WELS members join fight against flooding
Filed Under: Committee on Relief, flood, Minnesota, North Dakota, WELS relief
Members of Shepherd of the Valley in West Fargo, N.D., and Ascension, Moorhead, Minn., have joined other community volunteers and National Guard members to fill more than 3 million sandbags since Mar. 22, using them to build and fortify dikes in Fargo, Moorhead, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
"It's been really neat to see how people are getting together and helping each other," says Rev. David Bitter from Shepherd of the Valley. "I sandbagged at some members' houses but also just wherever I was sent. It doesn't matter who they are; you just want to help them."
The Red River crested at a record 40.82 ft. on Mar. 28, causing widespread flooding that drew national headlines. Both churches were spared; however, some members were evacuated from their homes and are now dealing with water damage.
According to Bitter, flooding is common in this area, but this was the worst the region has seen.
WELS Committee on Relief has granted $10,000—$5,000 to each congregation—to help with relief work in those areas.
As clean-up work continues, weather forecasters are predicting that the river will crest again in the next few weeks due to melting snow and spring rains.
"I have had many phone calls over the past week from people all around the country saying that we have been included in their prayers. We're thankful for that and thankful that the Lord has answered those prayers," says Bitter. "We continue to trust that he will take care of us."
