 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! |
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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.
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.
Assessments Completed: 102
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 78
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 11
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.
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.
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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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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. |  |
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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. |
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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!
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 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.
This past week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, attended and presented at the National Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response Conference held at the Concordia Theological Seminary of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Participating in the conference were also LCC L.E.R.T. team leaders Marty and Anna Johnson, Pete and Christel Springmire from St. John, Wheaton, Illinois, and Mark and Beverly Brueggemann from St. Paul, Grafton, Wisconsin.
It was a very informative conference, including planning for the LCMS response to Hurricane Ian.
Participating in the conference were also LCC L.E.R.T. team leaders Marty and Anna Johnson, Pete and Christel Springmire from St. John, Wheaton, Illinois, and Mark and Beverly Brueggemann from St. Paul, Grafton, Wisconsin.
It was a very informative conference, including planning for the LCMS response to Hurricane Ian.
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 | Pastor Karl Gibbs, LCC K-9 Regional Coordinator - Missouri Valley and LCMS Missouri District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC), was presented with the 2022 LCMS Disaster Response Servant Heart Award for his willing service to those affected by disasters. Lutheran Church Charities extends sincere congratulations to Pastor Gibbs for this honor! |
Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
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.
More than 2.5 million homes and businesses were left without power as the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon, bringing “catastrophic” 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Hours later, the storm – estimated to be about 140 miles wide – was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing major flooding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it brought “historic” damage to the state. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this,” DeSantis said.
More than 2.5 million homes and businesses were left without power as the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon, bringing “catastrophic” 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Hours later, the storm – estimated to be about 140 miles wide – was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing major flooding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it brought “historic” damage to the state. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this,” DeSantis said.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response has been carefully monitoring the path of Hurricane Ian since it began. 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 and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to travel to Florida next week to be part of the assessment team.
Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O’Day and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to travel to Florida next week to be part of the assessment team.
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 the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ian, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ian, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
Lynda Streich
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Lutheran Church Charities held a Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) Chainsaw Training and Service Event Workday at Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, on April 29-30. On Friday evening, the Basic LCMS Chainsaw class was co-led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire.
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On Saturday, twenty-six basic and advanced chainsaw certified LCC staff and L.E.R.T. team members worked as chainsaw and heavy equipment operators and draggers to clear downed and dead trees, limbs, and brush along the camp roads. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Executive Director expressed his sincere thanks for all of the work completed to prepare for campers.
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The ten first-time chainsaw operators received individual instruction and guidance from advanced team leaders as they began to safely practice felling and cutting trees and limbs, as well as serving with chainsaw team members.
A new chainsaw operator stated, “I never thought I would learn so much about chainsaws and safe operation - and have so much fun with a group of people I had never known before. I definitely want to serve in this way.”
A new chainsaw operator stated, “I never thought I would learn so much about chainsaws and safe operation - and have so much fun with a group of people I had never known before. I definitely want to serve in this way.”
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These L.E.R.T. team volunteers came from the following Illinois and Wisconsin churches:
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless
Immanuel, Belvidere – Karyn Salgado
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Michael Brocato, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug and Kelley Hoyt
Immanuel, Palatine – Chris Johnson
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski
Our Savior, Chicago – James Hampe
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
St. Peter, Rockford – Ken Kiviranta
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Anna Piro
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman
Zion, Beecher – Jan Schulz
Wisconsin
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless
Immanuel, Belvidere – Karyn Salgado
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Michael Brocato, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug and Kelley Hoyt
Immanuel, Palatine – Chris Johnson
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski
Our Savior, Chicago – James Hampe
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
St. Peter, Rockford – Ken Kiviranta
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Anna Piro
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman
Zion, Beecher – Jan Schulz
Wisconsin
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann
One of the participants sent the following note of thanks after the training:
“Thank you all for a great time spent with the group at Walcamp. As always, the presentation on Friday was done so well and Saturday's work was very beneficial for the new people. We enjoy the company of such dedicated people and always come away uplifted.”
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund so that, when invited, we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
“Thank you all for a great time spent with the group at Walcamp. As always, the presentation on Friday was done so well and Saturday's work was very beneficial for the new people. We enjoy the company of such dedicated people and always come away uplifted.”
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund so that, when invited, we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
At weekend worship services on April 30 and May 1, Lutheran Church Charities was the Featured Mission Partner at Prince of Peace (POP) Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois.
 | LCC staff members Deb Baran and Kathy O’Day, Jim Beckley, Prince of Peace Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) Leader, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministry handlers Brad Schroeder with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin (LCC Staff), Dona Martin with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Emma (LCC Staff), Stephanie Keller with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff), Jeff Stover and Brian Carlson with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) were present to share information about how LCC Ministries including Human Care, Disaster Response & Palatine L.E.R.T., and K-9 Ministries serve communities locally and in times of crisis and disaster. |
The K-9s were able to visit with the Sunday School classes and the Adult Bible Study to bring love and comfort to the participants.
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Deb Baran, LCC Director of Communications thanked the congregation for their continued support of all LCC Ministries, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, thanked the congregation for their generous support of LCC Disaster Response. Jim Beckley, Prince of Peace L.E.R.T. Team Leader, spoke to the congregation about how the Palatine L.E.R.T. team serves three ways - the congregation, local communities, and deployments to other states as requested.
The Palatine L.E.R.T. team is assembling Blessing Buckets, which are specific items that can be given to a disaster-affected family by a L.E.R.T. team member as they are being ministered to and served in the name of the Lord.
LCC is grateful to Prince of Peace and its members for their partnership, support, and prayers.
The Palatine L.E.R.T. team is assembling Blessing Buckets, which are specific items that can be given to a disaster-affected family by a L.E.R.T. team member as they are being ministered to and served in the name of the Lord.
LCC is grateful to Prince of Peace and its members for their partnership, support, and prayers.
The fourth and final LCC Disaster Response team arrived at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, Kentucky, to work in tornado-affected towns again this week. Over the past four weeks, thirty-eight LCC Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) volunteers were able to assist thirty families in several hard-hit communities of Kentucky begin their long recovery process by removing trees, damaged limbs, and debris with chainsaws, boom lift, bobcats, and tractors.
Each of these communities were in the direct path of the EF-3 & EF-4, 270-mile long tornado, which at times was 1-1/2 miles wide. The teams were able to help many families that will be displaced from their homes for some time and to offer the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need.
Each of these communities were in the direct path of the EF-3 & EF-4, 270-mile long tornado, which at times was 1-1/2 miles wide. The teams were able to help many families that will be displaced from their homes for some time and to offer the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need.
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This week’s LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers were able to assist three families to remove trees and dangerous damaged limbs from their multi-acre properties in Mayfield and Gilbertsville, Kentucky.
Each of these homeowners were so thankful that the following LCC Disaster Response team volunteers had come from so far and were willing to help them in their time of need:
Illinois
Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
Iowa
Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
Wisconsin
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti, Cheryl DeLair
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General 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.
Each of these homeowners were so thankful that the following LCC Disaster Response team volunteers had come from so far and were willing to help them in their time of need:
Illinois
Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
Iowa
Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
Wisconsin
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti, Cheryl DeLair
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General 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.
FOURTH TEAM IN KENTUCKY THIS WEEK
The week after New Year’s, Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC Staff, and the third LCC Disaster Response team arrived at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, Kentucky, to work in surrounding tornado affected towns. They will be returning with a fourth team this week to continue to serve hard-hit communities.
Last week, the LCC Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) volunteers worked in the hard-hit towns of Mayfield, Benton, Fulton, and Gilbertsville, Kentucky. Each of these communities were in the direct path of the EF-3 & EF-4, 270-mile long tornado which at times was 1-1/2 miles wide. The damage is devastating with many businesses, schools, and homes completely leveled or severely damaged. There are many uprooted trees everywhere, landing on property, homes, and cars. The team helped several families that will be displaced from their homes for some time as they are just beginning the long recovery process.
Last week, the LCC Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) volunteers worked in the hard-hit towns of Mayfield, Benton, Fulton, and Gilbertsville, Kentucky. Each of these communities were in the direct path of the EF-3 & EF-4, 270-mile long tornado which at times was 1-1/2 miles wide. The damage is devastating with many businesses, schools, and homes completely leveled or severely damaged. There are many uprooted trees everywhere, landing on property, homes, and cars. The team helped several families that will be displaced from their homes for some time as they are just beginning the long recovery process.
Helping Displaced Homeowner Remove Large Tree on Roof
Kathy and Jamie met one of these displaced families, Ms. J, at the hotel she has been staying at since the tornado had struck. A large tree had fallen through her roof and her home needs major repairs before she can move back. She asked if we could possibly help her. She did not have the funds to remove the large tree so she could begin roof and home repairs. She told the team how she took shelter in her home and didn’t think she would survive.
She also told us how very upsetting and disorienting it is to go back to her home as so much of her town of Mayfield and neighbors’ homes are totally destroyed. She and her parents couldn’t believe that we cut and removed the very large fallen tree and cleaned up all the debris in her yard at no cost to her.
LCC received the following thank you note from her parents:
Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your disaster response to the tornado on December 10 in Mayfield, which resulted in the cutting and removal of a very large tree from our daughter’s home. Your team has certainly shown the compassion set forth to those in need. God Bless You!
Kathy and Jamie met one of these displaced families, Ms. J, at the hotel she has been staying at since the tornado had struck. A large tree had fallen through her roof and her home needs major repairs before she can move back. She asked if we could possibly help her. She did not have the funds to remove the large tree so she could begin roof and home repairs. She told the team how she took shelter in her home and didn’t think she would survive.
She also told us how very upsetting and disorienting it is to go back to her home as so much of her town of Mayfield and neighbors’ homes are totally destroyed. She and her parents couldn’t believe that we cut and removed the very large fallen tree and cleaned up all the debris in her yard at no cost to her.
LCC received the following thank you note from her parents:
Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your disaster response to the tornado on December 10 in Mayfield, which resulted in the cutting and removal of a very large tree from our daughter’s home. Your team has certainly shown the compassion set forth to those in need. God Bless You!
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Continuing to Serve Homeowner with Damaged Business on Property
The team returned to the property of Mr. H this week. He is a young man with a family who was in the process of building a home on his parent’s 55-acre ranch property. He is an excellent woodworker and has his own mill. The tornado destroyed his home, barns, tools, workshop, and vehicles. His mill was spared though but sits very near a creek. Many downed trees were now blocking the water flow of the creek and, with recent rains, was backing up onto his property, threatening his mill. We were able to clear much of the creek bed to open the flow of water again.
Mr. H sent this note of thanks to Brian Mead, Volunteer Site Coordinator:
I can’t thank you and the ones that came out in the freezing cold and snow enough. I know it may have seemed like why cut trees out in the middle of a field and in a creek. But it saved my mill with the heavy rain we got. I had over 10 feet of trees away from the edge of the creek before the tornado. Y’all saved my building from this rain, no doubt. I still have work to do, and shoring up the bank will be the first thing on my list.
If y’all weren’t here to help, I couldn’t have done it. From the bottom of my heart, thank all of you so much. Please let the crew know that their work was the only way I still have a mill now. Thank you, and God bless y’all!!!
Mr. H sent this note of thanks to Brian Mead, Volunteer Site Coordinator:
I can’t thank you and the ones that came out in the freezing cold and snow enough. I know it may have seemed like why cut trees out in the middle of a field and in a creek. But it saved my mill with the heavy rain we got. I had over 10 feet of trees away from the edge of the creek before the tornado. Y’all saved my building from this rain, no doubt. I still have work to do, and shoring up the bank will be the first thing on my list.
If y’all weren’t here to help, I couldn’t have done it. From the bottom of my heart, thank all of you so much. Please let the crew know that their work was the only way I still have a mill now. Thank you, and God bless y’all!!!
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This week’s team was able to assist 14 families to remove trees and dangerous damaged limbs from their structures and property utilizing chainsaws, bobcats, and a boom lift.
All of the homeowners were so thankful that the following LCC Disaster Response team volunteers had come from so far and were willing to work all day in the cold and snow to help them in their time of need:
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger
Immanuel, Charleston – Gary and Karen Hanebrink
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Lord of Life, LaFox – Larry Zagorski
St. John, East Moline – Ken and Jan Hill
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
Indiana
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
All of the homeowners were so thankful that the following LCC Disaster Response team volunteers had come from so far and were willing to work all day in the cold and snow to help them in their time of need:
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger
Immanuel, Charleston – Gary and Karen Hanebrink
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Lord of Life, LaFox – Larry Zagorski
St. John, East Moline – Ken and Jan Hill
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
Indiana
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
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The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General 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 keep the church and the families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Kentucky to help during the long recovery process.
Please keep the church and the families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Kentucky to help during the long recovery process.
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