The following was sent from Rev. Steven Ullestad, Bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod on June 9, 2008:

Northeastern Iowa is among those who have been hit hard by the floods with more rain anticipated throughout the week.

Mason City is the largest community that has been flooded so far.  The river has crested at three feet higher than the previous record.  The entire community of 40,000 is without running water, which means no one can flush toilets.  You can imagine the impact on everyone, particularly nursing homes/care facilities and the hospital.  The hospital has canceled all surgeries that were scheduled.  All restaurants have closed.

Prayers and gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response are greatly appreciated.

Send gifts to:  Lutheran Disaster Response

                          P. O. Box 71764

                          Chicago,  IL  60694-1764

                          1-800-638-3522