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Only in the arms of God is there a safe place! “God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Lutheran Church Charities is currently on multiple Disaster and Crisis Response deployments in California (mass shooting and fires) and in Florida (Hurricane Michael). The California deployment for the shootings is now also serving all the families displaced from their homes because of the fires happening right now – and we are in the middle of it. There is still widespread devastation in Panama City, Florida, and our Disaster Response LERT volunteers are on the ground this week to do chainsaw work, tarping roofs, and anything that needs to be done to help those who are still not in their homes from Hurricane Michael. In addition, the semi-truck is arriving today with food and other critical items donated to help the 6,000 individuals each week that Trinity is serving. We PUT and KEEP boots and paws on the ground to be with people who are suffering! Please keep everyone in California and Florida in your prayers – as in both places we are serving people who have been traumatized.
Here are just a few of the places where LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Emma, Jacob and Hannah (LCC Staff), Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado), Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, Nevada), and Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California) and their teams have been serving in Thousand Oaks:
The Camp Fire is in Northern California which completely and literally wiped off the map the town of Paradise. Nearly 40,000 displaced, most of whom lost their homes and everything. Untold numbers of people lost their lives or are unaccounted for. Reports to date are stating that over 90 firefighters who have been risking their life to battle the horrendous flames have lost their own homes due to the current wild fires.
Lord of Life – LaFox: Larry Zagorski, Terry & Mary Kramer, Kevin Krage, Dave Smercina, Jeff Straughn Prince of Peace – Palatine: Jim Beckley St. John – Wheaton: Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, David Schesselman, St. Peter – Schaumburg: Ken Kivarante, Tom Amundsen Trinity – Lisle: Clay Arnold, Ed & Jan Boerman, Skip & Karen Sorensen, Mike Kostecki, Carl Witt Trinity – Roanoke: Ron Wagner Trinity – Roselle: Kristin Bilar, Bob Pautsch Trinity – Tinley Park: Joel Powless Indiana St. John’s – Dillsboro: Steve Black Almost every home and business has been affected in some way in Panama City. The destruction is widespread. Many families are living in damaged homes because of limited other housing options. The schools are planning to open this week with children now from several schools having to attend the ones not damaged too severely. The local hospital is not able to reopen for another three months. Only one grocery store is open in town and the checkout lines are always long. Everyone is managing the best they can in a difficult and trying situation. Trinity Lutheran is helping their community by providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support. They are distributing food and supplies to thousands of affected residents each week with many willing volunteers. They are also housing the many teams who are coming in from all over the country to assist in recovery. Our LERT team has already tarped several roofs after removing trees from them and doing chainsaw work and debris removal. We are privileged to show the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
On Tuesday, November 13, Kathy O’Day and Sean McAdams, LCC Media Specialist, were invited to meet with Pastor Dave Gieseking from Living Water Lutheran Church in Mexico Beach, Florida. Hurricane Michael, with its 155 mph winds and 15’ storm surge, totally wiped his church and home away along with coastal towns. Pastor held worship service on the beach this past Sunday morning to offer the hope of Christ in the midst of chaos. Living Water was known as the “community church” as its doors were always open and they served the community needs with its presence and willing hearts and hands. Help will be needed in this community for many years to come. CLICK HERE to view to Pastor Dave as he shows the devastation and shares his story With your help, LCC is blessed to provide the physical help and a comforting presence needed to help individuals, families, first responders, and volunteers in all of these communities who are shocked, devastated, and feeling hopeless and helpless. Please continue to support us with fervent prayer and if you are moved, continue to help us with expenses.
 Dear Partners in Ministry: I wanted to give you an update on our multiple Disaster and Crisis Response deployments going on right now in California and in Florida. It seems like it is one thing after the other. The California deployment for the shootings is now also serving all the families displaced from their homes because of the fires happening right now – and we are in the middle of it. People have been emailing me asking are they safe? Folks – our Ministry is not done in safety zones but in the midst of disaster and crisis. They are as safe as all the people we are serving! We PUT and KEEP boots and paws on the ground to be with people who are suffering! It is what Jesus did – IT IS WHAT WE DO as we serve Jesus by serving others in HIS NAME. Please keep everyone in California and Florida in your prayers – as in both places we are serving people who have been traumatized (hurricanes, shootings, and fires). We do a ministry of PRESENCE being there – knowing that Jesus loves them and is there with them, showing compassion, giving a human hug, and PRESENCE is essential. People need to know they are not alone, others care, and are there to help! IT’S WHAT JESUS DID – IT IS WHAT WE DO!
I appreciate the emails from some of you asking how we doing. We are keeping our heads above water just enough to see the Feet of Jesus walking on it! Knowing that we are never alone, and where we are, Jesus showed up before us and we follow HIS lead! It keeps us going! It keeps us serving!  I want to thank all of you for your support in California and Florida for all who are suffering! Please keep all the families that have been displaced in Florida for weeks in your prayers and continue to support them. They are no longer on the news – but they and those who have lost homes in Florida – have a long road ahead of them! But they will NOT BE ALONE thanks to all of you who participate and support the work that Jesus is doing! THANK YOU! The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, handlers, and helpers are on the ground and working to bring the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus to those suffering in Thousand Oaks and surrounding communities in California and also in Panama City, Florida.
 In Thousand Oaks, California, our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have been working not only with the victims of the shootings and others effected at Borderline Bar & Grill. They are also in the middle of the fires taking place now and are working with individuals and families that had to evacuate their homes. All around where our Comfort Dog teams are working, they can see the fires burning. They will continue to serve in that area as long as they can provided they are not asked to evacuate. They have served hundreds of people at California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, a reunification center for the victims' families that now serves as a shelter for those evacuated due to the fires, just to name a few. We are in contact with the Pastor from Christ the King who has evacuated his home. Click here to watch a video on LCC K-9 Ministry teams comforting in California  Report from Rich Martin, LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, serving in California now: God had our morning planned before we started. Our devotions did not start on time - no, they did not start at all. From the moment teams gathered in the breakfast areas they came. One by one, family by family. The worried, the tired, and the weary. Sad and teary eyed, their faces brightened as they saw them: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Emma, Cubby, Jacob, Hannah, Lois, and Aaron. It was just what the doctor ordered. A spiritual triage from the wounds of life and recent day's events. Evacuees, Red Cross workers, families from near and far. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to listen to their harrowing stories and pray with each one. Sometimes once, sometimes twice, and often as a group with everyone.  The teams moved on to California Lutheran University where they have been for the last three days. Meeting with students who stayed and were sheltering in place. Having the teams there every day gave them the hope and encouragement needed to get through their days. With 10's of thousands of people still under evacuation orders, the teams also continue to make daily visits to the evacuation centers around Thousand Oaks, California, again bringing comfort and hope to those we meet. The fires have put a pause on a time that would have been spent in different circumstances - on the grieving of those lost at the Borderline shooting. We continue to offer our assistance to those affected and to our first responders. We continue to pray for hope, healing, and restoration of lives. We know that physical help and a comforting presence is needed to help the individuals, families, first responders, and volunteers in all of these communities who are shocked, devastated, and feeling hopeless and helpless. Please continue to support us with fervent prayer and if you are moved, continue to help us with expenses. Working Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME! Peace in Jesus Christ,  Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities
Donations of scrub buckets, grills, charcoal, roofing tarps and nails, paper goods, toiletries, Gatorade, and non-perishable food were gathered at the following locations:
Donations from Illinois
Donations from Wisconsin
This truck filled with 24 pallets of much needed supplies will be delivered to Trinity next week. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, will be traveling with thirty LCC LERT team members to Panama City to assist in tree and debris removal and bring hope to those feeling hopeless. Team members will also assist in unloading the truck and organizing supplies in the community distribution center that Trinity uses to serve approximately 6,000 people a week since Hurricane Michael made landfall. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Sasha (Island Lutheran – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina), Hope (Faith – Marietta, Georgia), Luke (Christ the Shepherd – Alpharetta, Georgia) and Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida) will also arrive in Panama City this weekend to comfort impacted residents, first responders, and volunteers. Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator welcomes LCC assistance, donations and the love of Christ that will be shown to this community with our presence next week. Updates will be posted on the LCC social pages. LCC brings the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We never charge those we serve. Please consider donating to help LCC share the love of Jesus to this hurting community. LCC to purchase food, medical supplies, and basic needs for impacted residents in Panama City, Florida
Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Kathy Roberts, Trinity Food Bank Coordinator, called Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, on Tuesday morning to ask if LCC could add additional items that are difficult to obtain in Florida to the truck that will be heading to them soon. Northern Illinois District Only We are asking for the following items to be purchased in bulk only (cases– not individual items) and delivered by 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 31, to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Rd., Palatine, Illinois. Again all items purchased must be in cases or boxed and labeled for transport.
Family in Faith Neighborhood Food Pantry and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois, have served as collection sites for requested donations from other NID churches and schools. Immanuel Lutheran Church has donated the use of a semi-trailer truck to deliver the donations. The truck is picking up donations from the designated sites on Thursday, November 1 and will then head down to our center at Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City. Trinity Lutheran is very excited that LCC and our donors are bringing critical supplies that are desperately needed.
Thank you for your generous donations that will help individuals and families who have been affected recover from the storm. A special thank you to the many volunteers who are packing up the donations in preparation for the transport this week. LCC Disaster Response and LERT chainsaw teams will be deploying to Panama City for a week beginning on November 10 to provide chainsaw assistance, roof tarping, and debris removal. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will also be present to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Thank you for your continued prayers as LCC Disaster Response and LERT chainsaw teams prepare to deploy to Panama City, Florida to aid in recovery efforts.
There were approximately 150 attendees from many states and districts. All heard updates, progress made, and current needs from all the areas that have been affected by disasters in 2017 and 2018. There were many informative disaster response topics presented, times to worship together, and good networking among attendees. It was a good opportunity to hear how we can show the mercy and presence of Jesus Christ to those in need all around the country affected by disaster.
HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF COLLECTIONS FUND
CLICK HERE to donate to the Hurricane Michael Relief Collections Fund to purchase items like tarps, small grills and charcoal (with no electricity that is what they are cooking on), toiletry items, Gatorade, paper products, hand sanitizer, etc. HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF COLLECTIONS (Northern Illinois District only) For those in the Northern Illinois District who want to donate items which will be delivered to Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida, CLICK HERE for a list of items and drop off locations. Please look for specific drop off deadline dates at each location. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois has donated the use of a semi-trailer truck to deliver the donations. The truck is picking up donations at designated sites on Thursday, November 1, and heading to Florida. HURRICANE MICHAEL DISASTER RELIEF FUND CLICK HERE for the general Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund to be used in helping families financially who are suffering from the after effects of Hurricane Michael. Thank you for your continued prayers for those impacted by Hurricane Michael and for the volunteers and first responders helping in the long-term recovery efforts.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. - Isaiah 40:1
CLICK HERE to watch video of the devastation that I saw and what those people impacted are saying.
LCC began providing financial assistance to our pastors in the affected areas and will continue to do so to allow them to help impacted individuals and families. This all seems like BAD NEWS. THE GOOD NEWS God works in the midst of disaster! God brings Hope in Chaos! The pastors at our churches are wonderful, spirit-filled, outreach-minded people! Their members are determined to come through this stronger! All are committed to working with others to bring the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ to all who are in need! Yes, in the midst of disaster, GOD DOES WORK – AND WORKS THROUGH HIS PEOPLE! So this is where YOU come in. FIRST - PRAY Please pray for all the people affected by Hurricane Michael and for all the Disaster Response teams who are and will be going in to volunteer to help. SECOND - SUPPORT Consider helping those affected by the disaster. CLICK HERE to donate to the Hurricane Michael Relief Collections Fund to purchase items like tarps, small grills and charcoal (with no electricity that is what they are cooking on), toiletry items, Gatorade, paper products, hand sanitizer, etc. CLICK HERE for the general Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund to be used in helping families financially who are suffering from the after effects of Hurricane Michael. THIRD – HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF COLLECTIONS (Northern Illinois District only) For those in the Northern Illinois District who want to donate items which will be delivered to Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida, CLICK HERE for a list of items and drop off locations. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois has donated the use of a semi-trailer truck to deliver the donations. FOURTH - VOLUNTEER Chainsaw teams and draggers are needed now. CLICK HERE to volunteer if you are a LCC LERT team member. For the next several weeks, they are only taking volunteers who are self-contained (have RV’s, camping equipment, or places to stay, own food and a way to prepare it, own shower capability) until a camp is set up at Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City. If you can go after that, please also register and indicate when you can go down. We anticipate we will be working in the area over the next 2-3 months. CLICK HERE to read the most recent update from the Southern District LCMS Disaster Response. This letter includes information for others who are interested in volunteering. Working Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME!
Peace in Jesus Christ,
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities LCC President / CEO Tim Hetzner in Florida to See Firsthand the Devastation from Hurricane Michael10/16/2018
There are five Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) churches located in the panhandle that were hit by Hurricane Michael; 3 have been totally destroyed and the other 2 have sustained considerable damage. Pastor Robert Lydick from Redemption Lutheran in Panama City shares that the damage to the church is so great that it is a total loss. Tim talks to Pastor Randal Ehrichs from Good Shepherd in Callaway about the devastation in their community. CLICK HERE to watch testimony from Pastor Ehrichs. LCC has given financial assistance to all three pastors to help them, their members and the community who have the greatest need. The damage sustained in Mexico City, Florida, community is unimaginable - devastation as far as you can see.
Currently, the greatest need is financial assistance to help families with the very basic need of food and lodging. As needs continue to be assessed, we will be sending a special update later this week on how you can help this devastated and hurting community! LCC LERT teams have been asked by the LCMS to be on standby to deploy to provide chainsaw and debris removal assistance. Please pray for the churches, individuals, and families affected by Hurricane Michael, as well as all first responders and volunteers who tirelessly help during this long-term recovery effort. Your generous donations will help us to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. LCC LERT Teams Help Families Affected by Hurricane Florence in Wilmington, North Carolina10/16/2018
 This week, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and 25 LCC LERT chainsaw team members, returned home from their deployment to Messiah Lutheran Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the invitation of the South Eastern District (SED) to assist those with downed and damaged trees. Of the 36 sites that were assessed, the LERT teams were able to complete work at 29 homes and at the church before the arrival of Hurricane Michael. The team met many homeowners, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and helped clean up their properties. They feel blessed they were able to make a difference in the lives they touched. One of these homeowners has been living in their damaged home since Hurricane Florence hit with no power due to an insurance battle. They are struggling financially, have medical disabilities, and are exhausted physically and emotionally. The team was able to secure a generator, gas, oil, and non-perishable food for them, as well as point them to the church for spiritual and emotional care.
I was at a Pastors conference today and a pastor asked me how LCC was doing and how I was doing! I said - I am keeping my head above water enough to see the feet of Jesus walking on it! Add to all the disasters LCC is responding to - at the same time we are responding to all the Crisis Response requests - and another suicide yesterday of a teen! With AND through YOU, and because of YOU, we bring hope into situations where people are suffering and have lost hope: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Psalm 46:1-3)  Hurricane Michael, a catastrophic Category 4/5, came fiercely roaring into the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, October 10 bringing life-threatening storm surges and destructive winds. Massive power outages incurred soon after landfall. Its path is moving north-northeastward, headed towards many east coast areas that are still recovering from Hurricane Florence. Many areas will have record-breaking flooding. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response is working with the LCMS Southern District to respond with disaster relief assistance as soon as it is safe to do so. Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and our LERT chainsaw teams have been assisting families impacted from Hurricane Florence in North Carolina this week with chainsaws, boom lift, and other heavy equipment. Several LERT teams have remained there in anticipation of further destruction from Hurricane Michael. Your donations are needed so that LCC can continue to provide disaster relief as long as needed. UPDATE 10/18/2018: We have enough scrub buckets and will take what has been made, so please do not make more. Rather, please focus see the updated list of items needed HERE  LCC is working through our LCMS churches to provide scrub buckets to individuals and families that are impacted by the floods. These will be needed immediately to help facilitate critical recovery as soon as possible. You can help Make A Difference by:
LCC is in contact with LCMS churches in the impacted communities. We will be sending completed scrub buckets to LCMS churches to distribute to individuals and families in need wherever recent flooding occurs, such as Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Before beginning a Scrub Bucket Initiative, please contact LCC by email at DRAdmin@lutheranchurchcharities.org or call 866-455-6466 to get specific direction on what is needed and the drop off location. Assembling Scrub Buckets is a great way for individuals, youth groups, outreach ministry teams, schools, or other groups to show others in need the love of Jesus Christ. We are your hands and feet in bringing the hope that only comes through Jesus during times of hopelessness. Thank you for sharing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Serving together, Serving Jesus, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME! Tim Hetzner and the entire LCC Staff LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been going into affected areas by invite to serve displaced families at shelters.
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