October 4, 2005
Dear friends from Texas and the Gulf Coast,
Salaam and grace to you, our sisters and brothers in Christ, from Jerusalem and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. So many of you have been steadfast friends of our synod in our good times and in the struggles here. In this time of trial for you, during what will surely be a long and arduous recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I want you to know that you are deeply in our hearts and prayers.
It must be a huge undertaking to begin to care for all of the people whose lives have been disrupted and even destroyed by the disasters. I thank God that you and others can be the arms of Christ in the midst of it, giving the comfort, support and healing of the gospel to those in need.
St. Paul writes that when one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer. May our prayers and thoughts be joined with all the others from around the world to build up your strength and wholeness as God brings healing through you in this difficult time.
May God give you courage and vision to keep the faith and run the long race in the days and months ahead in your rebuilding and recovery.
Your Brother in Christ,
Bishop Munib Younan