When Loss Strikes

Daniel Kevin “Danny” Bayles was an energetic 11-year-old who lit up every room he entered. A beloved Sunday School student at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, Danny’s sudden death from an unexpected medical issue left his family and community in shock. For the town of Manhattan, Illinois, grief was immediate and overwhelming.

In these moments of heartache, the presence of compassion can make the unbearable a little more bearable. For Danny’s family and friends, that compassion came in the form of Michael, Jael, and Caleb—the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs—and the dedicated volunteers of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT).

Comfort in Motion

Pastor Doug Hoag requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for Danny’s wake and funeral. But the sheer scale of the anticipated attendance required more than dogs alone. The Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) was called in to assist with logistics, crowd management, and spiritual care. Some LERT members, trained in Spiritual First Aid, worked side by side with the comfort dogs' teams to meet both practical and emotional needs.

Handlers with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb, Jael, and Michael recall powerful, quiet moments: Danny’s grandmother sitting on the floor, surrounded by the gentle presence of the Comfort Dogs, finding solace in their warmth. Children, uncertain and grieving, would pause on their way to the snack room to pet a dog, allowing a moment of comfort to soothe their hearts. One handler said, “Like God is always there for us, the dogs were there for them to bring them comfort.”

A Community Comes Together

LERT volunteers coordinated overflow parking, shuttle buses, and the post-service luncheon, working alongside church members to ensure every aspect of the funeral and reception was handled with care. Team members—Michelle Buell, Tom Buell, Mike Voight, Jennifer Kojro-Badziak and family, Jenny Kwasniewski, Mike Hemme, Kim Blecke, Deaconess Barb Hemme, and Team Lead Mark Razny—demonstrated how collaboration multiplies comfort.

Just four days later, Manhattan faced another heartbreaking loss when Chance Hunnicutt was killed in a bicycle accident. Grief rippled across the community, and a support network called “Manhattan Strong” formed to aid both families.

A Unique Partnership in Ministry

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs trained to provide comfort, LERT volunteers trained to provide spiritual and practical care, and congregations ready to support—all working together to meet the deep needs of a hurting community. Their partnership turns tragedy into an opportunity for connection, faith, and healing.

St. John Wheaton, IL, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers spent this past weekend working at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Using the Nifty Lift 64, they removed numerous broken and hanging limbs, while others trimmed and cleared overgrown evergreens and small trees that had been covering tombstones and pathways.
 
With the help of a bobcat and tractor, the team filled a 24-foot dump trailer with cut wood and branches, which was hauled away three times throughout the day. Volunteers also straightened tombstones that had shifted during past lawn maintenance.
 
Over the past several months, Byron Heidorn and Rich Wren have dedicated a few hours each week to clearing brush and realigning rows of tombstones. They organized this larger workday to tackle the bigger projects that remained.
 
Immanuel Lutheran Church expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication to beautifying the cemetery and making it a safe, peaceful place for visitors. They extend their deep appreciation and blessings to the following LERT volunteers: Kristin Bilar, Steve Chester, Byron and Carol Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Dave Schlesselman, Christopher and Ethan Williams, and Rich Wren.
 
The team is already planning another workday to remove additional hanging limbs from two more trees using the lift and to continue straightening rows of tombstones.

On August 16, powerful microbursts and straight-line wind storms tore through towns across the LCMS Northern Illinois District, leaving behind widespread destruction. Uprooted trees, broken limbs, damaged homes, and downed power lines created dangerous conditions for many families and congregations.

In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response staff and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers immediately stepped in to serve. Equipped with compassion and chainsaws, they began assessing needs and providing hands-on help to those affected.

Last week, LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers answered God’s call to serve, traveling from across the country to Hendersonville, North Carolina. Serving out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, these teams brought more than chainsaws and construction tools—they brought compassion and spiritual encouragement to those still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

LCC disaster response staff, chainsaw instructors and experienced volunteers helped two new New York teams from St. James Lutheran Church in St. James and Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadows received in-depth chainsaw training while serving on homeowner sites, which has prepared them to serve with skill and confidence in future deployments.

With 15 chainsaw sites and 2 construction projects completed—totaling 554 volunteer hours—this week’s ministry demonstrated that LERT’s work is about more than cleanup. It’s about restoring hope, encouraging the weary, and sharing Christ’s love with every saw cut, every conversation, and every prayer lifted in service.

Here are the stories. 

Feeding Body and Spirit
Behind every chainsaw and hammer was the dedicated team from Trinity Lutheran, Athens, GA, serving meals out of their food trailer to nourish both body and spirit. Their faithful service ensured volunteers stayed energized, ready to continue sharing God’s love through action.

A Nationwide Mission of Service
This ministry was made possible by the faithful partnership of churches and volunteers from across the country:

Atlantic District
Calvary, East Meadows NY – Nick Caputo, Pastor Sean Chapman
St. James, St. James NY – Alex Hartmann, Eric and Meredith Johansson, Doug Miller, Jacob Mittelstaedt, Pastor Neil Mittelstaedt, Tony Romano, Jim Sauer, Ken Seltzer, Don Smith
St. John, Holbrook NY – Chris Polley
St. John’s, Sayville NY – Steve Lindfors
Florida-Georgia District
Trinity, Athens GA – David Bacastow, Charles Bissett, Pastor Tim Davis, Marty Lambert, Jessica O’Rear
Our Redeemer, Jacksonville FL – Richard Paris

Northern Illinois District
Immanuel, Dekalb IL – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee IL – Matt Flynn
Prince of Peace, Palatine IL – Jim Beckley
St. John, Dillsboro IN – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Southeastern District
Hope, Wake Forest NC – David Critchley

South Wisconsin District
St. Paul, Janesville WI – Lark Sanders

LCC also thanks Mt Pisgah in Hendersonville and Trinity in Tryon for sending many flood recovery supplies back with us for the South Wisconsin flooding that just occurred.

Make This Ministry Possible
LCC Disaster Response relies on the generosity of donors to fund training, equipment, and deployments like this one. Your gift helps volunteers continue bringing God’s love to families in need.

With rooftops blown apart, homes devastated with damage, and tree limbs scattered across yards and streets, Missouri has endured a week and a half of severe weather and heavy hearts. From St. Louis to Springfield, communities across the state have been hit hard following multiple tornadoes and straight line windstorms. 

Lutheran Church Charities has been on the ground this week with Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to help local LCMS churches with damage assessments, chainsaw work, debris removal, food and resource distribution, and spiritual care and comfort. 
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Disaster Response

In Springfield, Missouri, last week and into this week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jason Johnson, LCC Disaster Response & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, have been assessing damage from an EF-1 tornado with 95 to 100 mph winds, followed by a second storm with 80 mph straight-line winds. 

The damage is widespread with more than 200 households impacted, according to Katie Kovach, Green County Emergency Manager.

After weather delays on Memorial Day, LCC LERT volunteers arrived Tuesday to work with Hope Lutheran Church, Republic, Missouri, and Trinity Lutheran in Springfield — both are assisting with the volunteer camp at the Lutheran Student Center and providing meals for LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers who will serve until Saturday.

O’Day and Johnson report widespread devastation, with numerous homes and properties bearing the brunt of severe tree and structural damage. Among those affected was an elderly, disabled veteran whose property was left in ruins—12 massive trees toppled across his land, and his home suffered significant harm. On Tuesday, the teams used chainsaws to cut through the fallen trees and worked tirelessly to clear his property. He was very grateful for their help and mercy shown to him. As a heartfelt gesture, they presented him with a cross, lovingly carved from one of the downed trees and signed by each team member. Deeply moved by their kindness and the mercy shown to him, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the help he never expected but desperately needed.

The man shared how frustrating it is that he can no longer take care of his own property. He expressed great thanks that LCC could send chainsaw volunteers to help him clean up his yard this week. O’Day said they met several elderly homeowners that are grateful for the offer of assistance and a willingness to listen to their stories.
 
In St. Louis, another crew of LCC Disaster Response chainsaw and lift volunteers have joined forces with other LERT volunteers from around the country to clear tree damage at Concordia Seminary, which was swept by an EF-3 tornado on May 16. Officials estimate that more than 100 trees were uprooted or leaning on the campus and nearby park. Some caused damage to the chapel and several dormitories and apartments on the grounds.

Faced with challenging cleanup maneuvers, crews have been using heavy equipment and lifts — even climbing trees — to remove fallen and dangerous branches and limbs off buildings and clearing walking pathways.

LCC Care Teams

Two LCC Care Teams partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran St. Louis to distribute food, blankets, and essential care items to individuals affected by the storms. With stores closed, these are among the first supplies to reach the residents in the area.

One team included members from Living Word Galena, Ohio, along with staff from LCC. The second Care Team was from Trinity Green Trails Lisle, Illinois. They distributed gift cards and children’s activity back packs, with grooming supplies, hygiene kits, toys, books, and a blanket.

As they served the community, they provided Spiritual First Aid™ to those in need of emotional and spiritual support to take their next steps in their journey to recovery and healing.

While assisting community members, LCC Care Team volunteers spoke with Wanda. She expressed deep gratitude, saying she believed God had carried them through everything. Speaking quickly and with urgency, Wanda explained that she was helping her 80-year-old neighbor, who couldn’t leave the house. She had come to the distribution center to pick up food and supplies for her, as no one else was offering assistance.

Though thankful, Wanda also voiced concern about how long it might take for her neighbor to feel safe and comfortable again. Her stressed body language was noticeable, so one of the Care Team members placed a hand on her arm gently and spoke to her softly. As she began to calm down, Wanda shared how much she appreciated the team's presence and said she believed God had sent them to help.

K-9 Comfort Dogs in action

On Sunday, LCC church affiliates St. Paul Des Peres, Missouri, and Timothy St. Louis, brought K-9 Comfort Dogs Tabby, Zion, and Noah to partner church Bethlehem St. Louis, which has served as a hub for community members, distributing food and supplies, operating as a call center, and welcoming those who need shelter. Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling invited the community to attend the Sunday service and spend time cuddling with the comfort dogs.  

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries volunteers were:
Sheryl Schucart with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion
Ruth Agne with K-9 Comfort Dog Tabby
Ministry Partners Sue and Jon Burford with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion and Tabby
Glenn Nielsen with K-9 Comfort Dog Noah

At LCC, we never go where we are not invited. We never charge those we serve.
 
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the May 2025 Tornado Outbreak Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.

Preparations began on Monday when Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Director of Disaster Response, invited LCC to help the Synod with recovery after an EF-3 tornado struck parts of St. Louis. LCC volunteers will travel there this week for cleanup work and assistance to the community. 
 
LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and LCC Disaster Response Director Deaconess Kathy O’Day have been in communication with District Disaster Response Coordinators in Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, as well as engaged in conversations with LCMS pastors in the affected regions. 

• In the Missouri District, District Disaster Response Coordinator Kris Schuldt reports that the tree damage is extensive around parts of St. Louis and will require much LERT chainsaw assistance. More than 100 trees have fallen at Concordia Seminary and at least 60 more at the Park. The campus chapel and two apartment buildings were also damaged by falling trees.
• In Springfield, Missouri, residents are still cleaning up from an EF-2 tornado in early May, and DR Director O’Day will help with damage assessments this week and assist in recovery responses.
• Disaster Response is monitoring the town of Lincoln, Missouri, which was hit Tuesday by a tornado.
• In the Southern Illinois District, the town of Marion was struck by an EF-4 tornado with 190 mph winds, causing major destruction. Just today, the district has gotten into the town to assess damage, and LCC Disaster Response is available to help if called upon.
• In the Mid-South District, multiple towns in Kentucky, including London and Somerset, suffered widespread destruction and 17 fatalities. LCC has made contact with District Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Trae Fistler and local LERT volunteers who are working across the area for assistance.

“So many lives in so many areas have been upended and torn apart. Families are entering this week without loved ones, homes, power, and basic needs. They need our prayers and our help right now.” Rev. Singer said. “LCC is preparing to be there with them, ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible support, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.”

LCC can provide this assistance because of faithful, generous donors and volunteers who are willing to support and serve. 
 
“The financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations across the region and bring hope to the hurting,” Rev. Singer said. 
 
Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people overwhelmed by these storms and those who are responding with help. LCC asks that its supporters to pray for families and individuals affected, as well as LCC’s preparations to serve, along with favorable weather conditions to allow for ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts.
 
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the May 2025 Tornado Outbreak Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.

At the invitation of Pastor Paul Ernewein of the Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC), Lutheran Church Charities conducted a Basic LCMS Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw Operation and Safety classroom training in Slidell, Louisiana, on May 16. The class was co-led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire.

On Saturday, May 17, four Iowa West LERT members participated in hands-on field work, serving as sawyers and draggers to clear leaning and fallen trees from a congregation member’s property.
 
Under the supervision of the LCC chainsaw instructors, the new LERT volunteers received individual instruction and guidance as they safely practiced felling and bucking trees and limbs while working alongside experienced team members.

It was a day of “undeniable joy” and “showing up for families.”

More than 4,700 Southern California residents turned out Saturday, April 12,  for the Recovery Pop-Up at the Dream Center event in Los Angeles — and in the middle of it all was the newly formed Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from St. John’s Lutheran Charge in Orange, CA, lending their hands to families impacted by the state’s wildfires.

From assembling lanyards to gathering and carrying household goods to their vehicles, the St. John’s team donned their bright yellow vests with crosses, representing Lutheran Church Charities, and were a helping presence at the massive Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) production sponsored by Global Empowerment Mission. More than 1,300 families were counted for a day of carnival fun, free resources, and community connection.

“We walked around and offered assistance,” said Jason Johnson, Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for LCC’s West Coast region. “Many people felt comfortable approaching us and sharing their stories.”

"One family’s home survived the fire, but smoke damage has prevented them from living in it. But they are making it, thanks to help from friends they are living with," Johnson said.

Another family lost their home, but they were able to find their grandmother’s ring while sifting through the remains.

Others are still coping with loss.

A mom with two teen daughters lost pictures of grandparents in the fire. A missionary attending Fuller Seminary saw her home burned, but her faith has kept her strong.
   
“From the smiles of the families to the dancing and laughter to the deep, soul-touching connections created, it was powerful,” said Elizabeth Jernberg of Global Empowerment Mission, who thanked the St. John’s Orange LERT volunteers for being there. “You all showed up under the sun, with sweat and smiles, and gave it your all. You should be incredibly proud.”

How You Can Help
LERT volunteers make a difference in times of disaster! If you feel called to support this mission, consider donating to the LCC Disaster Relief Fund, so we can continue to BE PRESENT to bring hope to those suffering and in need.