 Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS The Category 4 hurricane barreled in from the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, carving a deadly path of damage and debris across Florida, Georgia, the western parts of the Carolinas, and eastern Tennessee and Kentucky. By Tuesday afternoon, the storm’s death toll was nearing 160 people as search crews trudged through muck and high water looking for hundreds more who remain missing after spin-off tornadoes and flooding. This week, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and LCC Disaster Response Director Kathy O’Day have been collaborating with Rev. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response and Jay Wendland, Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinator, on when and where it is safe to deploy early responders and volunteers. LCC is also engaged in ongoing conversations with multiple LCMS pastors and local congregations. Yesterday, Rev. Singer issued a special appeal for prayer and financial support for families, individuals, and LCMS churches devastated by Helene.  Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS “We know that so many lives have been upended and torn apart. They are entering this week without loved ones, homes, power, and basic needs. They need our prayers right now,” he said. “As the waters recede and power is restored, LCC stands ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible support, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.” But until LERT camp locations are finalized, LCC will continue to monitor communication with other disaster response personnel across the affected districts. “At this time, most of these areas do not have electricity or water and some are inaccessible. Search and rescue operations are still occurring,” Deaconess O’Day said in an email to volunteers. “When we do deploy, we will need to be self-sufficient to not put a further strain on the communities we serve.” Even if power is restored in the next few days, and some disaster response teams can set up camp and coordinate the timing and arrival of heavy equipment, recovery will be long and difficult. “This process will take months to years,” Kathy O’Day said. “There will be opportunities to serve in several states and various areas — flood work, chainsaw work, debris removal, food service, spiritual and emotional care, rebuilding, showing mercy to the survivors of this catastrophic hurricane.” THE HUMAN IMPACT & HOW YOU CAN HELP  Lisa Kauffman, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., stands outside her home in Gulfport, Fla., on Oct. 1 after it sustained severe damage from Hurricane Helene. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.
Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Hurricane Helene and those who are responding with help.
Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) is calling on its supporters to pray for families and individuals affected, as well as LCC’s preparations to serve the Florida-Georgia, Southeastern, and Mid-South districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) participating in recovery efforts.
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need. Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Hurricane Helene and those who are responding with help. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are compelled to give, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!  LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
 “Preaching His gospel and serving His people in Jacmel, Haiti.” – Rev. Marky Kessa, First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jacmel, Haiti The enduring partnership between Lutheran Church Charities and Ministry In Mission and Rev. Marky Kessa, First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jacmel, Haiti, has fostered significant change in the lives of countless children and families in Haiti. Through your past generosity, we have been able to bring uplifting Vacation Bible School experiences to hundreds of children, ensuring they not only receive spiritual nourishment but also vital meals during challenging times. Your contributions have been instrumental in providing emergency food assistance during periods of civil unrest, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.  Now, Rev. Marky and his wife Sydney (pictured), who have dedicated their lives to serving others, find themselves in need. Sydney is currently battling a serious health issue, and it is imperative that we come together as a compassionate community to provide the immediate assistance they require.
Please read a plea for support from Jaclyn Rychel, Founder and President, Ministry In Mission: Dear Haiti Missionaries and Supporters: Our faithful partner Sydney Kessa (Pastor Marky’s wife) is in need of our immediate support. Sydney has been the anchor holding our projects together for over 15 years. Without her, Ministry in Mission could not function in Jacmel, Haiti. She is now in need of our support through prayer and funds to provide medical care. Recently, Sydney received a diagnosis from a physician in the United States that she has a mass in each breast. Following the advice of her oncologist, she is scheduled to undergo biopsies to determine further medical procedure. Unfortunately, with no health insurance in the U.S. and the lack of medical professionals in Haiti capable of performing this specific surgery, Sydney has decided to travel to Mexico City, where her sister is a physician and can assist her in navigating this critical journey. The estimated cost for her round-trip airfare and the necessary biopsy surgery is $7,000. To put this in perspective, had she pursued treatment in the U.S., the expenses would have soared to approximately $11,000. Many of you, our devoted Haiti supporters, have kindly offered to help in times of need. Now is the time to rally together and extend that support to Sydney. Please pray for the best outcome. Thank you very much, Jaclyn Rychel Founder and President, Ministry In Mission Let us come together as a community to uplift Pastor Marky and his wife Sydney during this challenging time. Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in her life and her ability to receive the care she urgently needs. Additionally, your prayers will provide her with the strength and comfort necessary to face this journey. Together, we can embody the spirit of compassion that defines our mission at LCC. Thank you for being part of this vital effort!  LCC Human Care received a request from Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss (pictured), President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District (NID) to help support NID's website contractor.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District is reaching out to ask for your support for Jason, our website contractor, who has been an invaluable part of our work together. Recently, Jason has been experiencing severe pain and discomfort due to issues with the muscles in his left arm, which have impacted his ability to use his hand and continue his work. He has been undergoing various medical tests and treatments to find relief, but the process has taken a toll not only on his health but also on his financial situation. Jason does not have health insurance, and medical bills have become a significant burden for him. But through it all, Jason is trusting in God as Provider and Healer. We are asking for your generosity to help Jason in this time of need. Any donation, no matter the size, will help cover the cost of his medical care and support. Jason has been a tremendous blessing to the District, and now we have an opportunity to bless him in return. Please consider making a contribution to ease his financial strain and show him the same care and support he has shown us. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and prayers for him during this time. Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss President, LCMS Northern Illinois District Your generous donations will provide Jason with crucial resources and emotional aid, helping him navigate through this difficult period. Let us stand united in love and support for Jason, reflecting the true spirit of our faith and community. |
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