Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
We pray that you and your members are as safe and as sound as possible after yesterday’s windstorm. DTE Energy has approached us with a request to contact you regarding the power outages in Southeastern Michigan. There are currently 700,000 people in eleven counties without power and it is not certain how long it will be before power is completely restored.
DTE understands that not everyone can be reached with the information that is being shared by other media, so they are looking to faith-based entities to work through their communication channels and/or personal connections to get the word out to members and those in their community. It could be days before a DTE truck arrives and power is restored, so please consider alternatives to “waiting it out” as temperatures will be dropping significantly. DTE is concerned for everyone, especially senior citizens.
As your District Disaster Response Coordinators, Rev. Gary Richards and I suggest a few ways that you, a church leader, can be of service:
- Use your available communication avenues to get DTE’s word out to your members, it is going to be a while before power is restored;
- Remember your shut-ins. Please make contact to assess their needs, especially in light of medical equipment;
- If your church has power and can be safely accessed, consider ways of becoming a warming station and/or serve meals;
- Remind your members to be compassionately aware of their neighbors and assist where able;
- Join in praying for those affected by the windstorm and the utility workers as they mobilize to restore power.
May God be with you as you reach out with the love of Christ to those in need.
In Christ,
Dr. Bruce Braun & Rev. Gary Richards
Michigan District, LCMS Disaster Coordinators
