On Wednesday, July 12, the Northern Illinois District was struck by fourteen tornadoes within a three-hour time period. The only EF-2 tornado was in South Elgin, which heavily damaged a neighborhood.

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.

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 storms, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

On Wednesday, July 12, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District was struck by fourteen tornadoes within a three-hour time period. Two days later, on Friday, July 14, another two tornadoes occurred.
 
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.

Several sites required the lift to remove multiple dangerous hanging limbs and the big bobcat to move very large damaged tree trunks after they were cut. L.E.R.T. volunteers worked very hard on these last big projects and all of the homeowners expressed their appreciation to each volunteer for returning each day and treating their property as if it was their own.

Mrs. B said, “This tornado was devastating to us. It could have been worse I know. But watching neighbors help each other and seeing your team come each day and ask all of us what you can do for us has just been amazing. You have made this disaster so much more manageable for us. Thanks just doesn’t seem enough!”

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!

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 storms, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

For ten days, Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and twenty-seven LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers served with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southern Illinois District in Nashville, Addieville, Okawville and Ashely, Illinois. These communities were struck by a derecho (land hurricane) and 90 mph straight-line winds on June 29 and 30.

Lutheran Church Charities and Southern Illinois District L.E.R.T. teams spent 980 volunteer hours assisting sixty-one families by removing trees, damaged limbs, and debris with chainsaws, boom lift, bobcats, and tractors.

This woman lost her husband three years ago and, until this disaster, has been maintaining her own property. She felt overwhelmed by the damage to her many trees and didn’t know what she would do.
 
She couldn’t believe the work the volunteers got done to make her property safe again. While she watched the team work, volunteers also sat and talked with her.
 
The team carved a cross in one of her trees and presented her with a cross slice signed by all. Through many tears of happiness and hugs, she thanked everyone over and over.

Matt Bierman and Bryce Cramer, Lutheran Church-Missouri (LCMS) Southern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators (DDRC), and Pastor David and Rachel Benning from Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, Illinois extend their sincere thanks to the following volunteers:

Illinois
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn
Immanuel, Palatine – Chris Johnson
Lord of Life, LaFox – Mark Holstein, Max Metz, Bill Pietsch, Larry Zagorski
Messiah, Sterling – Jacob Beets
St. John, East Moline – Bill and Debbie Girard, Ken and Janet Hill
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Peter, Schaumburg – Missy Dieckman, Ken and Vicki Kiviranta
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman, Wayne Scott
 
Indiana
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
 
Wisconsin
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann, Stu Natale, Kaye Voss
St. Paul, Janesville – Lark Sanders

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 storms, including the LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are deployed and serving in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southern Illinois District to serve impacted homeowners from Thursday, July 6, through Saturday, July 15.

On Monday, July 10, Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO; Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response; Pastor David Benning, Matt Bierman, and George Acosta, LCC Chief Operating Officer joined Kathy in Southern Illinois to visit affected homeowners and see the L.E.R.T. volunteers in action.

On June 29 and 30, a derecho (land hurricane) and straight-line winds moved through Southern Illinois. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response was invited by Matt Bierman and Bryce Cramer, Lutheran Church-Missouri (LCMS) Southern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators (DDRC), to deploy to Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, Illinois, to provide chainsaw assistance with heavy equipment and debris removal. We give thanks to Pastor David and Rachel Benning for their hospitality and the congregation members of Trinity Lutheran for hosting, feeding, and supporting us as we serve in their community.

They have assessed approximately 100 homeowner sites for damage and a possible response. They have completed work at 37 sites and have another 35 in the queue to complete.

Helping Farm Owner with Property Clean-Up
This congregation member told us he did not need help to clean up his farm property but reluctantly accepted it with some urging. After the work was done, he was happy with the result and how professional we were. He posted a sign on the main highway in and out of town thanking the L.E.R.T. volunteers for all to see this week. It was a surprise and brought smiles to all of us.

Kathy O’Day went to Mrs. P.'s home to assess the damage. When she arrived, Mrs. P. answered the door and was in tears. Her insurance adjuster had just left and told her that since she had several tree limbs on her mobile home roof, he would just total the unit as he stated it wasn’t worth fixing, and she could move. She was so upset as she is elderly and has a very nice home.
 
Kathy called one of the LCC L.E.R.T. teams that were serving that day, and they came directly over to her home. They removed the tree limbs from her roof, patched a hole, reattached loose siding and a roof vent, and then tarped the roof to protect it from leaking into her home. Kathy even sent the pictures of the repairable hole and work done to protect the roof to the adjuster, who, after looking at them, called Mrs. P. and told her they would repair the roof.
 
Over the time we were there, she went from tears to smiles. She was so pleased and kept telling us we were her angels sent by God to take care of her.

The LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers served at two homes owned by a father and son. The father was 89 years old and thoroughly enjoyed sitting on his porch and watching all the work being completed to remove the many fallen and damaged trees and limbs from his roof, shed, and around both properties (lead photo).
 
He also enjoyed visiting with the team, especially during the lunch break. He was very pleased with the cross presented to him.

Serving a Family with Property Damage while Young Daughter Was in the Emergency Room
Last week Bryce Cramer and a few LCC and Southern Illinois District L.E.R.T. volunteers went to work at a home. The homeowner told them they could work, but he needed to leave immediately as his four-month-old granddaughter was being put into the hospital with pneumonia and difficulty breathing. Before he left, the team prayed with him. On Monday night, the mother posted a thank you to the L.E.R.T. team on the Washington County Talk Facebook page that was forwarded to us.
 
To the wonderful group who cleared our trees: we can't thank you enough. Not only did you help us clear damage we couldn't, but you were there for us in other ways. Today was a scary day for our little family. You didn't know us yet when you heard our daughter was being sent to the ER, and you held a prayer for her with my father. That's small to some, but to this mom, it meant the world. Thank you for your kindness, we needed it on a week like this. I hope our community treats you well, and you know how much we appreciate you. I hope whoever you are, you see this.
 
This reminds us that we do make a difference in the lives we touch by providing the mercy, compassion. presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

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 storms, including the LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Due to daily storms, the holiday, and widespread damage, the assessment and planning process is ongoing. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers will deploy to the Southern Illinois District to serve impacted homeowners on Thursday, July 6, through Saturday, July 15.

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.

On Sunday afternoon, June 25, an EF-2 tornado tore through several subdivisions in Greenwood, Indiana. Approximately 75 homes were damaged or destroyed, according to preliminary reports.

One of LCC’s chainsaw team leaders was vacationing at his son’s home in Greenwood when this tornado struck his neighborhood, causing some minor home damage and downing a large tree in his yard. He said the family saw it coming and had to quickly take shelter as it passed close by and could see the damage being done.
 
LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O'Day’s son also lives in Greenwood, but fortunately, the tornado missed him. After a call, her son willingly took his chainsaw and personal protective equipment (PPE) to the team leader so he could cut and remove the downed tree from his son’s yard. God does provide in different ways.
 
Lutheran Church Charities has spoken with the Indiana District Disaster Response Coordinator and is available for assistance if needed.
 
Please pray for all those affected by this tornado and for the safety of those helping with recovery efforts.

Lutheran Church Charities held a Rigging & Knots and Lift training instruction at Walcamp on June 8. This LCC advanced chainsaw class was co-led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire.
 
These five new lift chainsaw operators received individual instruction and guidance from advanced team leaders as they began to practice how to operate the boom lift. They also learned how to safely and effectively use the different knots and rigging techniques to remove damaged trees and limbs.
 
We are grateful for the following volunteers who seek to grow in their knowledge and learn more specialized skill sets in order to serve those with tree destruction after a disaster.

Illinois
Fellowship of Faith, McHenry – Alan Holm
Immanuel, Dundee – Terry Fuelling, Doug Hoyt
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Pete Springmire
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean Ulrich
 
Iowa
Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
 
Wisconsin
St. Paul, Janesville – Lark Sanders

A special thank you to Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire for sharing their expertise so that our L.E.R.T. volunteers can continue to serve others in need.

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.

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the long recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Many of the neighborhoods we assessed in North Little Rock are completely devastated. Mr. and Mrs. C. had a beautiful house overlooking the lake. Most of these homes on the lake took a direct hit from the tornado. Their home and cars were destroyed, and most of their belongings are damaged or gone.
 
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.

LCC and other L.E.R.T. volunteers have been assisting them with tree and debris removal and retrieving some of their items from their home and workshop. Mr. C. comes to their home every day to see what he can find and protect it from looters. Mrs. C. cannot bring herself to return as she is so devastated.
 
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.

In ten days, we now have worked at six homes on this same lake. All are neighbors and greatly appreciate our willingness to spend several days to help clear their properties of many, many trees. L.E.R.T. volunteers serving this neighborhood have also taken much time to listen to their stories and share the mercy and love of Christ with them.

Mr. and Mrs. W., with their four children (ages 6 months, 3, 7, and 12), took shelter in the bathroom as the tornado sirens wailed. Their Jacksonville neighborhood took a direct hit. At least twelve very large pine and oak trees fell on their property. Unfortunately, a large oak tree fell through the center of their home, missing the family by only a foot.
 
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.

L.E.R.T. volunteers also worked at four neighbors in Jacksonville that had several large evergreens uproot and fall in their yards as well as through one of the homes. They were very thankful for our willing assistance.

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the long recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

This was a large, multi-state storm. There were over 1,000 reports of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. Most reports were from Iowa to Arkansas eastward through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

After completing recovery efforts from our own tornado and wind event the same day in Northern Illinois, LCC Disaster Response was invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, and Jan Simko, LCMS Mid-South District Disaster Response Coordinator, to assist with catastrophic tornado recovery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, arrived in Little Rock the day after Easter to begin assessing tornado damage with LCMS District Disaster Response Coordinators from other states. The Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are working out of Christ Little Rock Lutheran Church and School.

Kathy assessed damages in Jacksonville, Arkansas, with Pastor Kevin Conger of Hope Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Pastor Conger’s wife, Lois, handed out household items donated by congregation members to families affected by the tornado.
 
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.

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 LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the long recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.