Photo courtesy of WMAZ

While still in the early stages of mobilizing relief for Gatlinburg, TN in the wake of recent destructive fires, disaster has struck the south Georgia area.  We have confirmed reports from Albany, GA that members of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour have been impacted by the weekend tornadoes.  Lutheran Church of our Saviour meets at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Albany.  Members of St. Patrick's have also been impacted.  Among those who suffered loss, each congregation has a member whose home was destroyed. 

In addition, tornadoes in Hattiesburg, MS over the weekend destroyed hundreds of homes. The building from which our synod's local disaster response has been coordinated was spared; however, buildings across the street from it were destroyed.  Our synod's disaster ministry volunteers have been active in Hattiesburg and other areas of Mississippi following floods in early 2016.  We also continue to support the long term recovery effort in the Savannah, GA area from the October 2016 hurricane.