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Lutheran Church Charities has been deeply engaged in bringing hope and compassion to those impacted by the devastating wildfires around Los Angeles. Over the weekend and into the first half of the week, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer led two Community Care Events hosted at First Lutheran Church in Venice and Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica. These gatherings provided a safe space for individuals to share their stories, receive prayer, and experience the hope found in Christ.
"Comfort, comfort My people," says your God. (Isaiah 40:1)
All six LCC Comfort Dog teams stopped by Los Angeles Fire Station #110 in Marina Del Rey, CA, just south of Santa Monica, to uplift firefighters logging long hours day after day. They delivered a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) and greeted members of the station house on the driveway with pets and wagging tails.
The teams also visited the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates LA’s emergency planning, training, response, and recovery efforts. The teams presented another HMC to thank workers who face stress-filled days at the city’s crisis nerve center. The dogs’ calming presence brought smiles and a chance to catch their breath.
Across town, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers made an unscheduled appearance at the third annual Pasadena Neighbor Day for residents to get to know one another better. The celebratory event went on as a means of strengthening acquaintances and getting a breather from the stress.
Yesterday the Comfort Dog teams visited the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to encourage staff members working to limit insurance fraud, as well as Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA, to bring joy to service members and their families. The deployment continues through the remainder of this week with visits to Flintridge Prep School, which is resuming classes today, and a pair of outings to the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner/Coroner.
Six Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Teams from three states, plus LCC Care Teams from Illinois, will deploy Friday to Southern California to offer compassionate care and support for Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations impacted by the devastating fires ravaging Los Angeles County. LCC teams will lead two Community Care events on Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Venice, CA, and Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, CA. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from California, Nevada, and Washington will be on hand to listen to congregation members and area residents, pray with them, and offer pets and cuddles with the golden retrievers. These events are designed to bring hurting community members together to process the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of a disaster, to be vulnerable in the presence of others, and, ultimately, to experience a taste of the hope found only in Jesus.  The need is great. About 20 families from Pacifica Christian High School, which conducts classes from Pilgrim’s campus, have lost their homes. Pilgrim also has welcomed members of Pacific Palisades Lutheran Church and is conducting joint worship services together. “The devastation from these tragic and truly unprecedented fires is widespread and stunning, and it will require a multifaceted response by our entire LCC team,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “We are blessed to be partnering with our churches on the West Coast. Our first step will be to care for the hurting with a ministry of presence, administering and training with Spiritual First Aid™ and providing that golden comfort of our K-9 teams." On Sunday after worship, LCC Care teams will lead Spiritual First Aid™ Rapid Training workshops at First Lutheran Venice, CA, and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, CA, plus two more sessions at the Pacific Southwest District office in Irvine on Monday and Tuesday. After training, LCC Disaster Response and Care teams will assist congregation members in engaging their communities with basic needs and the love of Christ. “Please pray today for the families and individuals who have been impacted — so many have evacuated and are anxious about their loved ones and homes," Rev. Singer said. "Pray also for open doors as LCC meets together with Synod, District, and Church leaders to encourage, collaborate, and mobilize faith into action. Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated."
Delivery During the Storm - Hope and Help in Crisis
Appreciation for "All the Servant Hearts"  Pastor Jonathan Christensen of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville expressed thanks and praise for all the servant hearts that have so willingly worked and blessed residents in the community and surrounding areas. “We have sincerely appreciated all the hospitality shown and meals prepared for us by this congregation," said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, who led the deployment with Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager. To share the LCC volunteers’ appreciation, Matt Flynn, Team Leader of the Immanuel Dundee, IL, crew presented Pastor Christensen with a plaque created to thank the congregation for the ongoing support. Pastor Eric Hollar of Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C., and Interim Director of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry, a disaster response non-profit, posted a message last week on LCC Disaster Response’s Facebook page. He shared, “I have been able to focus more on my pastoral duties at my congregation, due in LARGE part to the ‘partnership in the Gospel’ with LCC. We are so appreciative of their support in the response in Hendersonville.” The message was a reminder that Lutheran Church Charities welcomes opportunities to partner with churches and Recognized Service Organizations (RSO) in sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need LCC Thank-Yous Lutheran Church Charities and Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville extend a huge thanks to Kelli Francis from Fuel Relief Fund and Jim Norton from Suncoast Fuel for their generous donation of 500 gallons of diesel to use during LCC Disaster Response’s deployment. “What a savings and blessing it was and continues to be in keeping equipment and trucks full for serving those in need,” O’Day said. LCC Disaster Response gives special appreciation to Lutheran Servants for Christ which loaned its tractor to LCC LERT volunteers last week. Lutheran Church Charities also thanks the following LERT volunteers and their churches from multiple LCMS districts for serving together with LCC Disaster Response during the three-week deployment: Northern Illinois District Christ Our Savior, Dixon – Joy Holden Christ the Rock, Rockford – Matt & Carol Robert Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger Immanuel, Crystal Lake – Jeff Dykstra Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete & Christel Springmire Immanuel, Dundee – Bill Conforti, Matt Flynn, Terry & Denise Fuelling, Al Navarro Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier Lord of Life, Elburn – Terry & Mary Kramer, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Marty Starck, Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren St. John, Union – Laurie Mathisen, Rick Miller, Nick Miletta St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich Trinity, Lisle – Ed Schwartz, Ken Scott Trinity, Roselle – Kristin Bilar Zion, Ottawa – Dave & Cindy Reif Indiana District St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black Christ, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn Iowa District Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister Missouri District New Beginnings, Pacific – Glenn Stellhorn South Wisconsin District Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale, Kaye Voss Southeastern District Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, North Carolina Pastor Jonathan Christiansen, David Maloney, David and Wendy White “We leave behind new friends, memories, hope, and prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they continue their recovery process,” O’Day said. “It has truly been a blessing to serve!”
READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.
LCC LERT teams, which have come and gone during the multi-week deployment, are led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager, and have been working from a home base at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran in Hendersonville, under the leadership of Pastor Jonathan Christensen.
Amid the cutting, hauling, and clearing, the LCC LERT team has used Spiritual First Aid™ to encourage residents who have been struggling emotionally in the weeks since the storm. Some stories and highlights:
LCC LERT volunteers worked at a site in Asheville with a steep-sloped yard that couldn’t accommodate machinery and heavy equipment. “Everything needed to be cut and hand-carried, or left in place,” O’Day said. “The homeowner sent an email later that said, ‘You all are amazing! Our life had been turned upside down, but you have helped by doing what you do. Thank you so much. God bless all of you!”
A second site in Asheville had 15 leaning tees that had to be felled, as well as one tree that had been broken in half. This week, some new LCC LERT volunteers were on the job and they had a climber that was able to remove the tree safely. “The homeowner was extremely grateful to have these dangerous trees gone and her property safe for her family,” O’Day said. “ All the volunteers worked hard and shared the love of Christ with those they served.” READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.  Led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers are halfway through the second week of working around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C., areas that were devastated by hurricane winds and flooding nearly a month ago. Working out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville with Pastor Jonathan Christensen, crews have assessed 86 sites with requests for assistance coming in daily. In the first week, 27 LERT volunteers joined together to cut damaged and leaning trees, remove safety hazards, and clear debris for residents in the region. As the second week began Monday, 21 volunteers were continuing to serve. Altogether, teams have completed work at 29 sites, several of them multi-day efforts. LCC LERT teams will continue to serve in the area until at least November 9 and would value your prayers and support. Coming up on November 6, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak of Emmanuel Lutheran Asheville will join with multiple LCMS congregations and residents in the region for an evening of community togetherness and spiritual support to help the recovery process. “We’ll explore the importance of connection and healing, share awareness of post-disaster challenges, and introduce tools like psychological and Spiritual First Aid™ to identify next steps in the recovery journey,” Singer said. “Together, we can rebuild not just our homes but our spirits.” GOD-MOMENTS FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPLOYMENT During the first 10 days of the deployment to North Carolina, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers have used Spiritual First Aid™ to encourage residents who have been struggling emotionally in the weeks since the storm. Team members have supplied tangible goods to meet physical needs, such as quilts, space heaters, and gift cards, which have been provided by Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations in the Northern Illinois District. Some highlights:
LCC LERT team members worked on the property of a Mr. W. His family of eight could not live in their home because a large tree was leaning on it and threatening to fall through it. He also had a lot of downed and broken trees on his property. With multiple health issues, he could not afford to clear the debris. As he told us, “I may not have much, but I do have a family — and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.” He was very thankful for all the work that was done so he and his loved ones could return home.
 From veterans and Red Cross workers to needy families and law enforcement officers, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the lives of North Carolina residents of every walk of life. High winds and high water devastated the western part of the state taking the lives of 95 North Carolinians and isolating communities. Helene tore a deadly path through the mountains of western North Carolina, dumping extreme rainfall and causing catastrophic flash flooding. Numerous locations received 1-2 feet of rain or more between Sept. 24-28. Some towns are in ruins. There are toppled trees everywhere; roads, bridges, and driveways are washed out; homes and businesses have been destroyed by flooding and landslides. Many homes remain without power or running water. In response, Lutheran Church Charities answered calls for help last week, deploying a six-member LCC Care Team trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to Asheville, N.C., on Friday. Drawing from three different churches in two states, the team distributed food and supplies and offered spiritual and psychological support to those affected by the storm and the first responders who are helping them.  Serving on the LCC Care Team are Heidi Gilbert-Then, a parish nurse from Faith Lutheran Sussex, Wisconsin; Crystal Sherrill, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; Jordan Sherill, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C; David Hedrick, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C; Tina Simmons, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; and Tony Spencer, St. Stephens Hickory, N.C. “The people impacted by the hurricane are dealing with a lot of loss and grief. I’m grateful our team was able to step into their lives to offer encouragement and the hope of Jesus as they start the long process of healing. Please join us in praying for them throughout their recovery journey,” said Heidi Then. Read daily mini-stories about the LCC Care Team’s boots-on-the-ground ministry on the LCC Hurricane Response Page.  Lutheran Church Charities returned to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico, last weekend and this week for a six-day deployment that included training in early disaster response and chainsaw work, plus administering Spiritual First Aid™. Ruidoso has continued to recover from the South Fork Fire and flash flooding that devastated the mountain town in June, destroying 1,400 homes and businesses. LCC teams from three states began arriving on Friday at the invitation of Pastor Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills. Counselors from Gloria Dei Lutheran in Houston, Texas, and Lord of Glory Lutheran Greyslake, Illinois, joined the Persis K-9 Comfort Dog team of King of Kings Lutheran Glenpool, Oklahoma, and LCC Disaster Response personnel from Illinois. Pastor Rust requested LCC’s help after reaching out to two pastors in Texas for assistance. In turn, the Texas pastors recommended LCC, which began the new partnership with Shepherd of the Hills. Also unique on the New Mexico deployment was that church members went directly from classroom training into the field for practical ministry work — with the ultimate aim of pointing their hurting neighbors and friends to the hope found only in Jesus.  21 TRAINED, CERTIFIED BEFORE SERVING IN THE COMMUNITY A day-by-day account of LCC Disaster Response ministry work: Friday, October 11 The deployment started with Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, meeting with members of Shepherd of the Hills to assess damage in the region caused by the wildfire. The LCC Disaster Response team also got to check out an equipment trailer the church purchased with grant money supplied by the Disaster Response division of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The trailer is outfitted with a workbench and shelves to hold saws, personal protective equipment (PPE), gasoline, bar oil, and other tools for church members who are certified in Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training. Many thanks to the Synod. With these supplies, volunteers will be preparedto serve their disaster affected community and share the hope of Christ. Saturday, October 12 Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught nine members of Shepherd of the Hills how to operate a chainsaw, drag safely, and fell, buck, and limb trees. “It was a very good day and all felt they learned a lot in both the classroom and working in the field,” O’Day said. “All the saws and PPE were used from their new team trailer. On Monday, this new LERT team will start helping homeowners clear burnt trees from their properties with LCC guidance. They are excited to be the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors.” Sunday, October 13 Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught basic Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) to a group of 21 students from three churches: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Ruidoso, New Mexico; Mission Lutheran Las Cruses, New Mexico; and St. John’s Lutheran, Orange, California. All 21 were certified and now form the newest LERT team in the LCMS Rocky Mountain District. “It is good to see how the Disaster Response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need,” O’Day said. Monday, October 14 The new Shepherd of the Hills LERT chainsaw crew worked at the homes of two congregation members to remove numerous burnt and damaged trees. Homeowners are responsible to clear their property of these trees before they can rebuild or sell their home, according to town bylaws. Insurance does not cover these costs. “Both homeowners were so appreciative of having this removal work done by their own church family,” O’Day said. “It was a privilege to watch these volunteers enthusiastically begin to develop their team and minister to those they will be serving. READ MORE about the LCC Care Team part of the deployment.
LCC LERT volunteers invited by LCMS, Southeastern District
LCC Disaster Response LERT volunteers have been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Director of Disaster Response and the Southeastern Disaster Response Team, to provide chainsaw assistance in and around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C. These LCC Disaster Response teams also have been asked to provide mucking and gutting work; distribute meals, water, and supplies; and provide spiritual and emotional care. Specific assignments and response locations will be determined in real time, said Sally Hiller, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southeastern District. Details are fluid and changing as the response continues, she said. “This disaster is unlike any we have ever seen, so planning has been challenging, said Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response, who will deploy with LCC LERT volunteers from October 21 to November 9. “The Southeastern District leadership and local pastors are very glad we are coming to serve alongside them to offer the hope of Christ to their hurting communities.”
Food and supplies headed to North Carolina
A pallet of food and supplies from LCC is on the way to Immanuel Lutheran in Asheville, N.C., and St. Peter’s Lutheran in Conover, N.C. Both congregations will hand out the provisions to families in need via car lines at their church properties. LCC also is looking to train LCMS churches across the Southeast and Mid-South in Spiritual First Aid™ and crisis response care. LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry will deliver HMCs to first responder agencies and the families of fallen first responders across North Carolina. As schools regain power and return to classes, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will arrive to visit children, teachers, and administrators.
LCC is monitoring Hurricane Milton
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response team is watching the track of Hurricane Milton, which explosively grew from a tropical storm to a Category 5 threat with winds as high as 180 mph on Monday. Milton was expected to vacillate between a Category 4 and 5 menace as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters are projecting a landfall on early Thursday morning near Tampa, Florida. In the midst of Hurricane Helene response efforts, LCC will be prepared to work with the Florida-Georgia District to deploy when it is safe to do so.
 Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS The Category 4 hurricane barreled in from the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, carving a deadly path of damage and debris across Florida, Georgia, the western parts of the Carolinas, and eastern Tennessee and Kentucky. By Tuesday afternoon, the storm’s death toll was nearing 160 people as search crews trudged through muck and high water looking for hundreds more who remain missing after spin-off tornadoes and flooding. This week, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and LCC Disaster Response Director Kathy O’Day have been collaborating with Rev. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response and Jay Wendland, Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinator, on when and where it is safe to deploy early responders and volunteers. LCC is also engaged in ongoing conversations with multiple LCMS pastors and local congregations. Yesterday, Rev. Singer issued a special appeal for prayer and financial support for families, individuals, and LCMS churches devastated by Helene.  Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS “We know that so many lives have been upended and torn apart. They are entering this week without loved ones, homes, power, and basic needs. They need our prayers right now,” he said. “As the waters recede and power is restored, LCC stands ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible support, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.” But until LERT camp locations are finalized, LCC will continue to monitor communication with other disaster response personnel across the affected districts. “At this time, most of these areas do not have electricity or water and some are inaccessible. Search and rescue operations are still occurring,” Deaconess O’Day said in an email to volunteers. “When we do deploy, we will need to be self-sufficient to not put a further strain on the communities we serve.” Even if power is restored in the next few days, and some disaster response teams can set up camp and coordinate the timing and arrival of heavy equipment, recovery will be long and difficult. “This process will take months to years,” Kathy O’Day said. “There will be opportunities to serve in several states and various areas — flood work, chainsaw work, debris removal, food service, spiritual and emotional care, rebuilding, showing mercy to the survivors of this catastrophic hurricane.” THE HUMAN IMPACT & HOW YOU CAN HELP  Lisa Kauffman, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., stands outside her home in Gulfport, Fla., on Oct. 1 after it sustained severe damage from Hurricane Helene. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.
Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Hurricane Helene and those who are responding with help.
Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) is calling on its supporters to pray for families and individuals affected, as well as LCC’s preparations to serve the Florida-Georgia, Southeastern, and Mid-South districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) participating in recovery efforts.
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need. Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Hurricane Helene and those who are responding with help. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are compelled to give, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!  LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
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