CHICAGO--The need for disaster relief persists after fire devastated thousands of acres of land and houses in Southern California last fall. Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, continues recovery efforts there, according to ELCA News.

About 750,000 acres and more than 3,600 houses were destroyed in San Bernardino, San Diego and Fullerton, Calif., said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director of Lutheran Disaster Response.

"It has been over a decade since these areas have had to work together on a major disaster response," Furst said, "so getting organized to respond is challenging."

"Some people are literally still sifting ashes, hoping to find wedding rings and other lost items. People are feeling frustrated and many unsubstantiated rumors abound," Furst said.

Lutheran Disaster Response sent grants totaling $199,654 to Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Fullerton, to facilitate case management, emergency needs and unmet needs.

"Our commitment is to be present for the long haul, which could mean a number of years," said Furst.

Furst said the California-Pacific United Methodist Conference provided $30,000 to help subsidize the hiring of case managers.

Lutheran Disaster Response and the United Methodist Conference will "co-sponsor a case worker to work with the San Pasqual Tribal Council," which reaches out to American Indians "who were affected by the fires," Furst said.

"As we approach the end of Lent, please keep our Southern California brothers and sisters in your prayers and in your hearts. For them new life is slowing rising from the ashes.

"Let us remember all God's people who are suffering the loss of life and property, that in us and through us God's strength and presence may be known," said Furst.