Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, continue to work with Emmanuel Lutheran Church leaders as they navigate the Maui wildfire recovery process and minister to those affected. They meet weekly on Zoom with church and school leaders. Last week, the leaders reported that they are continuing to supply the community distribution sites in Lahaina and Kula based on specific requests. They have also been able to provide gift card assistance to eight teachers from Main Prep Academy in Lahaina who totally lost their homes, as well as other families referred to them from the family assistance center Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for Maui ![]() Through a strong partnership with Orphan Grain Train, LCC will be sending 120 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Maui. Thank you to Tim Laabs, HMC Project Manager, and our HMC volunteers and partners who cut wood, painted, glued, packed, and are driving the hearts and markers to Orphan Grain Train’s facility in Norfolk, Nebraska, from Fort Collins, Colorado, and from Northbrook, Illinois. More updates to come once they arrive in Maui. Please pray for clear shipping channels and delivery to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School. Lutheran Church Charities is continuing to support Emmanuel Lutheran Church leaders as they navigate this recovery process and minister to those affected by this devastating fire. Becky Soppe, MS, LMHP, a GracePoint team counselor from Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in family and youth ministry, is now in Maui, providing spiritual and emotional care on behalf of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) assigned this shelter to Emmanuel to serve families staying there. Becky led spiritual and emotional care training to Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) certified volunteers so they would be knowledgeable and comfortable ministering to survivors. She has also been available to meet with Emmanuel students and staff as requested. She arrived last Wednesday and will be available until this Friday. Her expertise has been invaluable to Emmanuel and survivors. Providing Tuition Assistance for Emmanuel School Families ![]() Lutheran Church Charities is providing tuition assistance for Emmanuel Lutheran School families that are now struggling to make their payments due to loss of income from the fire destroying their place of business. In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support. Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families. Emmanuel Lutheran School has also continued to provide requested items needed to the community distribution points for survivors in Lahaina and Kula, Hawaii. You Can Continue to Be There with LCC The congregation of Emmanuel and the people we have met and minister to extend heartfelt “Mahalo nui” for prayers and financial support sent on their behalf. The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by these wildfires as well as for the local first responders, LCC staff, and volunteers that help during the long recovery process. Be there with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
Lutheran Church Charities is ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Lutheran Church Charities Attends Annual LCMS Disaster Response Conference in St. Louis, Missouri9/12/2023
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma) and her team attended the conference and presented how they responded to a local disaster in Oklahoma with their church’s L.E.R.T. team. They also shared what the LCC K-9 Ministry teams have done and can do in other areas of the country after a disaster in partnership with local L.E.R.T. teams. While attending the conference, L.E.R.T. team member Christel Springmire assisted Forged by Fire, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO), to cook and serve southern food for Concordia Seminary students at the annual Jambalaya Fest they host. Kathy O’Day, Anna Piro, Marty Johnson, and Pete Springmire spoke with seminary students about what LCMS L.E.R.T. is and how its program and volunteers can be the church and serve those affected by a disaster. For many seminary students, this is their first introduction to L.E.R.T. Share the Comfort Event During the conference, Rev. Chris Singer was invited to speak at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri, about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, Disaster Response, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Human Care ministries.
BE THERE WITH LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES
Authorities are continuing to search the community by grids and the harbor waters for remains. This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed. An estimated 12,000 people are displaced. This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana (family) as known here. These fires have affected everyone on the Island of Maui directly or indirectly, and all are suffering and mourning their losses. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism. ![]() Lutheran Church Charities received an invite from Rev. Michael Lange of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District, CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Phil Zabell, and Leif Sjostrand, Congregational President from Emmanuel Lutheran Church & School in Kahului on Maui to assist this congregation in how to respond effectively in their community from this devastating disaster. Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been serving in Maui. In the last two weeks, they have met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, many times to assist them in determining the best way to help their community in the recovery process. Lutheran Church Charities and Emmanuel Lutheran Church were invited by the Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to provide spiritual, emotional, and trauma care to displaced residents staying in hotels. Rev. Rod Hall, Licensed Counselor, and Rev. Mark Hannemann, President/CEO of GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, have continued to minister to these displaced residents. This ministry will continue with professional counselors provided by GracePoint Institute for Relational Health at the request of the CNH District. Emmanuel Lutheran Early Response Team in Action
Parents Housing Extended Family Trust God Will ProvideThis week, Kathy O’Day was able to minister to a service technician who came to the home she was being housed at for this deployment. He shared that he has three adult married sons. One son, his wife, and four children lost their entire home and all their belongings in Lahaina. His son was not at home when the fire broke out and was trying desperately to get back to his family, as his wife does not drive. She eventually found a ride out with another family in a very crowded car. His son was very grateful but is now very silent and feels lost. Another son lost his belongings in a rental in Lahaina. They are now all living with their parents. His third son is a police officer who has been searching for remains and then notifying relatives of their loss, affecting him greatly. He is very worried for all of his family but trusts that God will provide. Kathy gave him gift cards and offered a word of prayer. Overcome with emotion, he expressed his gratitude with a big hug. Emmanuel members will continue to follow up with this family. Helping Displaced Residents through Food PantryAfter meeting the first week with food pantry leaders from Emmanuel and Wailuku Union Churches and a community distribution site in Lahaina, the first shipment of requested goods arrived from Orphan Grain Train (OGT), a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Recognized Service Organization led by Rev. Ralph Schmidt on the Island of Maui. Within 24 hours of its arrival, Emmanuel Lutheran Church members divided the cargo and delivered everything to three distribution sites. Another large shipment will be arriving in the coming weeks to help serve families in need. Lutheran Early Response Team Training for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oahu
Providing Tuition Assistance for Emmanuel School Families ![]() Lutheran Church Charities is providing tuition assistance for Emmanuel Lutheran School families that are now struggling to make their payments due to loss of income from the fire destroying their place of business. In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support. Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families. You Can Continue to Be There with LCC The congregation of Emmanuel and the people we have met and minister to extend heartfelt “Mahalo nui” for prayers and financial support sent on their behalf. The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by these wildfires as well as for the local first responders, LCC staff, and volunteers that help during the long recovery process. Be there with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
Lutheran Church Charities is ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. “OHANA IS EVERYTHING IN HAWAII”
A local family shared, “Hawaiian cultural belief is that the land is not ours. God gives us the land to take care of it, and if we do, it will take care of us. Lahaina was the original capital and where all of the original Hawaiian culture was preserved. Family, or Ohana, is everything, and all share what they have, tend the land carefully, and preserve our history by passing it down through generations.” This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana as known here. Everyone on the Island of Maui has been affected directly or indirectly by these fires, and all are suffering and mourning their losses. An estimated 12,000 people are displaced, with people in shelters that will be closing soon, placed in hotels by the American Red Cross for the next 45 days, or living in their vehicles, tents in the park, on the street, or with family and friends. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism Lutheran Church Charities received an invite from Rev. Michael Lange of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District, CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Phil Zabell, and Leif Sjostrand, Congregational President from Emmanuel Lutheran Church & School in Kahului on Maui to assist this congregation in how to respond effectively in their community from this devastating disaster. Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, arrived in Maui on Thursday, August 17. They immediately met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, to discuss what they were experiencing and hoping to accomplish during our stay. ![]() “I want to thank you for helping LCC ‘Be There’ with those who were suffering and in need from the wildfires in Maui. The loss and grief was described as a dark cloud hanging over Maui,” shared Rev. Singer. “I heard stories of survival from displaced residents receiving free meals who lost their properties. One adult son who had been visiting his parents raced to their home with the fire bearing down onto their neighborhood. His parents were not in the house and, with just mere minutes, he grabbed a few photos that he could carry and ran to a safe distance onto the beach and watched his parents’ home burn. His mother and father recounted the details to me through tears. A hotel worker shared that their home was burned to the ground and that his wife and children were now being housed at the hotel where he worked. There were so many stories shared with our ministry team, who sat with each person in their grief. Our very presence alone brought so much comfort. Each person was moved to gratitude that could only be expressed by tears as we told them of the outpouring of financial support, the hundreds of prayers being lifted on their behalf, and LCC’s commitment to continue to be there through ongoing support of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.” On Friday, we met with the school staff. Rev. Singer led devotions and explained LCC’s role and partnership with Emmanuel. Rev. Rod Hall and Jeanette Singer, Licensed Counselors, offered individual emotional and spiritual care opportunities to them and their students. Pastor Rod and Jeanette were invited to visit and talk to students in three classrooms. The children expressed many things they had heard from their parents and were reassured to “have faith in God.” Several staff members were also ministered to privately. Reaching Those in Need through Food Pantry ![]() Last week we also met with food pantry leaders from Emmanuel and Wailuku Union Churches and a community distribution site in Lahaina to discuss how to get the needed food, hygiene, and paper products to distribution sites for survivors in need. Orphan Grain Train (OGT), a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Recognized Service Organization led by Rev. Ralph Schmidt on the Island of Maui, will be partnering with Emmanuel Lutheran Church to provide requested items to designated sites. A shipment will arrive in Maui this week for those in need. Tears of gratitude appeared on cheeks as all discussed the deeper ministry that occurs through relationships started through meeting one’s basic physical needs. Providing Spiritual, Emotional, and Trauma Care Lutheran Church Charities and Emmanuel Lutheran Church were invited by the Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to provide spiritual, emotional, and trauma care to displaced residents staying in hotels. Rev. Rod Hall and Rev. Mark Hannemann, President/CEO GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, have been ministering to these displaced residents. This entire team of servants has been ministering to those affected by this disaster at distribution and feeding centers, hotels, and other community businesses and sites, as well as first responders and National Guard soldiers. On Sunday, Reverends Chris Singer, Rod Hall, Mark Hannemann, and Ralph Schmidt led the worship services at Emmanuel. Rev. Singer delivered a message of hope to those assembled. When asked to consider what Jesus might be asking them, the congregation shared: "Do you trust Me?, Do you believe in Me?, Do you love Me?" Rev. Singer shared Matthew 15:21-28 and Jesus’ recognition of a faith that is trusting even when the “WHY” is not answered and God appears silent. During Bible Study, Pastor Mark Hannemann leaned into this as he instructed on Christian Care and the fact that the “WHY” question should be replaced with “WHAT” does Jesus want for us through this. Inspiration from a Sunday School Student Rev. Singer was inspired by the faith demonstrated by so many as each one actively worked to care for the other. Emmanuel Lutheran School’s principal shared a story that inspired him the most as it came from the heart of an elementary student during Sunday school. “Me and my brother went to Lahaina to go help out the people stuck there. All you could smell was smoke if you rolled down your windows or through the AC vents, it was tragic. We gave water to all the people who were living on the beach. We gave them water to drink and to shower, and we gave them food to eat, but the one thing they were looking for was hope and happiness, which is what we did. We had made them so happy that they cried tears, and they were hugging us so hard that it was hard to breathe. After that, we went home and we prayed for them so they hopefully could rebuild what they had lost.” “What amazing faith,” shared Rev. Singer. “May each of us have our eyes and hearts open to the grief around us and respond with the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus!” Lutheran Early Response Team Training for Church Members Sunday afternoon, Deaconess Kathy O’Day provided LCMS Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training to twenty congregation members and school staff from Emmanuel. They learned what they could do as church L.E.R.T. volunteers to assist their community during the immediate and long-term recovery process, and received spiritual and emotional caregiving ideas. Deaconess O’Day will lead another Basic L.E.R.T. training at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea on the Island of Oahu on Saturday. he congregation of Emmanuel and the people we have met and minster to extend heartfelt “Mahalo nui” for prayers and financial support sent on their behalf. The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by these wildfires as well as for the local first responders, LCC staff, and volunteers that help during the long recovery process. Be there with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
Lutheran Church Charities is ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. These master’s degree students from across the globe wanted to hear how L.E.R.T. responds to disasters so they could learn how to assist their churches and organizations prepare and care for a disaster-filled world. ![]() The students were divided into three groups and given real-world scenarios to discuss/solve before they were provided with how the scenarios actually played out. They asked questions and then toured the St. John’s L.E.R.T. trailer. They hope to serve people from a uniquely Christian perspective in disaster ministry, emergency management, humanitarian aid, and public and mental health fields. It is a privilege to be asked by Joy Lee and Jamie Aten from the Humanitarian Disaster Institute to share with the incoming class each year.
Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work at thirteen homes as a result of these recent storms. We continue to be available to serve as needed. LCC never goes where we are not invited. |
99 Confirmed Deaths and Rising 3000+ Maui Structures Destroyed; 86% Residential 12,000+ People Displaced; Families Left Homeless Search & Rescue Continues “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 | On Tuesday, August 8, a firestorm fueled in part by fierce winds from the Category 4 Hurricane Dora’s 140 mph winds triggered brush fires, causing a deadly wildfire-hurricane combination in Maui as the week progressed. Hard hit is the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination and economic hub. The wildfires also impacted the communities of Kihei, Kula, and Pelehu. |
This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years, as authorities work to identify the victims and sift through the burned communities of western Maui. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed.
An estimated 12,000 people are displaced, with people sleeping in shelters, vehicles, stores, on the street, or with family and friends. With businesses destroyed, there is a massive loss of jobs.
LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES

Rev. Singer, his wife Jeanette, and Kathy arrive in Maui to minister to this community suffering and in great need. Emmanuel Lutheran Church is currently without a pastor as they await for an answer to a call they have issued. Pastor Singer has been asked to preach at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 20. The school principal, head elder, and congregational president have all asked for leadership assistance from LCC in addition to the invite from the CNH District President and DDRC.
Kathy will conduct Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training and advise the church leaders on how best to work with FEMA and national and community voluntary organizations active in disaster (VOAD) for long-term recovery. Rev. Singer and Jeanette, as a certified coach and ministry partner volunteer, will focus on care ministry in shelters, congregational preparedness training for disasters, and food ministry through the church alongside two other congregations. Follow-up trips are expected to provide on-going spiritual care, and all LCC Ministries are on standby and ready to serve as needed.
The devastation is catastrophic, and there is a tremendous need for spiritual, emotional, and trauma care for everyone impacted and the first responders who are heroically dealing with the remaining wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, and recovering lives lost.
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

Lutheran Church Charities is ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve.
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
On Friday, July 21, Kevin Krage, Bill Pietsch, and Larry Zagorski from Lord of Life, LaFox L.E.R.T. team returned to this hard-hit neighborhood to cut and remove a very large downed tree from a homeowner’s yard with a bobcat. The homeowner was very appreciative of their assistance, as he could have never cut or removed this on his own. He couldn’t believe how quickly and willingly the L.E.R.T. team completed the work.
Mr. N., a King of Glory Church member, lost 60 trees surrounding his entire property as well as his garage, shed, and some of his home’s roof. Upon arrival, his home and property were not visible because of the amount of tree damage. After two days, his property was cleared of all downed and damaged trees by L.E.R.T. volunteers. |
The Lord of Life, LaFox L.E.R.T. team leaders that worked at his home last week noted how devastated the owner was with the loss of all his trees and privacy. While working on another property in this neighborhood, they returned to Mr. N.’s home and presented him with a cross and his first replacement tree. Mr. N. was overwhelmed with gratitude for these gifts, and the Christ-like mercy and compassion continued to be shown to him. Lutheran Church Charities disaster response and L.E.R.T. teams are continuing to receive calls for assistance in cleaning up from these tornadoes and will respond as requested. | 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 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response immediately reached out to all of the churches in the affected areas to see if they, or any of their congregation members, were affected. Fortunately, most were EF-O tornadoes causing minimal and localized damage that was able to be cleaned up by owners, neighbors, and public works.
| The only EF-2 tornado was in South Elgin, which heavily damaged a neighborhood with King of Glory Lutheran Church members. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and thirty-five Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers spent July 13 through July 16 assisting ten homeowners with removal of approximately 125 downed trees, a lot of limbs, and widow makers. Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. teams were able to serve in both Nashville and Elgin, Illinois, simultaneously. |
One homeowner lost sixty trees surrounding his entire property, as well as his garage, shed, and some of his home’s roof. Upon arrival, his home and property were not visible because of the amount of tree damage. After two days, his property was cleared of all downed and damaged trees. He was so appreciative of all of the assistance as he knew he could not do this on his own or afford what a tree company would have charged. This tornado has definitely changed his landscape and view, but he thanks God for keeping his family safe and providing brothers and sisters in Christ to help him in his time of need. | |
One of the women in the neighborhood told us she prayed all day after the tornado happened for God to send angels to clean up the yards and He did. He sent neighbors helping neighbors, the township, and your L.E.R.T. team. She thanks God for answered prayers.
LCC Disaster Response is still receiving requests for assistance. It is a privilege for LCC and our L.E.R.T. volunteers to serve in the name of the Lord!
We NEVER charge those we serve!
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Categories
All
"22"
Alabama
All
Boulder
Cal Fire
California
California Wildfires
Colorado
Crisis Response
Crosses For Losses
Dayton
Disaster Response
Displaced Children
El Paso
Ethiopia
Families In Need
Florida
Ghana
Haiti
Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Michael
IL Flooding
Illinois Tornadoes
International Missions
In The News
Israel
Jefferson City
Job Openings
K-9 Comfort Dogs
K-9 Court System - Ezra
K-9 Police Ministry
K-9 Travel Expenses
Kansas
Kare 9 Military Ministry
Kentucky
Kind Words For HMC
Kind Words For K9s
Kind Words For LCC
Kind Words For LCC Disaster Response
Las Vegas
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
LERT
LERT Mercy In Action
Linwood
Madison
Maryland Great Falls
Maui Wildfires
Military-ministry
Milwaukee
Ministries In Need
Ministry Resources
Mississippi
Missouri
Molson Coors
Myanmar Scholarship
Nebraska Flooding
NE Flooding
Ohio
Parkland
Prospect Heights Fire
Recommended Reading
Santa Fe
Scrub Buckets
Special Appeals
STEM School
Sudan
Sutherland Springs
Taylorville
Texas
Thank You From LCC
Thousand Oaks
Tornadoes In Tennessee
Turkey And Syria Earthquake
Ukraine
Uvalde
Watseka
WI Flooding
Wisconsin
Your Donations Make A Difference
Archives
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017