about crisis relief Saturday at the 18th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

Sime said the most dramatic example of successful crisis relief was the ELCA's response to the Southeast Asian tsunami. She said ELCA members gave overwhelming support to the unprecedented disaster that occurred Dec. 26, 2004.

"As the news trickled in that day," she said, "each time I heard a news report, I kept thinking 'Okay, this is as bad as it could get.'"

But the death toll continued to rise – eventually reaching 227,000. Most of the deaths were recorded in Indonesia.

"It was truly heartbreaking to keep hearing that news throughout that week," Sime said, "but I also got to experience the heartwarming side of that."

Sime said ELCA members across America inundated her office with calls, letters and gifts. She said scores of people immediately wanted to know how to help, starting a torrent of support that continues today.

As of April, more than $8 million had been raised for tsunami relief. That number includes a $765,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Sime repeatedly thanked Assembly attendants for their donations and prayers. She encouraged congregations and individuals to continue giving and help other needy communities, both foreign and domestic.

"Thank you for your continued generosity," she said. "Remember your neighbors around the world and around the corner."

For more information about ELCA Disaster Response activities, visit http://www.elca.org/disaster/

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2005 Assembly photo album