Please keep in your prayers the members of Faith Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Iowa, as well as the entire community of Parkersburg. Pastor Dan Finn of Waterloo, Iowa, serves the Parkersburg congregation. He has written the following message for the members of our synod.

President Moldstad and ELS brethren,

As you are no doubt aware, a tornado struck Parkersburg this past Sunday evening.  It traveled west to east, following a line corresponding approximately to highway 57 on the south side of town, although it veered north a little bit as it went east.  The tornado very narrowly missed the church building (by only 100 yards or so), which is very fortunate since everything that was in its path was completely destroyed.  So, Faith's church building sustained only very minor damage.  However, five homes of Faith's members were destroyed, including two young families with small children.  However, we thank God endlessly that none of Faith's members were harmed.  There were seven fatalities in Parkersburg and the surrounding communities, and in a small town such as this one, everyone knows some if not all of the ones who were killed.  It was a very frightening experience from which the town will be recovering for months and years to come.  It is definitely also a reminder to us all to cherish our heavenly treasures and to place our confidence in what is certain: the hope of heaven that we have through Christ our Savior, who has demonstrated God's love once and for all by redeeming us out of this world.

In His name,

Pastor Dan Finn

If people wish to contribute to a fund that will assist those affected by the Parkersburg tornado, we urge you to use either of the following avenues:

Parkersburg Tornado Relief
ELS Board for Christian Service
6 Browns Court
Mankato MN 56001


Hawkeye Chapter, American Red Cross
2530 University Ave
Waterloo, IA  50701
(319)234-6831
 
When donating to the Red Cross, please write "Parkersburg" in the memo line of the check.