April 9, 2008

CHICAGO – International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $50,000 to help meet the basic needs of people in Eritrea. Emerging from three decades of conflict and recurring drought conditions, the damage to Eritrea's economy is immense.

The ELCA sent the funds to Action by Churches Together (ACT) for implementation by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which issued an appeal for funds, said Dr. Belletech Deressa, director, international development and disaster response, ELCA Global Mission. The governor of the Debub zone of Eritrea sought financial assistance from LWF World Service to "provide lifesaving assistance" to more than 8,100 people who are moving to new resettlement areas, she said. Drought conditions in Debub and the Areza sub-zone have caused a shortage in drinking water for people and livestock.

"Eritrea remains in the grip of an emergency that has been prolonged and deepened by recurring droughts" and the stalemate over a two-year border war with Ethiopia, said Deressa. The damage to Eritrea's economic activities from these circumstances is immense, she added.

Coordinated by ELCA Global Mission, International Disaster Response channels its funds through international church organizations and relief agencies. Funds provide for food, medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other materials for survivors of disasters.

ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergency situations worldwide. It is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the LWF, both in Geneva. The ELCA is a member of the WCC and LWF.

ELCA News Service