God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Earlier this week, a two-mile-wide tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., claiming many lives and leaving behind a devastating trail of destruction. Plaza Towers Elementary School stood right in the path of the storm's 166-200 mph winds.
 
 Many Oklahoma residents already were recovering from storms even before Monday's tornado hit -- hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed this weekend as 28 tornadoes touched down throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Illinois and Iowa. As strong winds and warm fronts continue to move across the nation, the threat for future tornado outbreaks is looming.

Your help is needed to bring hope to our sisters and brothers in need. Lutheran Disaster Response affiliates are already on the ground, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the tornadoes. We already know it will be a long road to recovery, and your gifts are needed now to begin coordinating volunteers, rebuilding homes and offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need.

Please give now. Your gifts designated to "U.S. Tornadoes" through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely -- 100 percent -- to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Thank you for your gifts, your prayers and your partnership.

In service to Christ,

 
The Rev. Daniel Rift

Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal 

Find more resources and information at www.ELCA.org/disaster.