Back from the wasteland...

I use the title, "wasteland" not because the New Orleans area is a waste, but rather that it is wasted. It hasn't changed dramatically since I was down there in August, and I learn more during my 2.1 weeks down there why. We are broken people - like that's a surprise!

The federal, state, and local governments are still continuing to point fingers, cheap-out, and simply turn a blind eye to the horrific damage and pain in the area. This is not to say that some good is not happening, but damn it, if we can spend the quadrillion-billions in Iraq and Afghanistan, why is it so hard to do so down there to get it right!?

Then there is the church, the Lutheran church to be exact. The Lutheran church through Lutheran Disaster Response has done many wonderful things for those on the edges, those that have been forgotten about, those that fell through the cracks. But I am struggling with the Lutheran church's response to its own - its congregations and its pastors that have been so devastatingly impacted. And as I say this, many congregations and synods throughout the country have been so helpful, helping to pay the salaries of those impacted, as regular offerings, etc...could not carry cost of buildings, programs, and rostered pastors. But I need to ask the question, what happens when that support dries up? What becomes of that support when, God forbid, the next disaster hits? One would think, and in speaking with many back in OH, VA, and MD many think that LDR is helping out with the rebuilding of the churches and the homes of the pastors. Well, I learned on this trip that that is not the case. A couple churches are still not rebuilt, several pastors are still living in FEMA trailers, or out of state (commuting from TN to LA!!!) And I have to ask, what does this say to the community? Where is the church? Is there a place to gather together and "go out" from? What about the sheep-dogs of the congregations, those that are called to help care for and equip other sisters and brothers to "go out" - why are we not caring for them?

I am brought to the image of the body of Christ. We are all linked together, and when one suffers, so do the others. But why do we leave out members of the body from the care and support that is needed for them to be fully active, contributing, and equipped members? Because they make too much money!? Try buying a home in the area now, with the cost of land and shells of building sky rocketing.!

Anyway...I will post again about this, but I needed to get some of it out there. Check out the team blog we set up while down there at www.churchrespondstodisaster.blogspot.com

Please remember those affected by Katrina and Rita this holiday season. It is going to be 10-25 years before a 'normalcy' is regained...If you are considering donating money I would suggest: Peace Lutheran Church, Slidell, LA; Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, LA; a Lutheran church out in Long Shore, MS (can't recall the name, Rev. Barb Hunter is the pastor) or Lutheran Disaster Relief (they are doing some good, really.)