On Thursday, March 25, the National Weather Service reported eleven tornadoes with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF- 4, ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, causing seven deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage.

Over the past two weeks, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response responded with Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, and the following team of thirty-one Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) draggers, and chainsaw and heavy equipment operators from Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
 
Illinois
Good Shepherd – Frankfort: Joel Powless
Heartland – Normal: Tony Buchberger
Immanuel – Belvidere: Mike Buhl, Mark Gutzler, Wes Johnson, Carl Jurgens, Mike Perry
Immanuel – DeKalb: Pete and Christel Springmire
Lord of Life – LaFox: Chris Lewis, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski
Messiah – Sterling: Jacob Beets
Prince of Peace – Palatine: Jim Beckley, Dan and Bobbie Swyndroski
Shepherd of the Hills – McHenry: Alan Holm
St. John – Wheaton: Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, David Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John – Wilmette: Tom Morrison
St. Paul – Matteson: Dennis Pieper
Trinity – Lisle: Ed Boerman
 
Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin
First Lutheran – Paola, Kansas: Brian Mead
Good Shepherd – Gardendale, Alabama: Gary Decker, Rich Dender, Rusty Spiegle
St. John – Dillsboro, Indiana: Ruth Weisbrod
St. Paul – Grafton, Wisconsin: Mark and Beverly Brueggeman

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams completed chainsaw work at seventeen homeowner sites while serving through Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsen, Alabama, in Ohatchee Wellington, Jacksonville, and Piedmont. Almost all of these sites took 2-4 days to complete due to the size of the property and trees, amount of destruction, and complexity of work completed.
 
Blessing an Army Veteran

One of the homeowners was a 20 year Army veteran who sheltered in his home with his mom and daughter who were visiting as the tornado destroyed all of their vehicles, workshop, shed, and took down hundreds of trees on his 10 acres of rural property. He was very grateful for the help in clearing trees with all of the heavy equipment and chainsaw operators to access his road and property fully. He worked alongside the team and told us what a blessing we were to him.

Restoring Hope
 
Donny and his family all lived in separate homes on the same property. Two of their homes lost their roofs, and one of the homes was destroyed when two large oak trees landed on it. We were able to remove the oak trees to access the home and salvage what they could. They couldn’t believe that we would offer to help them and return for three days to complete the work. They stated that they felt we restored their faith and hope for their future as they move forward in recovering from this disaster.

The Cross
 
Joel Powless, one of the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team leaders, cuts beautiful crosses in the homeowner’s tree stump to remind them that Christ is present in the midst of this disaster and recovery. Joel states that when he is cutting the cross, his arms will begin to burn as it is difficult and heavy to hold the chainsaw high and cut against the grain of the tree to make the cross. He is reminded that Christ’s arms were hurting as He hung on the cross for our sins – and that thought carries him through as he completes the cross for the homeowners who appreciate the significance the cross represents.

LCC Thank You
 
Lutheran Church Charities extends sincere thanks to John Strid, Regional President of Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, for delivering and loaning us a compact track loader after our bobcat broke down to use for the week at no cost. Without this, we would not have been able to complete all of the work on the sites we had scheduled.

We also extend a heartfelt thanks to John and Kathy Henner from Bakers Buddy in DeKalb, Illinois, for the generous donation of food items, bread, and desserts for our cooks to prepare and serve our volunteers for the week. It was very much appreciated and enjoyed by all.
 
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.

On Thursday, March 25, the National Weather Service reported eleven tornadoes with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF-4, ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia causing seven deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage.

For a second full week, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, Kathy O’Day and Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) are deployed and serving in Alabama. At the invitation of Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District, recovery efforts continue in the towns of Ohatchee, Wellington, Jacksonville and Piedmont. We are serving out of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsen, Alabama, with Pastor John Reynolds.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Erica Brown, Resource & Development Coordinator, The Learning Tree, Ann Cusey, Homeowner, and Mark Brueggemann, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteer share how the LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams brought mercy and compassion when responding to the Alabama tornadoes. Click on the image below to watch the video.

Since arriving the Monday after Easter, thirty-one LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have joined the Southern District L.E.R.T. team members to assist those affected by these devastating tornadoes clear properties of downed and damaged trees, and debris utilizing the boom lift, dump trailer, bobcats, ditch witch, and tractors with grapples. This will help them begin their long road of rebuilding and recovery.

Clean-up Continues at The Learning Tree and Staff Member Properties

Property damage has been extensive at The Learning Tree Residential Schools for Children & Adults with Developmental Disabilities but care and enthusiasm for their students and residents has not wavered. The director, property manager, and staff can’t believe LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members traveled such a great distance to help them in their time of need. They continue to see the hand of God provide for them during the tornado recovery efforts. They look forward to having safe properties, bringing back their students and residents, and helping everyone return to their normal schedule.

Bob and his family huddled in their bathroom wearing their bicycle helmets as they heard the tornado pass and the trees crashing onto their house and down on their property. When they came out, a large tree was resting on their roof but they were very surprised to see that it didn’t go through or damage the interior of their home.

Due to his disability, he knew there was no way he could begin to remove the damaged trees. He is very thankful that LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams came with their equipment to assist.

If it weren't for all of the faith-based groups helping the community, he doesn’t know how he and his neighbors would be able to clean up all the damage to their properties.

Other LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have been working on several large jobs that took several days. Property owners have been overwhelmed with the clean-up task and are overjoyed when they witness the hands and feet of Jesus helping them.
 
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 families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff while we are deployed to Alabama.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

Other LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members joined the Southern District L.E.R.T. team in a combined effort to remove trees and debris from the properties of two neighbors. These are both large jobs that the teams will be working at for several days.
 
Kathy O’Day continues to assess homeowner property damage for chainsaw volunteer assistance.
 
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 families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we serve in Alabama.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

On Thursday, March 25, multiple catastrophic tornadoes ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia causing seven deaths, people trapped in their homes, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage. The National Service reported eleven tornadoes in three states with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF-4, with some of the most severe hitting Alabama.
 
Early Friday morning, LCC Disaster Response received an invite from Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, LCC staff member Tim Laabs, and Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team leaders Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire arrived in Alabama on Palm Sunday, March 28, to spend the week helping Pastor Brashier assess widespread tornado damage to determine homeowner needs.

LCC Disaster Response staff and team leaders have been assessing damage in the hardest-hit areas of Calhoun, Shelby, and Bibb Counties to determine where L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams from across the country will be serving. One of the catastrophic EF-4 tornadoes that tore through Alabama was on the ground for 260 miles across three states. Another EF-3 tornado left 60 miles of major structural and tree damage through many rural towns that also resulted in five people losing their lives and many suffering life-changing injuries.

After completing initial assessments, LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams will be deploying to the towns of Ohatchee, Wellington, Jacksonville, and Piedmont over the next two weeks to help affected homeowners clear properties of downed and damaged trees and debris. This will help them begin their long road of rebuilding and recovery.

Learning Tree: Home & School for Disabled Children and Adults
We met with Deborah Hulsey, Director of Learning Tree, to assess extensive damage to the school, big hall, and grounds. The Learning Tree is a home and school for children and adults with various disabilities serving 139 residents and students. They also operate 13 group homes. LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams will help with grounds clean-up to make it safe again. The chainsaw teams will also go to one of the group homes to clean up many downed trees on that property. Finally, they will help a staff member as well as her brother’s house with extensive tree damage at both. According to Deborah, this has been a forgotten community, and she feels very blessed that we are committing to helping them in their time of need.   

Family Hit Hard with Multiple Home and Property Damage
A family with two homes sharing a large piece of property is trying to clear the debris and about 40 downed and damaged trees while trying to salvage what they can from one of their homes that was badly damaged. They couldn’t believe that strangers from another state would volunteer to help them.

Family Displaced Due to Extensive Tornado Damage
This family has been placed in a hotel temporarily. During their long-term recovery, they are not sure where they will be living until they can rebuild their house and workshop on their property where he works. They were so thankful that we listened to their story of how life had been simply lived and how they are now so uncertain of what the future will hold. They are very grateful for any assistance we may be able to offer them to get the tree off their roof and help clear their property.

The Raglan Methodist Church building was built in 1875 and may have been destroyed by an EF-4 tornado last week, but not the spirit of the congregation. They plan to worship together on Easter morning amidst the devastation, to show that there is always hope because Christ is Risen!

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 families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to Alabama.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

On January 25, a 500 feet wide, 150 mph EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 9.5 miles through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction that killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. They are now one of the churches in this community that have committed to serving the disaster-affected residents for the long road of recovery they are currently facing.

Pastor Ed Brashier wishes to express his appreciation to Lutheran Church Charities and its donors for the financial assistance already received that was used to help with immediate needs and temporary housing costs for church members affected by the tornado. Lutheran Church Charities has been asked to help provide additional financial assistance for several families from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and community members that suffered a loss of their homes, belongings, and livelihoods. This financial assistance will help families with hotel costs, rent, and security deposits.

Tom is a resident referred to Messiah Lutheran Church by the City of Fultondale, Alabama. He has lost his home and the cars he drove and was working on. He had no insurance and was so appreciative of the $500 Pastor Ed Brashier gave to him to extend his stay in a hotel until such time as he can purchase an RV to live in on his property. Messiah intends to continue to show the mercy and presence of Jesus Christ to this resident in need.
 
Pastor Ed Brashier and Good Shepherd’s L.E.R.T. team began assisting homeowners within hours after the tornado struck. They are helping residents sort and move the debris to the street for city pickup and are beginning to assist with the demolition of homes that were significantly damaged by the tornado and deemed uninhabitable.
 
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving their disaster-affected congregation, school, and community members in the name of Jesus Christ through this long-term recovery process. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Good Shepherd support these families as they recover from this devastating disaster.

On January 25, a 500 feet wide, 150 mph EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 9.5 miles through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction that killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. He and his church’s L.E.R.T. team began assisting homeowners within hours after the tornado struck.

Lutheran Church Charities immediately contacted Pastor Brashier to offer assistance. LCC provided some immediate financial aid for families as he was doing the initial assessments. Pastor Ed Brashier was very appreciative of the $1,000 that was received initially.
 
Lutheran Church Charities has been asked to help provide additional financial assistance for families from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church who were directly impacted by the tornado and have significant damage to their homes. This includes four families that need to relocate and purchase housing and personal items as they deal with the long-term recovery process. Several other congregation member families have tree and yard damage only.
 
Mr. and Mrs. L. and family had just recently moved into the community. They were all in bed when they heard the warning siren and were able to take cover just before the tornado struck. They are very thankful that they were not hurt. They are in the process of packing everything they can save and taking inventory. They know they will be out of their home for a long time as repairs are made, but trust that God will continue to care for them.

The last family is a retired couple who serves as an elder, plays in the praise band, and helps run the church food pantry. They had extensive damage to their roof, home interior, and yard damage.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving their disaster-affected congregation, school, and community members in the name of Jesus Christ, as all begin the long-term recovery process. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Good Shepherd support these families as they recover from the horrific disaster.

Late Monday around 10:40 pm, a very devastating tornado went through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction through the town that has killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses.

This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, spoke to Pastor Brashier, who has been checking on congregation members and will be assessing damage in Fultondale as soon as first responders say it is safe to do so. He and his L.E.R.T. team began work early Tuesday morning helping a congregation member remove a tree from the roof of their home. LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams are on standby to deploy and assist if requested.

LAST YEAR alone in the United States, there were 22 major disasters from flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires
 
To respond and help people – you need to be certified/credentialed – all of which LCC does
 
Consider taking LCC’s Online Disaster Response Training (L.E.R.T.)

To better manage volunteers and resources, FEMA has developed a guideline on credentialing volunteers for large-scale disasters. The federal guidelines indicate that volunteers responding to a disaster should be trained and certified. LCC is providing LCMS disaster response training for Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.). Should a disaster strike, these teams would be put on call and may be asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site. This training will prepare a team member for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders.

The registration cost for new L.E.R.T. volunteers is $35.00. As a refresher to update your ID, the cost is only $15.00.

NEW: Online Basic L.E.R.T. Training
 
This online LCMS Basic L.E.R.T. training is geared towards responding to a disaster with Lutheran Church Charities in the Northern Illinois District or wherever we are invited to serve nationwide.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
For the online training, you will receive a letter with instructions to access the portal to view the Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions.
 
Upon verification of watching and completing all Basic L.E.R.T. training sessions and quizzes, LCC will then send your DR manual, badge, your personal certificate, and vest.
 
If your church is interested in hosting a Basic L.E.R.T. Training or if you have any questions, contact the LCC Disaster Response team at DRAdmin@LutheranChurchCharities.org or 866-455-6466.

Last week, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response Kathy O'Day and Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team members responded to the 70 mph straight-line wind damage in northern Illinois.
 
In less than 24 hours, we were able to assist in removing a large tree that fell across the driveway of Luther Academy and two adjoining neighbors’ yards in Rockford, Illinois. Principal Curtis Wudtke was very appreciative of the rapid response for help and the professional work completed.

We also removed a downed tree in Deaconess Lauren Olsen’s yard and a large limb from Immanuel Lutheran Church, both located in Belvidere, Illinois.

The chainsaw certified volunteers and heavy equipment operators that willingly responded to serve at all of these affected places were from the following Illinois teams:
 
Immanuel – Belvidere: Mike Buhl, Steve McElroy, Wes Johnson
Immanuel – DeKalb: Pete Springmire
St. Peter – Schaumburg: Ken and Vicki Kiviranta

The same derecho that barreled through northern Illinois on August 10 also struck Cedar Rapids and surrounding towns in Iowa first, with 100 mph winds causing major destruction to trees, homes, businesses, farms and crops. Even after all this time, the towns still look as though an inland hurricane went through.

LCC thanks all of the L.E.R.T. volunteers for their professionalism, tireless efforts, and ministry over the past three weeks. Please join us in praying for the residents of that community who are still recovering from the devastation of the August derecho storm.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, lodging, and meal costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
 
Please consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Disaster Response 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.