Category: Disaster Response

On Thursday, January 12, a strong storm system moved through four states with high winds, large hail, and a tornado outbreak, including thirty-eight powerful tornadoes, of which three were long-track EF-3 tornadoes with 110+ mph winds that caused major damage to homes, businesses, and schools.

There was a loss of nine lives in Alabama and Georgia from this storm. One EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 23 miles through Selma, Alabama. It affected one-third of the town. In Selma alone, 3,300 homes, businesses, schools, and churches were damaged or destroyed by the tornado.

Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response and twenty-four LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) staff and volunteer teams have been serving homeowners through Pastor Steve Washington at Trinity Lutheran Church in Selma, Alabama. In their first week, chainsaw volunteers have completed work at twenty-six sites. They will continue to serve in this hard-hit community until February 4 with the LCMS Southern District.

Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO, joined Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, and Rev. Ed Brashier, LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, to visit affected homeowners and see the L.E.R.T. volunteers in action.

While Chris was visiting with the homeowner, Tina shared that many groups have stopped by to assess her property damage, but no one has returned to help. When LCC showed up with a boom lift and other heavy equipment, Tina said, “I can’t believe it – you came back to help!” She was so grateful that LCC L.E.R.T. kept their promise to remove the large tree that had fallen on her house.

Sheltered in Their Hallway, 95-Year-Old Couple Shares “We Never Want to Go through this Again!”

Larry and Polly are both 95 years old and live in a more rural area of Selma. They have a very large garden that Larry cares for. They had to shelter in their hallway as the tornado passed over them. They told us they could hear part of their metal roof being peeled back, glass breaking and trees cracking.

Larry said he watched a neighbor’s roof fly through the air. They were very scared they would not survive but compared to the destroyed homes just a block over from them, they know God was good and spared them. They both stated, “I never want to go through this again!”

We were able to clear the fallen trees and debris that fell on and around Larry's garden and around his shed. They loved the quilt presented to them by a L.E.R.T. member.

Homeowner Helps L.E.R.T. Team Clear His Property

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers also helped Mr. M., who lived next door, remove a lot of fallen and damaged trees, limbs, and debris from his one-acre property. It took three skid steers, a 50’ boom lift, and twelve volunteers all day to complete the work at his and Larry’s homes.

Mr. M. also worked all day with the L.E.R.T. volunteers. He was very appreciative of all of the willing hands to make his property safe again. He could not believe we would bring all this equipment from so far away to help him at no cost. He thanked and hugged each of us several times before we left.

Couple with Historic Home Blessed by L.E.R.T. Volunteers

Mr. and Mrs. M. have an old historic home that has been in their family for five generations. Mr. M. is recovering from a recent heart transplant and cannot do any work on his own yet. The tornado caused major damage and destruction in their neighborhood.

Their home had some roof damage, but they had three badly damaged pecan trees left standing; one tree leaning on their shed and other trees with large widow makers hanging in their front and backyards.

The LCC L.E.R.T. team worked two days with the boom lift and careful rigging at their home in order to remove these dangerous trees and make their property safe again to enjoy. They were so grateful for the help and pleased to get to know each “brother and sister in Christ that was sent by God to bless them.”

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

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.

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we serve in the hardest-hit area of Selma, Alabama, to help during the long recovery process.

LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

LCC Disaster Response Serving in Selma, Alabama, to Help Families in Recovery Efforts from Multiple Catastrophic EF-3 Tornadoes

1/24/2023

Helping Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas

Nine lives lost in Alabama and Georgia

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response has been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, and Rev. Ed Brashier, LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, to provide chainsaw assistance with the lift and heavy equipment, and assist residents in sorting and salvaging belongings in the lower income, hard-hit neighborhoods of Selma, Alabama.

Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) staff and volunteer teams will be serving homeowners through Pastor Steve Washington at Trinity Lutheran Church in Selma, Alabama, from Sunday, January 22, to at least Saturday, February 4.

“All I Could Do Was Cry Out to God to Protect Me” Shares a Wife Who Sheltered in Place

Mrs. H. walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the civil rights March in 1965 and now gives tours and shares stories of her beloved Selma. She has seen so many changes during the last several decades, but the destruction she sees everywhere now brings her to tears and causes her heart to ache for her community. She is very grateful that her home was not damaged by the three very large pine trees that fell in her yard and next to her home.

She told us how scared she was to hear the sounds of trees falling and glass breaking as the tornado passed through her neighborhood. She stated, “All I could do was cry out to God to protect me.” After it passed, she went outside to see many of her neighbors' homes destroyed. She could hear some crying out for help under debris, and she could just cry and pray. Thankfully, no one perished, but many of her friends have lost everything.

She is so grateful for all of the help that has arrived to help her community. She was especially thankful for the LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers that worked at her home all day to make it safe again.

Church Member Homeowner Serves Alongside of L.E.R.T. Team

Agnes is a Trinity Lutheran Church member who wanted to give back to her community by serving with our L.E.R.T. volunteers. She has spent a couple of days out with the team and loves the Christ-centered care shown to her neighbors and the joyful hearts of the workers as they serve. Agnes has considered it a blessing to serve and learn what we do. She, too, has been a blessing to us.

Helping an Elderly Gentleman Who Rode Out Storm in His Closet

Carl is an elderly gentleman who rode out the storm in his home's closet. He heard the freight train coming, trees cracking and falling, and part of his roof coming off. He feared his home would be totally destroyed and that he would be killed. As he stated, “I prayed for the Lord to keep me safe, and he heard my prayer.”

He had a lot of tree damage, and a large limb came through his roof. He feels he was blessed as he looks at all of the homes destroyed and loss around him. He was very thankful for the professional help and care shown to him.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

LCC Disaster Response Deploys on Sunday to Selma, Alabama, to Help in Recovery Efforts from Multiple Catastrophic Ef-3 Tornadoes

1/17/2023

Working with LCMS Disaster Response & LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator to Help Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas

Nine lives lost in Alabama and Georgia

"For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” (Isaiah 49:13)

On Thursday, January 12, a strong storm system moved through four states with high winds, large hail, and a tornado outbreak including thirty-eight powerful tornadoes of which three were long-track EF-3 tornadoes with 110+ mph winds that caused major damage to homes, businesses, and schools. There was a loss of nine lives in Alabama and Georgia from this storm.

The EF-3 tornado with 150 mph winds that went through Selma, Alabama, and into Georgia was on the ground for 76 miles and was ¾-mile wide. According to FEMA on Monday, in Selma and Autauga County alone, early reports document 252 structures destroyed, 195 structures have major damage, and an additional 145 structures damaged.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response has been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, and Rev. Ed Brashier, LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, to provide chainsaw assistance with the lift and heavy equipment, and assist residents in sorting and salvaging belongings in the lower income, hard-hit neighborhoods of Selma, Alabama. Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) staff and volunteer teams will be serving homeowners through Pastor Steve Washington at Trinity Lutheran Church in Selma, Alabama, from Sunday, January 22, to at least Saturday, February 4.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy to the hardest-hit area of Selma, Alabama, to help during the long recovery process.

LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Urgent Financial Assistance Needed for Low-Income Families in Fort Myers, Florida, Who Lost Everything after Hurricane Ian

11/15/2022

Kathy O’Day, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, received an urgent financial assistance request from Tim Richter, Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, to purchase basic living items needed for very low-income community members in Harlem Heights recovering from the destruction of their homes from Hurricane Ian. Debra Mathinos, Chief Programs Officer of Harlem Heights Community Center, made the initial request for assistance to Zion Lutheran Church, one of their very involved community partners for the past nine years.

This area experienced the hurricane-driven flood surge. All had 4’-8’ of water throughout their homes. Families had to be rescued, and all have lost what little they had owned.

Most of these families are now living in fully gutted homes, old campers, and even some tents on their property – and they will be living like this for at least the next six months to a year or more until their homes can be repaired or rebuilt.

Your Donations Purchased 40 Microwaves and 50 Chairs!
Donate to Continue to Help 40 – 50 Families in Need!

This week, your donations through Lutheran Church Charities helped Zion Lutheran Church order and purchase 40 microwaves and deliver 50 folding chairs to Harlem Heights Community Center for families in need. Debra Mathinos is very appreciative for the assistance from their community partner, Zion Lutheran Church.

Zion is continuing to meet with Debra to see what basic living needs – such as microwaves, crockpots, hot plates, mini refrigerators, card tables, and chairs – are still needed by 40-50 families that can be met with LCC assistance. This will allow families to cook simple meals, have a place to sit and eat, and for children to do homework as they try to live as best they can in their gutted homes with minimal functional electrical outlets.

LCC L.E.R.T. Volunteers Continue to Serve in Florida

Last week, four L.E.R.T. volunteers from Trinity Lisle continued to serve with other L.E.R.T. teams out of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida.

Jan Boerman and Linda Arnold were able to distribute air mattresses, pillows, blankets, children’s backpacks, and other items from Zion’s distribution center to many families who have lost everything in devastated South Fort Myers neighborhoods. These families were very grateful to receive these items, as they have also lost their means of transportation and could not get to the church to get much needed supplies or were afraid to leave their damaged homes. They consider it a blessing to pray with and serve residents of this area that have not received a lot of attention or assistance.

Ed Boerman and Clay Arnold assisted with chainsaw and tractor work on extremely hard hit Captiva and Pine Islands.

If any L.E.R.T certified individual is interested in volunteering on their own to do muck-outs or chainsaw work, LCMS Disaster Response is still operating a base camp at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida. It is planning to remain open until the second week of December.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Please prayerfully consider donating to help Lutheran Church Charities and Zion Lutheran Church help Harlem Heights families who are struggling and in need.

Please continue to pray for the residents affected by Hurricane Ian as they face a long recovery process.

Urgent Financial Assistance Needed for Low-Income Families in Fort Myers, Florida, Who Lost Everything After Hurricane Ian

11/8/2022

Kathy O’Day, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, received an urgent financial assistance request from Tim Richter, Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, to purchase basic living items needed for very low-income community members in Harlem Heights recovering from the destruction of their homes from Hurricane Ian. Debra Mathinos, Chief Programs Officer of Harlem Heights Community Center, made the initial request for assistance to Zion Lutheran Church, one of their very involved community partners for the past nine years.

This area experienced the hurricane-driven flood surge. All had 4’-8’ of water throughout their homes. Families had to be rescued, and all have lost what little they had owned.

Most of these families are now living in fully gutted homes, old campers, and even some tents on their property – and they will be living like this for at least the next six months to a year or more until their homes can be repaired or rebuilt.

Your Donations Will Help 40 – 50 Families in Need!

Lutheran Church Charities is partnering with Zion Lutheran Church to use your financial donations to purchase microwaves, crockpots, hot plates, mini refrigerators, card tables, and chairs for at least 40-50 families.

This will allow families to cook simple meals, have a place to sit and eat, and for children to do homework as they try to live as best they can in their gutted homes with minimal functional electrical outlets.

Zion Lutheran Church will purchase the needed items from local businesses. Tim Richter and Jan Boerman, L.E.R.T. leader from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, Illinois, who is still serving in Florida, will deliver these needed items to the Harlem Heights Community Center for family disbursement as soon as they can.

Harlem Heights is a severely distressed community in South Fort Myers, with families living in poverty at twice the rate of the rest of Lee County in Florida. The average household income of a typical Harlem Heights family is less than $25,000/year. Demographically, this community is 71% Hispanic (from Haiti, Guatemala and El Salvador), 20% African-American, and 9% Caucasian.

Within the boundaries of Harlem Heights, there are 350 single-family homes, 400 apartments, and more than 750 children. Ninety-five percent of the residents were employed in the service industry on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. Due to the hurricane, their jobs and means of support are now gone.

The Harlem Heights Community Center and its Foundation is a grassroots organization that works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood by providing charitable outreach projects in the community with community partnerships. The foundation also operates the community center, early learning center, and school. They are heavily involved in serving this community and helping find resources to assist families in recovering from this devastating disaster.

Beginning last week and continuing, four L.E.R.T. volunteers from Trinity Lisle are serving out of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida. Ed and Jan Boerman and Clay and Linda Arnold have been doing chainsaw work and helping homeowners salvage and pack belongings in their flooded homes.

Please continue to pray for the residents affected by Hurricane Ian as they face a long recovery process.

Eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team Volunteers in Venice, Florida, for Third Week of Helping with Recovery Efforts after Hurricane Ian

10/26/2022

Assessments Completed: 102
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 78
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 11

Helping Churches and Homeowners with Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida as it moved inland. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.

As of Sunday, October 23, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to continue the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, as well as North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West until the end of October.

These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes.

Since our arrival, LCC has completed 102 property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes.

During their first two weeks in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed seventy-eight tree-damaged property sites and eleven property sites with muck out, debris removal, or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, ten church worker or congregational staff homes, and many congregational members and community residents.

Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve.

Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage

Last week, we shared that one of the homeowners, a very recent widow, told the team working at her home, “You are a group of angels sent by God.” She came to worship at Lakeside Lutheran Church last Sunday, and the first thing she said was, “There’s my angels!”

The L.E.R.T. volunteers and Pastor David Dahlke gave a very warm welcome to their new friend and spent a lot of time with her after the service. The Pastor and congregation members look forward to seeing her often.

Removing a Giant Tree from Hard-Hit Property

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers helped a homeowner cut and remove a giant tree trunk. The team learned it was a Ramose tree they had not seen before.

They enjoyed getting to know the family and felt blessed by the time spent with the 94-year-old grandma. She was very thankful and hugged everyone for helping them.

The L.E.R.T. volunteers feel blessed to serve over ten families in this hard-hit, low-income community who are trying to recover from heavily damaged property.

BEFORE

AFTER

Helping Homeowner Recovering from Recent Open Heart Surgery

While working on another property, we met a female homeowner in her 40s who was recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. In fact, this was her fourth heart surgery. Her property had quite a yard of downed trees, and she didn’t know how she was going to get it taken care of as she has many medical expenses. She truly appreciated the caring support and was amazed that we would offer to help her at no cost in her time of need.

Working Together to Serve Homeowners in Need

Members from Lakeside Lutheran Church worked side-by-side with L.E.R.T. volunteers from Trinity-Lisle to help several families salvage belongings and make home repairs from damage after the hurricane. Many roofs came off, or flying debris caused holes where heavy rain came in.

They helped five families this past week move flood-damaged belongings out of homes, installed new windows, replaced a water heater, made minor repairs, or salvaged belongings.

Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus – it has been a great week of serving!

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

Please pray for the residents in the impacted communities and all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff during our deployment to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.

Twenty-Four LCC Lutheran Early Response Team Volunteers in Venice, Florida, to Continue Recovery Efforts after Hurricane Ian

10/18/2022

Week Two Helping Churches and Homeowners with
Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care

Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Churches, Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.

As of Sunday, October 16, twenty-four LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to continue the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, as well as North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West until the end of October.

These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes. Additional L.E.R.T. volunteers continue to arrive throughout the deployment.

Watch the video below to hear homeowners and pastors share how LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers are bringing them hope following the devastation left by Hurricane Ian.

Pastor David Dahlke – Lakeside Lutheran Church

Pastor David Dahlke from LCC’s host church Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, shares, “One of the life lessons we learn early from the Bible is Love your neighbor … what do we do next. And God's hands send the people of L.E.R.T.” He continues, “Help them, serve them and care for them … God calls his church together – hand to hand, life to life, soul to soul – to touch people’s lives and bring them that peace that can only come from the hands of God.” Pastor Dahlke and his congregation are being the hands of Christ to the L.E.R.T. volunteers and to the community. They are so grateful that “God would send Samaritans to not only help them but to pray with them.”

Since our arrival, LCC has completed eighty-two property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes. Additional assessments will continue throughout the three-week deployment.

During their first week in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed twenty-three tree-damaged property sites and seven property sites with debris removal or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, eight church worker or congregational staff homes, and many community residents. Several properties were multi-day sites, including tree removal from rooftops.

LCC Disaster Response is one of three recovery basecamps established by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Rev. Ross Johnson, Director LCMS Disaster Response, Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training, and Jay Wendland, FL-GA District Disaster Response Coordinator visited the LCC base camp this week. They were impressed and thankful for what we have completed, and for our servant hearts to those in need.

Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve.

Bringing Emotional and Spiritual Support to a Young Family Who Lost Everything

During the LCC Disaster Response deployment to aid those devastated by Hurricane Ian, staff and volunteers were blessed to meet Mrs. S and hear her family's story. The family are members at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, Florida. When LCC staff arrived at the family home to assess the property, it became clear that the need for emotional and spiritual support was as great as the need for help with physical damage.

"I'm tired of having to be strong," Mrs. S confessed with tears in her eyes. She and her husband had saved for years to purchase their first home. One year ago, they finally bought a home, which was a dream come true. Now that home is unlivable. During the hurricane, the ceiling collapsed. Water got into the home, which created harmful mold and damaged nearly all of their possessions. Mrs. S described the emotional process of throwing away precious items from her childhood that she had passed down to her own children. Beyond the physical losses, Mrs. S is concerned for her beloved children.

Mrs. S told us about her family, who is staying with her mother as they search for housing. They have four children, ages 3, 6, 9, and 12. Two of the children have special needs challenges. The stress of losing their home and getting out of regular routines has been incredibly hard for the children. After years of therapy and progression for her children with special needs, she fears that they are back to square one. Please keep this family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult and heartbreaking chapter in their lives.

“We Need Help” Shares a Husband and Wife Who Sheltered in Place

Robert and his wife sheltered in place for nine hours while the eye of the storm passed over their house. Protecting his wife with a mattress and his own body in a closet, they relied on their strong faith as they read Psalms and prayed for their safety. The Lord heard their prayers!

Betty Felt Peace Amongst the Raging Storm

Betty prepared a safe place in her closet but took refuge in the Lord. The wind was so loud that she didn’t even hear a large tree fall down on the power lines right next to her house. She laid on her bed and sang a beloved hymn, giving her peace that the Lord would protect her.

She thanks all of the L.E.R.T. volunteers, saying that it is so wonderful to know that people who don’t even know you care about you. "It’s so much easier knowing God is leading you, guiding you, and sending you people like yourselves to help."

Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage

One of the homeowners, a very recent widow, told the team working at her home, “You are a group of angels sent by God.”

It is a blessing to listen to everyone’s stories, offer prayers, and serve them in the name of the Lord.

Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others in their time of need.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

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.

Eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team Volunteers Arrived in Venice, Florida, to Help Churches and Homeowners Clean Up Property Damage from Hurricane Ian

10/11/2022

Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Churches, Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. The death toll reported is now more than 100 as search and rescue teams continue to go door to door throughout impacted communities.

As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.

On Sunday, October 9, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers arrived in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to begin the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood until the end of October. Additional L.E.R.T. volunteers will arrive throughout the deployment.

As of Monday, five churches, four pastors, and thirty-one congregation members from five different churches need immediate property assistance. Assessments began upon arrival, and some of the homeowner damage is so bad that homes are uninhabitable. Additional assessments will continue throughout the three-week deployment.

Lakeside Lutheran Joyfully Serves Community through L.E.R.T.

On Monday, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers completed all of the property clean-up at the host church, Lakeside Lutheran, in Venice, Florida. Pastor David Dahlke and congregation members are very welcoming and supportive of our team members. They are amazed at all of the work done to clean up their property so quickly. Lakeside’s mission is “to joyfully serve,” and they have been joyfully serving our L.E.R.T. volunteers so that we can represent them as we serve in their communities.

Restoring Hope at Redeemer Lutheran Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, Florida, is in a pastoral vacancy. They have survived Hurricane Ian but have sustained major damage to the church, daycare, and school. Approximately 100 trees are down throughout their property.

Members are feeling hopeless but have strong faith that God will provide for all of their needs. Early Tuesday morning, the LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers came ready to help and began the clean-up effort. They will be working at least four days on this property alone.

I want everyone to come here and see what you are doing. I feel like we’ve been losing hope, but you’re restoring our hope. Congregational Leadership, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Seeing God’s hands in action through our dedicated L.E.R.T. volunteers, Redeemer plans to reopen the daycare and school on October 17 once the grounds are safe.

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will provide chainsaw, heavy equipment, boom lift assistance, and some mucking and gutting of a flooded church sanctuary. Our teams will also provide spiritual and emotional care as many people took shelter in their homes and endured horrific conditions while the hurricane passed through their cities. Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

LCC Disaster Response Deploying to Florida this Weekend to Help Assess Homeowner Property Damage and Assist with Recovery From Hurricane Ian

10/5/2022

Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Churches, Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. The death toll reported is now more than 100 as search and rescue teams continue to go door to door throughout impacted communities.

As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida last week, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, have been collaborating with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinators Joel Mathews and Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.

Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O'Day, Ed Boerman, and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to be in Florida this week to be part of the assessment team.

Approximately twenty-six LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin serving out of Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, which is located 30 minutes from Englewood and Port Charlotte. Pastor David Dahlke has graciously welcomed our team to stay at Lakeside Lutheran. Brenda Gustafson, Church Administrator shared, “We are an older congregation and cannot get out into the community, so we are thrilled to serve you so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.”

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin arriving in Florida on Sunday, October 9, and will be serving in our designated communities until the end of October.

LCMS Disaster Response has asked us to begin our work with two heavily damaged churches, Trinity Lutheran of Southwest in Port Charlotte and Redeemer Lutheran Church & School in Englewood, and remove downed trees at our host church Lakeside Lutheran. All three congregations also have several staff and congregation members who have property damage. In addition, we will serve affected residents as requested in these communities.

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will provide chainsaw, heavy equipment, and boom lift assistance, and some mucking and gutting of a flooded church sanctuary. Our teams will also provide spiritual and emotional care as many people took shelter in their homes and endured horrific conditions while the hurricane passed through their cities. Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!