A letter of LWF General Secretary Rev. M. Junge expressing words of comfort on the occasion of the d

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

It is with deep pain that we follow the daily news on the catastrophic floodings in the Czech Republic and in many parts of Central Europe. Our compassion is with the many people who had to leave their homes and take refuge in shelters. We are touched by the despair of people who have suffered great material destruction. And we are mourning with the families and church communities over the loss of beloved family members, friends and Neighbors. On behalf of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), I wish to express the heartfelt condolences of the LWF.

As community of faith we value each person and pray that those who lost their loved ones can grieve while recovering until they again rebuild and settle home. May they sense the presence of God in their suffering and gain new strength through faith in God’s compassion. May Christ lead them and open up to them new perspectives and ways forward, especially were we humans may only see the end. We entrust the victims of the flood catastrophe to God’s heart, may he care for them and convey to them the energy of hope needed to reconstruct life.

In these days, our thankfulness is with the numerous helpers who, day and night, commit to protection measures against the waters and to bring people into safe places. And we think in thankfulness of the many volunteers, neighbors and members of church communities, and pastors, who remain at the sides of those who need comfort and support, or a meal and a warm place for the night. God be with them all, encourage and empower them for their service to their neighbor.

We know that your church can offer words of comfort, peace and hope, and spiritual guidance to persons who have difficult path ahead. I pray for the churches in the Czech Republic so that wisdom and courage can guide their pastoral work among people in grieve and recovering. The Lutheran World Federation – A Communion of Churches 5 June 2013

In scriptures we read:

“God is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

God is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm27:1)

In Christ,

Rev. Martin Junge
General Secretary