On January 25, a 500 feet wide, 150 mph EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 9.5 miles through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction that killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. They are now one of the churches in this community that have committed to serving the disaster-affected residents for the long road of recovery they are currently facing.

Pastor Ed Brashier wishes to express his appreciation to Lutheran Church Charities and its donors for the financial assistance already received that was used to help with immediate needs and temporary housing costs for church members affected by the tornado. Lutheran Church Charities has been asked to help provide additional financial assistance for several families from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and community members that suffered a loss of their homes, belongings, and livelihoods. This financial assistance will help families with hotel costs, rent, and security deposits.

Tom is a resident referred to Messiah Lutheran Church by the City of Fultondale, Alabama. He has lost his home and the cars he drove and was working on. He had no insurance and was so appreciative of the $500 Pastor Ed Brashier gave to him to extend his stay in a hotel until such time as he can purchase an RV to live in on his property. Messiah intends to continue to show the mercy and presence of Jesus Christ to this resident in need.
 
Pastor Ed Brashier and Good Shepherd’s L.E.R.T. team began assisting homeowners within hours after the tornado struck. They are helping residents sort and move the debris to the street for city pickup and are beginning to assist with the demolition of homes that were significantly damaged by the tornado and deemed uninhabitable.
 
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving their disaster-affected congregation, school, and community members in the name of Jesus Christ through this long-term recovery process. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Good Shepherd support these families as they recover from this devastating disaster.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was invited by Immanuel Lutheran School, Batavia, Illinois, to visit with 10 classrooms from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

On Monday, February 8, seventeen teams of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers came together from all around the country to spend time with the students and teachers through Zoom:

Even though the K-9 Comfort Dogs could not be there in person, they are still great listeners, with warm brown eyes and unconditional love for students and teachers during these unusual times. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams enjoyed visiting and making new friends with the students and staff of Immanuel Lutheran School in Batavia. We hope to visit with them again soon.

LCC K-9 Ministry supports students and teachers and would love to set up a virtual visit.
 
CLICK HERE to request a virtual visit with an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog.

Pictured from the left are Lophane Laurent, Field Director with Mission Haiti, and Pastor LaVenture. Pastor LaVenture lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, but serves an impoverished congregation high in the mountains. He travels there a couple of times a week up terrible rocky roads that could be considered wide goat paths on the back of a motorcycle taxi that may or may not be well maintained.
 
Having his own transportation will save him a great deal of money and give him more independence and flexibility to serve his congregation. He is immensely grateful and praises God for those who have shared their resources so generously.

On January 25, a 500 feet wide, 150 mph EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 9.5 miles through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction that killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. He and his church’s L.E.R.T. team began assisting homeowners within hours after the tornado struck.

Lutheran Church Charities immediately contacted Pastor Brashier to offer assistance. LCC provided some immediate financial aid for families as he was doing the initial assessments. Pastor Ed Brashier was very appreciative of the $1,000 that was received initially.
 
Lutheran Church Charities has been asked to help provide additional financial assistance for families from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church who were directly impacted by the tornado and have significant damage to their homes. This includes four families that need to relocate and purchase housing and personal items as they deal with the long-term recovery process. Several other congregation member families have tree and yard damage only.
 
Mr. and Mrs. L. and family had just recently moved into the community. They were all in bed when they heard the warning siren and were able to take cover just before the tornado struck. They are very thankful that they were not hurt. They are in the process of packing everything they can save and taking inventory. They know they will be out of their home for a long time as repairs are made, but trust that God will continue to care for them.

The last family is a retired couple who serves as an elder, plays in the praise band, and helps run the church food pantry. They had extensive damage to their roof, home interior, and yard damage.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving their disaster-affected congregation, school, and community members in the name of Jesus Christ, as all begin the long-term recovery process. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Good Shepherd support these families as they recover from the horrific disaster.

For more information about becoming an Apprentice Trainer, please email k9trainers@LutheranChurchCharities.org, call 866-455-6466 ext. 118 or visit our website https://luthcc.org/traink9s.