Lutheran Disaster Response

06/18/2026

On June 20, we observe World Refugee Day, a time to honor the courage and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes.

Today, global displacement is at historic levels, driven by conflict, violence, and crisis. Behind every number is a story of loss, strength, and hope. This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to support refugees and ensure they are treated with dignity and compassion.

Learn more about why World Refugee Day matters and how we can stand in solidarity with our neighbors around the world.

👉 https://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/world-refugee-day-a-call-to-accompaniment-justice-and-hope/

World Refugee Day raises awareness of global displacement and the need to protect refugees’ rights and dignity.

06/12/2026

As hurricane season begins, we are reminded that the call to love our neighbors doesn't begin when a storm arrives. It begins now: in preparation, in prayer, and in faithful action.

When we help prepare congregations, local partners and communities to respond to disasters, we embody Christ's call to accompany our neighbors with foresight, compassion, and steadfast care.

Your generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response helps make that preparation possible. Will you make a gift today to ensure that no one is left behind before, during or after a disaster?

Your gifts in support of Lutheran Disaster Response help our church provide immediate relief, such as water, clothing, gift cards, tarps and other needs.

06/11/2026

Hurricane season is here and preparedness saves lives. 🌧️🌀

While forecasts suggest a below-average 2026 season, it only takes one storm to change everything. Now is the time to prepare your home, your family, and your community.

Our latest blog from Lutheran Disaster Response shares:

✅ What to expect this hurricane season
✅ Simple steps to protect your household
✅ Ways your congregation and community can be ready

Preparedness is an act of love for our neighbors. 💙

🔗 Read more: https://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/marking-the-start-of-hurricane-season-preparedness-as-an-act-of-care/

Hurricane season is here. Learn practical steps from Lutheran Disaster Response to help individuals, families, and communities stay prepared.

06/10/2026

Reposting from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: "Happy Pride Month! "Give thanks to God for the gifts, wisdom, leadership and faith of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and siblings in Christ. Ask the Spirit to embolden us as we work together for justice, total inclusion and love for humanity in all its diversity." —Prayer Venture

06/04/2026

How do Christians remain faithful in times of war? What does resilience look like when daily life is shaped by uncertainty and loss?

Join the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ for an international webinar on the War in Ukraine - Faith, Resistance, and Resilience, featuring Prof. Dr. Dmytro Tsolin (Ukraine), Rev. Rachel Eskesen, Director for the ELCA Global Mission Europe Desk, and voices from Poland, Germany and the United States as we reflect together on faith, solidarity, and Christian witness in the midst of war.

Topics will include:

• Living as a Christian during wartime
• Faith, hope, and spiritual resilience in challenging times
• The reality of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine today
• Solidarity across borders: what truly helps?

The webinar will include a keynote address, international responses, questions from the audience, devotion and a closing prayer.

Come, listen, and learn about the experiences of our sisters and brothers in Ukraine and what it means to stand in solidarity with them.

05/28/2026

When a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar in March 2025, entire communities were left reeling, homes destroyed, livelihoods lost, and access to clean water uncertain.

But even in the face of devastation, hope is rising. Through the support of Lutheran Disaster Response, the ACT Alliance, and Lutheran World Federation, families are rebuilding, not just their homes, but their dignity, resilience, and future.

From restoring clean water to helping families start again, these stories remind us of the strength found in community.

Read more about how resilience is taking root in Myanmar via the link below:

After a devastating March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, communities rebuild with humanitarian support restoring homes, livelihoods, and hope.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, Lutheran Disaster Response gives thanks for the brave women and men who laid down their lives in service to others.

As people of faith, we are reminded of the call to love our neighbors and serve with compassion. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by continuing this work walking alongside communities in times of disaster, bringing hope, healing, and Christ’s love where it’s needed most.

Today, we remember. We give thanks. And we commit ourselves to serving in ways that reflect their legacy of selfless service.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

05/22/2026

In the first week of May 2022, severe storms and flash flooding swept through Eastern Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction across multiple counties. In Muskogee alone, more than seven inches of rain fell in a single day, overwhelming homes, properties, and communities. Thousands of households were impacted, many of them uninsured and uncertain of how they would recover.

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) partnered with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma to support unmet needs from the storms. Together, this collaboration became a source of hope for families facing overwhelming loss.

Today, we celebrate a milestone: every household served through this project has now completed their recovery.

Read the full story below:

LDR partnered with Catholic Charities of Eastern OK to support storm recovery in Muskogee, bringing hope to families facing devastating loss.

05/22/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has released a statement on the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

“As the ELCA, we must speak plainly: violence rooted in hatred is sin. We condemn Islamophobia and acknowledge its rise in recent years. Our church affirms that “anti-Muslim hatred is antithetical to our Christian faith” (A Declaration of the ELCA to the Muslim Community), for we are called to love our neighbor in ways that cast out fear (1 John 4:18).”

Read the full statement through the link in the comments below.

05/20/2026

This past week, we had the privilege of partnering with LDR Carolinas to host a Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Care (MESS) Basic in collaboration with MESS Ministries.

MESS Basic is a disaster response training designed for clergy, lay leaders, and community responders. Participants are equipped with practical skills to serve in both stabilizing roles (addressing immediate, short-term needs following a disaster) and support roles, providing ongoing care in the weeks, months, and even years after an event.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and for their commitment to walking alongside their communities in times of crisis. Your dedication makes a lasting difference!