The Trinity Lutheran Church assisted the local Red Cross chapter by obtaining a $5,000 grant from Lutheran World Relief and Human Care to help defray the cost of aid rendered to the victims of the Big Cedar tornado that occurred on April 9, 2009. The Red Cross provided relief to the six families, helping with food, clothing and shelter. Two of the 29 people that received assistance were hospitalized because of their injuries. Two families stayed in motels for a few days until they could arrange for stable housing.
The tornado that struck this rural group of families 10 miles east of Big Cedar did major damage to hundreds of dwellings in Mena, Arkansas later that day.
Federal, state, and emergency response teams expended major relief efforts in Mena, while for the Big Cedar families, the Red Cross did most of the work, assisted by the local ministerial alliance, Kibois, and generous local community individuals.
Because of the poor situation and lack of other resources to lean on, the Red Cross spent much more than usual for the number of families affected. So Red Cross fundraiser, Billie Lester, contacted Trinity Lutheran seeking grant assistance. After several weeks of communications with LWR-HC, Pastor Glenn Meyer was able to work through the process to obtain the grant award.
Trinity Lutheran Church reaches out to people in Southeast Oklahoma all the way to Arkansas and Texas through a satellite ministry in Clayton, Oklahoma, according to Glenn Meyer, pastor of Trinity Lutheran.
“It can be hard for folks in the less populated Southeastern region of the state be noticed when disaster strikes. We are blessed to have a Red Cross chapter that goes all out to help people in need, no matter if they are in McAlester or far out of the city. These families got desperately need help that no ones else was able to give. Being a part of the aid is a great privilege for our church,” he said.
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, a mission ministry of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is based in St. Louis, Missouri. It is a vibrant ministry of hope, sharing Christ’s mercy with people in need worldwide. The agency enhanced relationships with international partners in recent years, and continues to award grants to domestic and international partners for projects that benefit communities in need.
For example, in 2005, LCMS WR-HC coordinated multi-million dollar responses after the tsunami in Asia and hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. During the past three years, over $25 million was awarded through more than 650 U.S. and international grants.
Local News
Local Lutherans offer help to tornado victims
- Local News
-
-
Foul tasting water won't last
McAlester’s drinking water is safe to drink and the color, taste and smell will improve soon, according to Pete Stasiak McAlester city manager.
-
Alexix Futisha is named Little Miss Choctaw
McAlester’s Alexis Futisha has been named Little Miss Choctaw for District 11.
-
From the Capitol: Talk about fiscal irresponsibility
Will Rogers said, “I love a dog — he does nothing for political reasons.”
-
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma signs lease in McAlester
The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma has found a location and will be moving to McAlester possibly as soon as July, according to Susan Tilkin director of communications for the organization.
-
Rescued horses doing well
Quarter horses rescued in July by the Pittsburg County Sheriffs department are doing well, according to Joel Kerns Pittsburg County Sheriff.
-
Lt. Gov. Lamb lauds region for Work Ready Certification
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb stopped by the Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester on Friday to help celebrate the teaming of 15 Southeastern Oklahoma counties as Oklahoma’s Premier Certified Work Ready Region.
-
School board president steps down
A seat on McAlester Public School’s Board of Education has been vacated by President Anne Walker, who has left the position after 15 years, according to MPS Public Relations Specialist Debbie Watkins.
-
From the Capitol: OSP closing F cellhouse
Monday evening the governor put out a press release titled, “Budget Deal Reached: Fallin and Legislative Leaders Announce Fiscally Conservative Budget with Targeted Funding Increases.”
-
Three local men dismissed from grand theft charges
Three Pittsburg County men were dismissed from theft related charges Monday (May 21) in Pittsburg County District Court.
-
Gas prices down, police patrols up for Memorial weekend
Gas prices are down this Memorial weekend but the people expected to be on the road is up and so are the number of patrol officers on duty.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Man Rescued From River in China
Beyonce Entertains the First Family
Celtics crush Sixers in Game 7
Alleged Lego Thief Faces Felony Charges
Has Snooki Named Her Baby?
Heat Wave Warms Holiday Weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
