Brethren Disaster Ministries opens Minnesota project.

In response to flooding in southeastern Minnesota in late August, Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with the Church of the Brethren's Northern Plains District to begin working in the Rushford, Minn., area. A weather system produced heavy rains in the upper midwest as remnants of Tropical Storm Erin made their way inland, producing major flooding across a broad area. Storms downed trees and power lines, and an estimated 1,500 homes were damaged.

There is an immediate need for volunteers to begin reconstruction before the cold weather sets in. Work will include repair or installation of insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, and painting. During the winter months the project will operate on a week-by-week basis, requiring volunteers to be flexible. The disaster project director will be Dave Engel, and volunteer housing and meals will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rushford. Each volunteer group will be limited to 15 volunteers. Call Jane Yount, 800-451-4407, to schedule a volunteer group.

The Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects of Brethren Disaster Ministries continue in Chalmette and Pearl River, La. For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM.

Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline