WELS is offering relief aid in the aftermath of the tornado in Joplin, Mo., on May 22 and the tornados that ripped through Alabama last month.

Christian Aid and Relief has granted $5,000 in aid to Faith Lutheran, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Carthage, about 11 miles east of Joplin.  Pastor Timothy Buelow reports four families from the church live in Joplin.  He’s made contact with all of them and they are safe.  However, a 20-year-old woman living with her mother lost everything when their apartment building was destroyed.  Buelow says the top priority for the relief is to aid that family.

Meantime, a group of WELS volunteers sponsored by WELS Christian Aid and Relief has begun cleanup efforts near Huntsville, Ala.

Two volunteers from congregations in the Appleton, Wis., area were joined by two volunteers from Christ Our Savior Lutheran in Columbia, Tenn., May 24 to help with cleanup efforts in a neighborhood near Lamb of God Lutheran in Madison, Ala., just west of Huntsville.  They’re set to be joined by another 20-25 volunteers from Christ Our Savior May 28.

The volunteers have begun clearing debris from around the home of Wade Schubring  - a member of Lamb of God whose home suffered repairable structural damage.  He and his wife and two children escaped the tornado unharmed.  “It’s a great thing they can come help us,” says Schurbring.  “It’s just a blessing they’re able to donate their time and resources.”

When the larger group of volunteers arrives, cleanup may extend to other homes in the Schubring’s neighborhood.  “The cleanup in some of these neighborhoods has only just begun,” says Joni Gruber, a member of Saving Grace who is organizing the congregation for this effort.   “To have outside people come in and give local people a break is very helpful.  To say the very least, we’re appreciative.  Our neighbors are in trouble.”

Support WELS tornado relief efforts through Christian Aid and Relief.  Donate online or send a check to WELS Christian Aid and Relief, 2929 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee WI, 53222-4398.