Special plea for help from Pastor Alan Rider:
This past weekend Indiana has gone through a devastating round of weather with tornadoes and now flooding. Twenty-nine counties have been declared a disaster area. So many people are really hurting at this moment. Some of these people had planned to host students this fall and now may not be able to do this.
I am asking for your help. Over half of our district is under water or destroyed by the tornadoes. I am trying to work with all of the families affected by this disaster in any way that I can. Please help us to find homes for these students. Indiana has always been such a wonderful place to welcome students from around the world. I do not want the elements to keep us from welcoming these fine young people to our towns.
More information from Sharon Strasser 1-800-872-0200 opt 1 x 245
Youth for Understanding USA , Southern Indiana
I'd appreciate it if you could include the following announcement in the next bulletin at your church. I have also included some of the Lutheran children that will be included in the group. I thought that one of these great church-going kids might be a welcome addition to a family in your congregation next year! Your local schools are currently open to exchange students, and so we are trying to spread the word to nice local families, in order to get the kids all quickly situated (so they can complete their visa application process).
If anyone asks about hosting, families come in all shapes and sizes, either two-parent or single-parent, with or without children of all ages. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks so much---it takes a lot of caring people to make sure all the kids are taken care of!