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Responding to Devastation Eleven LCC LERT volunteers from the South Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Districts served this past week in Edwardsburg, MI—a community heavily impacted by EF3 tornadoes on March 10. Tragically, this storm claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left many families displaced, with homes and properties suffering varying levels of damage. Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Pastor Paul Doellinger of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cassopolis, MI, to assist the neighboring community with chainsaw work. The church graciously hosted the LERT volunteers. Led by Mark Brueggemann, LCC Regional Crisis Manager (SWD), the team served at six homes during their deployment.  Restoring Property and Hope for an Elderly Widow One of the team’s most impactful visits was to the home of an elderly widow whose property was covered with fallen trees. Her son, overwhelmed by the destruction of the home he grew up in, walked the team through the damage, repeatedly asking, “Where do I even begin?” The LERT volunteers stepped in with compassion and determination, working diligently to restore order and safety. Their efforts brought not only physical relief but emotional comfort. At the end of the day, they presented the widow with a slice of one of her trees, carved with a cross and signed by the team. Overjoyed, she shared, “I can’t believe what you accomplished in just one day! Many thanks to all of you!” While the team could not solve every challenge the family faced, they brought the presence, hope, and love of Jesus to those they served.  Helping Neighbors Rebuild and Feel Safe Again The team also worked at two neighboring properties. At the first site, although some trees had already been removed by insurance crews, significant debris remained along the fence line. Volunteers cleared downed trees and limbs, restoring safety and accessibility. Next door, a home had been severely damaged by large trees during the tornado. The homeowners and their four dogs had taken shelter inside during the storm—thankfully escaping injury, though understandably shaken. The property still required extensive chainsaw and pole saw work to remove dangerous hanging limbs and fallen trees. Both homeowners expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts and care. One even treated the team to pastries from a local bakery—a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. It was truly a day of being a blessing to those in need.
 A Grateful Community Response At another site, the volunteers assisted Mr. B by removing two downed trees near his pond and clearing two trees leaning dangerously over railroad tracks behind his home. As with others, they presented him with a cross-carved slice of wood. Later, he shared this message on social media: “I received some much appreciated help from some volunteers from the Lutheran Church today. They cut up and cleared some trees and brush on my property from the tornado. They came from Wisconsin and truly cared for me while here. They even presented me with a plaque they made from my cut wood. God bless them all!”
Serving with Willing Hearts
LCC Disaster Response extends sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers for their faithful and compassionate service: Illinois
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