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. 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. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response was invited by the Mayor of Woodridge, Illinois, Gina Cunningham, and Mr. Dan Hecht, case manager, to serve alongside Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors to offer assistance to families finally able to move back into their condominiums that were damaged in the Woodridge-Naperville tornado in June 2021. On Saturday, Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) volunteers completed handyman projects for residents and helped move household items. The Trinity Lutheran LERT team from Lisle, Illinois, serviced breakfast and a hot lunch to residents and volunteers. Mayor Cunningham and Mr. Hecht expressed their deep appreciation for our continued willingness to assist the residents of their community in their ongoing tornado recovery. Many residents thanked the team for the meals and help they received in their homes. Although the size of the projects varied, the servant hearts and hands were well received by all. The following LERT volunteers served with joy: Trinity, Lisle
St. Paul Rockford
We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of the recent annual Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response Conference held at the International Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This event brought together sixty-five dedicated Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders from various districts, all united by a shared commitment to enhance our disaster response capabilities. Over five enriching days, participants engaged in vital training sessions focused on safer and more efficient disaster response methods.
We are filled with hope and determination as we reflect on the achievements and learnings from this conference. LCC is committed to being present for those in need, inspired by the collective efforts and dedication demonstrated during this event. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters and share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those suffering and in need.
Recently, a homeowner in Illinois faced a precarious situation when a tree fell during the derecho and was hanging in another tree. She couldn't afford to have the tree removed and didn't know what to do. Fortunately, a church elder from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora reached out to Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response for assistance. Volunteers Ed Boerman and Ed Schwartz from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle stepped in to help, and after their hard work, the homeowner's tree was removed and her home was safe once again. The homeowner was incredibly grateful and sent a note to Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, thanking the “Eds” for their hard work and care shown to her. "My tree is out and my home is safe! Both Eds did an amazing job. I’m so thankful to you and your organization. May God bless all of you!” This story is just one example of the impactful work that volunteers and donors make possible through Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are moved to help, 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.
LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES' DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM SHARES EXPERTISE WITH WHEATON COLLEGE STUDENTS8/21/2024
On Monday, August 12, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) lift and chainsaw volunteers removed hanging limbs over Pastor Noah Kegley’s home, as well as felled a dead pine tree along his property line. Kegley is the new pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois. He expressed appreciation for the servant hands and hearts of the following volunteers in making his home and property safe: Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire Lord of Life, Elburn – Larry Zagorski St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson LCC never goes where we are not invited. |
When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming to pick up the pieces. Last week, the entire Northern Illinois District (NID) was affected by a derecho producing 70-110 mph winds, 39 tornadoes (with the NWS still surveying), and severe storms. On Monday evening, the derecho traveled 394 miles and, at times, was 60 miles wide across eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. All of this caused widespread power outages that lasted for many days, and a large path of uprooted and damaged trees and limbs, as well as some structural damage to homes and businesses in many towns. |
Working Together to Make a Difference
Bringing Relief to a Family with Significant Property Damage
The LERT volunteers brought relief to another family in need. Mr. and Mrs. B had their car and garage crushed by a large tree, and their home was damaged by a fallen tree from a neighbor's yard. Thankfully, LERT volunteers were able to carefully remove all of the debris in just three days, using their professional skills and equipment. Mr. and Mrs. B were grateful for our volunteers' willingness to return each day until the work was done - something they could not afford or do on their own. Our volunteers' compassionate approach and experienced sawyers made all the difference in restoring their home to safety. |
Twenty-Five LERT Volunteers Make Walcamp Safe to Reopen This Week
The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week.
We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed
Inspiring the Next Generation of Helpers
Our LERT volunteers are not only making a difference in the lives of families affected by natural disasters, but they are also inspiring the next generation of helpers! At another site, a young boy watched with excitement as our volunteers worked to remove broken limbs from a tree. He wanted to help out too! Our volunteers were patient and allowed him to participate, encouraging him every step of the way. The joy on his face was contagious, and everyone present was touched by his willingness to serve. |
LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
More than 40 families from Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, have requested help for chainsaw assistance and debris removal after suffering significant tree and wind damage to their homes and vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents are still without power.
In response, LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer coordinated the mobilization of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas.
Last week, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of Trinity Klein Lutheran's food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. "Orphan Grain Train and other distributors have stood up to help fill the shelves for the church and community, and we are so thankful for their donations of food and supplies," said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry.
Currently, Trinity Klein Lutheran is serving 150 families (or roughly 1,000 people) per day — a 50 percent increase from normal demand, said Lauren McCardell, director of the food pantry.
"We know families are beginning the long process of cleanup. In some cases, they are rebuilding their lives," LCC’s Snider said. "At such an important moment for them, we stand ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible goods, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.”
But additional assistance to provide food, logistics, and home-to-home support and care is still strongly needed, Singer emphasized. "Any financial support you can offer will go directly to helping families in the Houston area," Singer said.
Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help.
LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders and volunteers began assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners immediately with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. Currently, they have 21 requests for assistance and expect this list to grow during the week. LCC leadership is also reaching out to churches in the district to see if they or their congregation members may need assistance. LERT teams are ready to respond where needed. |
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