On March 31, an EF-3 tornado at 165 mph tracked just over thirty-four miles from West Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville leaving a path of destruction, injury, and death. FEMA now reports that 3,000 structures have major damage or were destroyed throughout the LCMS Mid-South District in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville, Arkansas. Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers from multiple states and districts, including ours, have been volunteering to serve those in need. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and seven LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw volunteers joined with other volunteers from different states to serve those in need in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville, Arkansas. L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work at twenty-eight sites in two weeks, with several of these multi-day work sites due to the extent of the damage on large properties. They were able to provide debris removal, utilize chainsaws and bobcats to remove many downed and damaged trees from tornado-devastated properties, and provide emotional and spiritual care to families who lost their homes. In one neighborhood, several pine trees fell on and between four yards of homes. None of the homeowners knew how they would be able to remove these large trees. They were very appreciative of L.E.R.T. assistance, care, and crosses given to them. The LCMS Mid-South District sincerely thanks the Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. volunteers from the following churches that served those in need: Illinois Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier Lord of Life, Elburn – Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison Iowa Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister Wisconsin Brookfield, Brookfield – CJ Kraft In two weeks, we made a difference in the lives of those we served with chainsaws and emotional assistance, as well as offering the hope and love of Christ to a hurting community. LCC never goes where we are not invited. |
These are just a few of the many ways L.E.R.T. volunteers are present with physical assistance and caring hearts. It is a blessing to be able to bring Christ’s hope, mercy, and compassion to this shocked and hurting community. If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation |
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Showing the Compassion of Christ with Helpful Hands, Chainsaws and Heavy Equipment |
On March 31, an EF-3 tornado at 165 mph tracked just over thirty-four miles from West Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville leaving a path of destruction, injury, and death. FEMA now reports that 3,000 structures have major damage or were destroyed throughout the LCMS Mid-South District in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville, Arkansas. Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers from multiple states and districts, including ours, have been volunteering to serve those in need. |
Helping a Couple Who Survived in Home that was Directly Hit by the Tornado

Mr. C. told us his story of survival as the tornado ravaged their home. He had just walked into the kitchen with groceries when he heard the sirens going off and could see swirling wind heading towards him. He shared that he yelled for his wife to run downstairs, but before either one of them could make it to the stairs, it hit.
He was flung across the room and into a wall, and his wife was buried in wood and insulation as the roof was lifted off. He states it was over very quickly, and he just kept yelling for his wife and had to unbury her from the debris.
They are both very traumatized and heartbroken. They are overwhelmed with all that has happened, what they have lost, and what to do to start their long recovery.
He appreciates the opportunity to share his story, listen to his concerns, offer hope and encouragement, and lend a shoulder to cry on. It is a blessing to be present with the love of Christ during this difficult time.
Serving a Family with Four Young Children Who Took Shelter in Bathroom

According to his father and uncle, whom we met at the house during the assessment, Mrs. C. and the two oldest children are severely traumatized after the storm and are unwilling to come back to the house at this time.
Mr. C. is extremely grateful for all of our assistance. They cannot believe that we are willing to remove the fallen trees on their property at no cost for people they have never met before, as well as provide them with household items, groceries, and diapers.
Assisting Four Neighbors in Jacksonville with Damaged Property
We NEVER charge those we serve!
These are just a few of the many ways L.E.R.T. volunteers are present with physical assistance and caring hearts. It is a blessing to be able to bring Christ’s hope, mercy, and compassion to this shocked and hurting community. If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. |
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
On March 31, an EF-3 tornado at 165 mph tracked just over thirty-four miles from West Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville leaving a path of destruction, injury, and death. There were at least 2,700 structures impacted and 60,000 power outages. More than fifty people were injured and admitted to hospitals. Miraculously, only one person was killed. |

Many of these families had major damage, or their home was completely destroyed. Homeowners were grateful for the love shown to them by caring Christians.
Many homeowner sites have extensive damage and clean-up efforts will take 1-2 days to complete. L.E.R.T volunteers are on the ground this week and already serving. Additional LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will arrive by Saturday. There is much work to be done and our volunteers are blessed to serve with willing hands and compassionate hearts, showing Christ’s love and care to those in need.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Thirteen Work Sites Completed with Many Multi-Day Jobs Due to Extensive Property Damage After collaboration with local Emergency Management officials and an in-person National Weather Service Damage Survey, it has been determined that fourteen tornadoes, along with a 70-90 mph wind event, devastated the Northern Illinois District on Thursday, March 30. This same storm system caused 84 tornadoes, 325 wind, and 168 hail events in 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. |

The L.E.R.T. team member said being on the receiving end of help and care was very different. The new homeowner couldn’t believe that we would spend several days working on just their home and showing her Christ’s love and care. She hugged many volunteers and cried tears of relief at how she was blessed by all.
Lutheran Church Charities would also like to thank Kenny Freeman for allowing the Immanuel, Belvidere L.E.R.T. team to use his bobcat last week and David Gallano of Gallano Trucking for picking up and disposing of all of the cut wood and brush from four homes after the county said they would not pick up storm damaged trees. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! |
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Fourteen Tornadoes Resulted in One Death, Multiple Injuries,
and Extensive Property Damage
After collaboration with local Emergency Management officials and an in-person National Weather Service Damage Survey, it has been determined that fourteen tornadoes along with a 70-90 mph wind event devastated the Northern Illinois District last Thursday, March 30. This same storm system caused 84 tornadoes, 325 wind, and 168 hail events in 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. |
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers worked on one block for two days serving five different homeowners that each had multiple large pine trees leaning or downed on their properties. Each of these families were very appreciative to have willing hands and hearts to work hard to make their homes safe again.
Helping a Young Family with Large Tree Removal LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers helped a member of Immanuel DeKalb with a large tree on their roof and in their yard. This young family is facing multiple serious health issues and felt so blessed to have the support and assistance to make their home safe at no cost to them. They truly believe that God is with them and will provide for their needs as they arise. |
She was very grateful for the help to get this removed so they could enter and exit their home safely.
She was also very happy to receive a cross on a slice from their tree to share with family. It seemed very appropriate and special this Holy Week.
LCC Disaster Response Invited to Help with Catastrophic Tornado Recovery in Little Rock, Arkansas
We NEVER charge those we serve!
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia
Thousands of Structures with Major Damage or Destroyed

The EF-4 tornado obliterated Silver City and Rolling Fork, Mississippi, with winds of 170 mph. “The city is gone,” shared Mayor Eldridge Walker of Rolling Fork. At least twenty-six people were killed and dozens injured after powerful storms and one long-track tornado pummeled the Southeast last Friday night, ripping roofs off homes, leveling some neighborhoods, and knocking out power for thousands, according to local officials.
Search and rescue efforts have now been completed. Due to the extensive tornado damage, specialized heavy equipment is needed to clear structural debris giving access to homeowner properties. LCC Disaster Response is on standby.
LCC never goes where we are not invited. The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund so that we may show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Serving Thirty-Three Homeowner Sites with Chainsaws and Heavy Equipment

Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response, and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers have continued to respond to multiple requests for chainsaw assistance in several towns, including Palatine, Inverness, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Campton Hills, Elburn, La Fox, Marengo, Belvidere, McHenry, South Elgin, and West Dundee. Currently, we have completed work at thirty-three homeowner sites, with a few more requests for L.E.R.T. volunteers to complete when the ground can dry so equipment will not sink in the yards.
Last week, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work at several different congregation members’ homes using the lift and/or bobcat. Each homeowner was very appreciative of the assistance and care shown to them. This local ice storm was an opportunity to demonstrate how L.E.R.T. volunteers can serve in our own communities.
LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
LCC Lutheran Early Response Teams Help Northern Illinois Residents with Damage from Recent Ice Storm
2/28/2023
Serving Twenty Families with Chainsaws and Heavy Equipment |
Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response, and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers have responded to many requests for chainsaw assistance in several towns, including Palatine, Inverness, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Campton Hills, Elburn, La Fox, Marengo, Belvidere, and West Dundee. Currently, we have completed work at twenty homeowner sites, but more requests continue to come in daily, so L.E.R.T. volunteers are continuing to serve this week. |
Helping Missionary Serving in Belize

A L.E.R.T. volunteer from St. John-Wheaton went to his home the same day as his request. He was able to remove several limbs from the roof and patch a small hole so there would be no leaking. We sent pictures of the repair and clean-up to Gary upon completion.
The following note of thanks was received:
Sue and I cannot thank you enough. Being so far from home, you can imagine how this incident was weighing on our minds. As we serve others here, you have served us back home. What beautiful Christian symmetry. Much love to all our friends at LCC.
God's richest blessings to you all,
Gary and Sue Kessler
GEO Missionary to Belize
Assisting Widow with Large Tree Damage
Serving Pastor and His Family with Tree Damage
Willing Hearts and Hands Help Deaconess with Uprooted Trees
Helping Crystal Lake Neighborhood Hit Hard During Storm
LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
Helping Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas |
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC DR Staff, and twenty-seven LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw volunteers have completed work at sixty-two sites after two weeks of serving in Selma, Alabama. They were able to provide debris removal and utilize chainsaws, lift, and bobcats to remove many downed and damaged trees from tornado-devastated properties.
Pastor Ed Brashier, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, will continue to operate a LCMS base camp for L.E.R.T. chainsaw volunteers through Pastor Steven Washington at Trinity Lutheran Church in Selma until at least February 20th as there are many more residents needing assistance.
“It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. God manages to have angels all around us. I say that they are our guardian angels,” shares a homeowner. “Of all the groups here, I’m most proud and elated that we have a Lutheran Response Team and I’ve been singing it all over town. Just to know that we are in that mix of groups that volunteer and donate their time. It’s a blessing.”
“We Were Blessed by Angels”
Mr. and Mrs. W. and their mother had just moved to Selma from Connecticut in November. They have two homes next to each other, along with a barn and in-ground pool surrounded by several large shade trees. Unfortunately, about twenty trees on their property fell during the tornado filling their pool, landing on the roof of their barn, and blocking access to their yards and driveway. No one had come by to offer them any assistance, and they did not know how they were going to clear their properties to make them usable and safe again. |
They could not believe that a large group of L.E.R.T. volunteers would come and help them. They worked alongside the team and kept telling everyone they did not know why they were so blessed by these angels that so willingly and joyfully helped them. They were also overwhelmed by the cross presented to them, carved into a piece of their tree and signed by all present. Many thanks and hugs were given to each volunteer. |
Elderly Homeowner Trusts L.E.R.T. Volunteers to Clear Her Property
She stated she asked her neighbors what they thought of the work done by the L.E.R.T. volunteers, and after hearing great reviews, she stated she was willing to trust us to help rid her front yard of very dangerous large hanging limbs.
She was well pleased with the men who used the lift to make her property safe again, shared the mercy and compassion of Christ, and presented her with a quilt from their congregation.
Illinois:
Heartland Normal – Tony Buchberger
Immanuel DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire
Immanuel Dundee – Matt Flynn
Immanuel Palatine – Jim Beckley
Lord of Life Elburn – Terry and Mary Kramer, Max Metz, Larry Zagorski
Shepherd of the Cross McHenry – Alan Holm
St. John East Moline – Ken and Janet Hill
St. John Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Paul Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
Zion Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
Indiana:
St. John Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Iowa:
Trinity Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
Wisconsin:
St. Paul Grafton – Mark and Beverly Breuggemann, Stu Natale
We NEVER charge those we serve!
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Last week, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers Laura Ciletti and CJ Kraft from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield and Roger Kautz from Prince of Peace in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, deployed to drywall homes in the Copperfield Subdivision. They were joined by a team from Oklahoma as well. Rev. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, observed the L.E.R.T. teams working and had dinner with them.
They shared that they “had a blast” serving and enjoying time with the church host families. They felt it was a blessing to serve.
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