"A pure act of Christian love"

6/24/2026

Romanian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN, blessed by the quick work
of LCC Disaster Response crews after enduring direct hit from EF-2 tornado

The tornado struck with considerable force — passing directly over the Romanian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN.

The damage it left was significant, splitting multiple large trees on the property, impaling the roof of the parish house, and throwing debris around the church’s main building.

The church’s priest, Father Daniel Radu, and parishioners began the cleanup effort but were quickly overwhelmed at its scope and complexity.

Then LCC Disaster Response volunteers from Trinity Crown Point, IN, arrived.

“They gave us one of the most generous gifts we have ever received — their time, their labor, and their hearts,” Father Radu wrote in a message to his congregation.

The damage required two lifts and some of the most technical rigging skills possible. After two 9-hour days of cutting, clearing, and removing debris, the grounds of the church and its parking lot were restored and safe.

“These extraordinary volunteers worked without stopping. … They asked for nothing in return. Their work was a pure act of Christian love and neighborly kindness that moved our entire parish to tears of gratitude,” Father Radu shared in his message. “We are humbled and deeply grateful. Their generosity is a shining example of faith in action.”

LCC also left a keepsake — a slice of wood from one of the fallen trees, signed by all the volunteers.

A reminder of the day faith and community came together.

The wood slice now hangs in the church as a permanent reminder.

Elsewhere in Merrillville, LCC Disaster Response volunteers were deployed to neighborhoods across the city of 36,000 to assess damage, bring chainsaw expertise, and remove considerable debris. More than 200 homes have been damaged, as well as a high school and middle school.

The storms that hit two weeks ago spun off 20 tornadoes across the two states, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. The tornado that swept through Merrillville was estimated to have wind speeds of up to 120 mph. Other areas saw twisters ranging from EF-1 strength to EF-3.

That’s meant many locations needing damage assessment.

Last week, Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Josh Osbun, Indiana District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers from Indiana and Illinois assessed 64 sites and completed 35, as of June 22.

“The damage is widespread and the destruction is overwhelming to those living here,” O’Day said. “As we are serving as the hands and feet of Christ, we are bringing His presence, hope and compassion to a hurting people.”

The response from the township and county is deep appreciation.

“They’re so grateful for not only clearing their properties but listening to their stories, offering prayers, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ,” she said.

LERT volunteers helped one family by removing a large tree from their deck that also had broken through their back door. Crews went to the hardware store and bought plywood to board up her door, so she could feel safe and assured that no one would enter her house.

Afterwards, the homeowner texted: “What was done at our home looks 100% better that it did. We thank God for Christians such as yourself and the team. Your love for Christ shines bright!”

Another homeowner had several feet of downed trees and limbs covering the entire back yard. With a lot of quick work, the team working at her home was able to “find” her yard again.

Although she will have to repair her deck, she is happy that is has been cleared.

Several towns and churches in the Northern Illinois District also have reached out to LCC for assistance, including Streator, IL, where LCC LERT and three K-9 Comfort Dog teams served at the LaSalle County-sponsored MARC (multi-agency resource center).

Wherever they served, LERT volunteers were welcomed by many of the homeowners as they returned each day to make progress up and down the street.

“We were told several times how much of a blessing we have been to them. All of us feel it is a blessing to serve,” O’Day said.