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.

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.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams have completed chainsaw work at 40 homeowner sites during the past two weeks, working out of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We are planning to return October 2 – 7 to continue to offer much needed chainsaw and boom lift assistance.
 
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, responded with a team of 26 L.E.R.T. chainsaw and heavy equipment operators from Illinois and Jason Koepnick, King of Kings L.E.R.T. Team Leader for the Iowa East District and several of his L.E.R.T. volunteers.

Working Several Days to Help on Homeowner Farm
 
Many chainsaw volunteers and all of the LCC Disaster Response heavy equipment spent several days at a family’s several acre farm that was just devastated by the derecho. Mr. V. helped every day as well with his tractor and pulling on rigging. He was so happy to have the assistance because he could not clear the extensive damage done to his property on his own. Although his property looks very different now, it is safe for his children and animals to roam.

Helping Elderly Neighbors with Largest Tree Cut

Several chainsaw volunteers worked with two tractors, bobcat, and the boom lift at an elderly widow’s home and several of her elderly neighbors for two days to clear many trees from their large yards. One of the trees that was so badly damaged and had to be felled was 78” in diameter. This was the largest tree our team has ever cut!
 
The homeowner expressed her gratitude to the team for all their hard work and sent a thank you note:
 
“Thank you so much for all the work you did at my house after this terrible storm here in Cedar Rapids. The workers were so wonderful! I’ll never be able to repay them for all their hard work. THANK YOU! Love to you all as you serve in Jesus name.”

Removing Large Damaged Trees Safely from Front Yard

Another elderly woman had two large damaged trees in her front yard that needed to be removed with the boom lift piece by piece before the remaining trunk could get safely felled. She also sent a note of thanks:
 
“Please allow me to express my gratitude for the truly professional volunteers working for your organization. I am so impressed with LCC reaching out and doing God’s work over and over again across state lines.
 
Please know how very thankful I am to the crew for making it happen at my home. God’s blessings to all!”

A Carved Cross in Tree Trunk Shows God’s Love

Mr. B. was so happy with the cross the team left for him after finishing removing trees from his several acre property.
 
He was very grateful for the help and loved watching the team work throughout the day.
 
He even joined the team for dinner at the host church, King of Kings in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Giving Help and Hope to Single Mother
 
A single mother who had experienced many recent life-changing events and storm damage to her home and property was feeling very overwhelmed. Besides cleaning up her property, the team spent time ministering to her. She stated that she felt a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and she could really see the love of Christ offered to her. She even came to dinner a couple nights later at the church to again thank everyone for helping her, but also for really showing her that there is hope in Christ. Her daughter said it was the first time she had seen her mom really smile and laugh in a while.
 
She truly blessed all the volunteers present and served as a reminder that what we do really does make a difference as we bring the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

LCC thanks all of the L.E.R.T. volunteers for their professionalism, tireless efforts, and ministry over the past two weeks. Please join us in praying for their continued safety when they return to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 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.

Your Donations Needed to Help During Long Recovery Efforts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
Helping Families Affected by August Storms

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 homes, businesses, farms and crops.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams have finished the first week of chainsaw work with heavy equipment out of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Ten LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work for eight LCMS congregation members, including St. Stephens Lutheran Church and Pastor Doug Woldemath in Atkins, Iowa.
 
This week, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response is continuing work with a team of 21 L.E.R.T. chainsaw and heavy equipment operators from Illinois and Jason Koepnick, King of Kings L.E.R.T. Team Leader for the Iowa East District and several of his L.E.R.T. volunteers. We intend to assist the Iowa East District through September 26th.

There is a lot of tree, crop and building damage on every street in Cedar Rapids. The Iowa District has done much work since the derecho occurred with local and out of state L.E.R.T. teams and other faith-based groups. However, they all left the area for the gulf coast to help in the aftermath of several hurricanes. The Iowa East District welcomes the assistance LCC Disaster Response can provide in their hard-hit community.

Kathy O'Day received the following note from a homeowner after the L.E.R.T. teams cut down one of the big trees on her property.
 
Dear Kathy,
 
Thank you for all the work you did at my home after the terrible storm in Cedar Rapids. Your workers were so wonderful! I'll never be able to repay them for all their work.
 
Thank you! Love you all in Jesus' name.
 
Homeowner, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams are continuing to respond and serve with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

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.

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 homes, businesses, farms and crops.

Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, Kathy O’Day and Pete Springmire, Advanced Chainsaw Team Leader, spent two full days last week assessing damage at 45 homes in Cedar Rapids and surrounding small towns. Their work helps the LCMS Iowa East District identify sites that LCC Disaster Response will provide chainsaw assistance to, utilizing the boom lift and our heavy equipment.

We have been invited to assist by Jason Koepnick, King of Kings Lutheran Church L.E.R.T. Team Leader. Jason has been coordinating all volunteers for the Iowa East District to over a hundred sites since the derecho, spanning a wide area for the disaster response in Cedar Rapids.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams have begun serving out of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids and working in and around there this week. We intend to assist the Iowa East District through September 26th.
 
The Iowa District has done much work over the last month with local and out of state L.E.R.T. teams and other faith-based groups. However, these groups left the area for the gulf coast to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
 
The Iowa L.E.R.T. teams welcome the assistance LCC Disaster Response can provide. On Tuesday, the L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work at Pastor Woldermath’s home and the church property in Atkins, Iowa. He is pastor of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams are continuing to respond and serve with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

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.

The same derecho that barreled through northern Illinois also struck Cedar Rapids and surrounding towns in Iowa first, with 100 mph winds causing major destruction to homes, businesses, farms and crops. The damage in Cedar Rapids is more severe than what we experienced in Illinois.

The LCMS Iowa East District has shared over 100 requests for assistance and notes with LCC. Kathy and Ed and Jan Boerman have been helping Jason call these homeowners this past weekend to update their status. Kathy and Pete Springmire will be in Cedar Rapids this week to assess sites and determine the volunteer and equipment needs LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw volunteers could help with. We will also be evaluating possible lodging and meal arrangements for the deployed teams.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams are continuing to respond and serve with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
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.

Your Donations Needed to Help During Long Recovery Efforts

Tim Hetzner, Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO, was invited to Louisiana to meet with Rev. Ross Johnson, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, Rev. Michael Meyer, LCMS Director of Disaster Response Training, and Rev. Eric Johnson, President Southern District LCMS, to survey extensive damage from Hurricane Laura and discuss recovery plans. Tim Hetzner was able to bring Rev. Eric Johnson donated funds to be used to help meet immediate needs within the Southern District. 

During this visit, they met with Pastor Charles Miller from St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Pastor Shane McCoy from Trinity Lutheran Church in Sulpher, Louisiana, and also visited Grace Lutheran Church in Orange, Texas to see the damage at each of these churches. St. John Lutheran sustained the most damage.

Pastor Miller stated that his home is badly damaged, as well as the homes of most of his congregation members. He is extremely thankful that everyone made it through the hurricane safely and trusts that God will provide for their needs.

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Disaster Response plans to open a camp at St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles as a base for volunteers. Once the camp can be safely opened and damage assessments are in process, Lutheran Church Charities will determine what assistance can be coordinated to support recovery efforts.

Lake Charles and surrounding towns may not have power restored for at least the next 4-6 weeks. They currently do not have safe drinking water, which will also take some time to restore. This will be a very long recovery process for many Louisiana coastal cities.

While the group was at St. John Lutheran Church, Lutheran Disaster Care from Arlington, Texas, brought a trailer of supplies that two Texas Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) had assembled. This included 200 flood buckets, 3 generators, gas, face masks, kitchen kits, quilts, Bibles and devotionals. They all helped unload the supplies into the church for distribution.

Hurricane Laura has caused much destruction, but with your generous donations, Lutheran Church Charities can make a difference by showing the Mercy, Compassion. Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Storm Recovery Update: Northern Illinois

On Monday, August 10, Northern Illinois experienced a rare derecho with sustained winds of 60 – 90 mph and 15 confirmed tornados, causing widespread property damage throughout many cities.

Since the storm, approximately 75 LCC Disaster Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw and heavy equipment operators have completed work at 39 homes, which we served through 19 different Northern Illinois District churches located in their disaster-affected cities.

It has been a privilege to serve these homeowners in the name of our Lord.

I had the pleasure of meeting all of you as helped me and my family with the overwhelming clean-up after the tornado made a mess of our property.

To everyone, it was a hot couple of days, and you all selfishly gave everything to help us out, always smiling. We can't thank you enough.

Thank you again and God bless you all.

Homeowner from Marengo, Illinois

Storm Recovery Update: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

This same derecho barreled through Cedar Rapids, Iowa before hitting Illinois with 100 mph winds causing major destruction to homes, businesses, farms and crops. Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response is currently discussing a possible Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. chainsaw and heavy equipment deployment with Rev. Dr. Dean Rothchild, Iowa East District Disaster Response Coordinator and Jason Koepnick, King of Kings Lutheran Church L.E.R.T. Team Leader. Jason is assessing damage and coordinating all volunteers for the disaster response in Cedar Rapids and would welcome any assistance LCC Disaster Response could provide.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams are continuing to respond and serve with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel 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.

75 LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw certified volunteers and heavy equipment operators
from 24 different LCMS churches served to help those affected by the storms

On Monday, August 10, Northern Illinois experienced a rare derecho with sustained winds of 60 – 90 mph and 15 confirmed tornados, causing widespread property damage throughout many cities.

Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers have currently completed work at 34 homes and will be working this week at two other locations. LCC has served at these homes through 18 different Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District (NID) churches located in their disaster-affected cities.

In Marengo and Union, Illinois, one of the tornados ripped through four homeowner properties, ranging from 5 – 26 acres each, uprooting multiple trees and leaving a trail of destruction and damaged roofs. LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw and heavy equipment operators spent four days working at all of these homes.
Each of the homeowners expressed how they felt that God was blessing them with angels sent to help with what would have been an impossible job to do on their own or could have afforded to do.

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers also worked at 6 homes in Kankakee, Illinois, mostly elderly or widowed congregation members, and also included Pastor Koeppen from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He expressed what a tremendous relief our ministry has been for all those helped in his congregation.

Approximately 75 LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw certified volunteers and heavy equipment operators from 24 different LCMS churches have willingly responded to serve at all of these affected homes.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel 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.

LCC Disaster Response to Help Cedar Rapids, Iowa Derecho and Hurricane Laura in the Gulf Coast After Finishing Local Storm Recovery

LCC DR is making plans with LCMS Iowa District to assist in derecho recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after completing work in Northern Illinois. We are also closely monitoring Hurricane Laura as it approaches the Gulf Coast.