Storm Sanctuary - Lutheran Congregations Offering Temporary Care for Hurricane Evacuees

By Peggy Hahn

A special invitation for a pilot project, to be a Storm Sanctuary by providing temporary care for hurricane victims, is being tested this year.

 

After listening to two elderly couples from Bethlehem in Beaumont recount their hurricane story last fall, sharing the horror of the 24 hours they spent in their car at a gas station in Columbus, Texas, I couldn't help but think we could do better for our Lutheran brothers and sisters. This couple (and their dog) slept over night (sort of) as they, and the gas station and many others, were out of gas. I couldn't help but ask if they had considered going to the Lutheran Church in Columbus for assistance. Tears poured down their cheeks when they admitted they had never thought of that.

 

Hurricane season is ahead and the predictions are worth noticing. There is anticipation of up to 12 hurricanes in the Gulf, enough for us to think we could be facing a tough season. Of course we won't know where they will come on land until a day or two out, but we can begin to prepare now. You may want to consider this pilot because of your geographic location, facilities and in some cases, proximity to evacuation routes.

 

This pilot project is about caring for our brothers and sisters in our church during a storm by becoming a Storm Sanctuary.

 

For he will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. (NLT)

 

Being a place of temporary care for Lutheran evacuees on the road is a huge gift during a storm. This is different from being a Red Cross Shelter or a shelter at all. The expectation is for a place to sleep (even without beds,) for something to eat (not necessarily a hot meal) for less than a week of shelter. This is not a long-term commitment, though it will certainly impact the life of your congregation. This is not a public announcement to the whole gulf coast.

 

If your congregation is interested in becoming Storm Sanctuary, contact Peggy Hahn. We want all the members of our synod to know that if they are forced to evacuate due to an oncoming hurricane, there may be a nearby congregation willing to host them for the night.