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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Wendy Healy, 203-744-6367
Wendy@ldrny.org

LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE OF NEW YORK TO HOST INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISTS COMING TO REPORT ON COMFORT & RENEWAL AFTER 9/11

NEW YORK, N.Y. – May 28, 2003 -- More than a dozen international journalists will visit New York City in mid-July to report on the work of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York to bring comfort and renewal to those affected by 9/11.

The delegation is stopping in New York for three days on its way to the Lutheran World Federation Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada, July 21-31. LDRNY Executive Director Dr. John J. Scibilia will escort the journalists on a tour of Ground Zero and lower Manhattan, host presentations by many LDRNY program leaders, and visit LDRNY programs, including the New LIFE Center in Chinatown.

Some of the countries represented include Finland, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, Indonesia and Kenya.

“This visit really underscores the vast network that Lutherans have around the world, especially our many social ministry organizations right in New York City,” said Dr. Scibilia. “The journalists will begin their trip by staying at Seafarer’s and International House in Manhattan, a Lutheran ministry providing accommodations for seafarers and international church staff.” Seafarer’s is also the future site of the Koinonia NYC Welcome Center being developed for those going to New York to visit Ground Zero. The journalists will then get a glimpse of the dozens of programs LDRNY has provided in response to 9/11.

He will also put the journalists in touch with many of LDRNY's partners and programs it has funded, including:

• Lutheran Counseling Center
• Project LIFE
• Lutheran Schools Association
• New Ground Day Camp
• New LIFE Center
• Unmet Needs Roundtable
• New York City food assistance
• Widows and Victims Families Association
• FEMA and many others.

“We’re pleased to be able to show these journalists the hard work we’ve done over the past 21 months in response to the human need caused by 9/11,” said Scibilia. “The fact that they would travel all the way here from around the world says that our work is considered important.”