This week, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and 25 LCC LERT chainsaw team members, returned home from their deployment to Messiah Lutheran Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the invitation of the South Eastern District (SED) to assist those with downed and damaged trees. Of the 36 sites that were assessed, the LERT teams were able to complete work at 29 homes and at the church before the arrival of Hurricane Michael.

The team met many homeowners, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and helped clean up their properties. They feel blessed they were able to make a difference in the lives they touched.

One of these homeowners has been living in their damaged home since Hurricane Florence hit with no power due to an insurance battle. They are struggling financially, have medical disabilities, and are exhausted physically and emotionally. The team was able to secure a generator, gas, oil, and non-perishable food for them, as well as point them to the church for spiritual and emotional care.

These are just a few stories of how LCC LERT teams work together in times of disaster to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. LERT team members who deployed to North Carolina are as follows:
 
Northern Illinois District LERT Members
Cross – Yorkville: Derek Kowalczyk
Good Shepherd – Elgin: David Vollrath
Immanuel – Belvidere: Mike Buhl, Wes Johnson
Immanuel – Palatine: Jim Beckley, Jeff Dykstra
Lord of Life – LaFox: Larry Zagorski, Ken Johnston
St. John – Wheaton: Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Jan Gerveske, Jeff Johnston, Roy Rose, Ken Rosenwinkel
St. Peter – Hampshire: Dan & Bobbie Swyndroski
Trinity – Lisle: Mike Kostecki
Trinity – Roselle: David Vance
Trinity – Tinley Park: Joel Powless
 
Central Illinois District LERT Members
Immanuel – Shobonier: Fran Collier
Trinity – Pekin: Terry Knollenberg
 
Other Volunteers
Dillsboro, Indiana: Steve Black
Port Orange, Florida: Ken Cupples
North Carolina: Dave Klovstad
 
There is much work to be done in a very short time. Please keep the LERT team members and the North Carolina community in your prayers. Your donations will help us assist individuals and families affected by Hurricane Florence.

The region is just beginning to dig its way out of the aftermath of the storm weeks after the storm has past. Pastor stated that they experienced torrential rain, 5 feet storm surge, and strong winds by Hurricane Florence as well as 4 reported tornadoes. He reports there are trees down everywhere with home damage too. People are just returning to their homes as all had evacuated. Businesses are reopening but many roads just outside the city are still closed due to flooding where there are rivers. Some nearby towns are underwater and will be for another couple weeks.

Lutheran Church Charities and our LERT teams are prepared to bring the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. This community has lost much and are in need of assistance from the devastating effects of Hurricane Florence.

Please keep the LERT team members and the North Carolina community in your prayers. Your donations will help us assist individuals and families affected by Hurricane Florence.

LCC Disaster Response has been asked by the Southeastern District to come in and help. LCC will deploy to assist in Hurricane Florence recovery. LCC LERT teams have been asked to be on standby to deploy to the hardest hit areas to provide assistance with pumping out water from churches and homes, mucking and gutting, and providing chainsaw assistance. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are also ready to deploy to provide mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Please join LCC in praying for all of the families impacted by the recent devastating storms and for all of the first responders, LERT teams, and volunteers helping those in need.

Because LCC will be spread out throughout the country right now, your prayers and assistance are needed to help us serve those affected in various areas and states.
 
Thank you for all of your support in being Jesus to those suffering.

Peace in Jesus Christ,