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21 LCC LERT VOLUNTEERS HELP FAMILIES STILL RECOVERING FROM HURRICANE HELENE DAMAGE

2/5/2025

 

RESTORING HOPE IN NORTH CAROLINA

In September 2024, North Carolina was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, primarily in its western Appalachian region, causing significant destruction of infrastructure and residential areas.
This past week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager, and 21 Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) volunteers returned to serve out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville with Pastor Jonathan Christensen.
 
The teams were able to assess 40 sites and complete work at 27 homes, totaling 800 volunteer hours. "We gave needed portable heaters, heating fuel, and gift cards to families in need. But most importantly, we were able to listen to their stories and offer the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need of hope," says Deaconess O'Day.
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DONATE - LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

LERT Volunteers Restore Hope for Mrs. L.

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LERT volunteers helped Mrs. L. clear large uprooted trees and debris from her farm and out of her corn field. With eight feet of water flowing through her property, the usually gentle creek became a torrent that knocked down large oak trees around her home and left lots of debris in her corn fields.
 
The dedicated LCC LERT volunteers worked tirelessly to help Mrs. L. clear her land, removing the remnants of the storm that had wreaked havoc on her home and livelihood. Their hands-on assistance not only alleviated the physical burden of debris removal but also provided Mrs. L. with a renewed sense of hope.
 
"I am so grateful for the help," she expressed, her voice filled with emotion. "I hope to replant my crops this spring, and with this support, I believe I can."

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Serving as the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Our dedicated LERT volunteers had the honor of assisting Mr. and Mrs. W. by removing numerous downed and leaning trees from their expansive property. Following Mr. W.'s recent major cancer surgery, he expressed immense gratitude for the care and support provided by our team. Once capable of managing such tasks himself, Mr. W. found it challenging to ask for help, yet he was deeply touched by our willingness to step in. We reminded him that it is our privilege to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need with love and compassion.
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Demonstrating Compassion and Skill

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LERT volunteers demonstrated compassion and skill while helping a couple restore their property. Mr. R. suffered a traumatic brain injury a few years ago and has short-term memory difficulties.
 
Despite the challenges of dealing with multiple fallen oak trees from their neighbor's yard that miraculously missed the couple's home and a dangerous leaning tree, these dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the home. They worked with great care using several rigging techniques to avoid any damage during the removal process of the large tree. After several hours, it was finally brought to the ground safely, without causing any damage to the house, shed, or fencing.
 
Throughout their service, they connected with Mr. R., patiently listening to his stories and providing emotional support, embodying the essence of community care. The homeowners expressed immense gratitude, not only for the physical assistance but for the genuine connections made during this trying time.

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LCC LERT wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful congregation of Mt. Pisgah in Hendersonville for their unwavering hospitality and support. Your generous provision of meals and a welcoming environment have been instrumental in empowering LCC teams to serve with passion and dedication.
 
Your commitment to outreach and care not only uplifts our volunteers but also profoundly impacts the lives of those we serve together. Thank you for embodying the spirit of compassion and community that is central to our mission at LCC.
 
LCC Disaster Response extends sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers and congregations for their willing service, prayers, and support:
ILLINOIS
 
Immanuel, Batavia
Bill Pietsch
 
Immanuel, DeKalb
Pete Springmire
 
Immanuel, Shobonier
Fran Collier
 
Lord of Life, Elburn
Kevin Krage, Terry and Mary Kramer, Max Metz, Dave Smercina,
Larry Zagorski
 
St. John, Wheaton
Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Julianna and Kate Madden, Anna Piro
 
St. John, Wilmette
Tom Morrison
 
St. Paul, Rockford
Dean and Carol Ullrich

IOWA
 Trinity, Davenport
Ken Stotmeister
 
INDIANA
 St. John, Dillsboro
Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
 
TEXAS
 St. Paul, Austin
Pastor Robert LeBlanc
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Continued Care for Families in Need

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many communities in need, and there's still much work to be done. Lutheran Church Charities and our LERT volunteers remain steadfast in their commitment to continue to provide compassionate support in the long recovery process to those affected by Helene. Please keep all those affected in your prayers as we work together to rebuild lives and restore hope.
DONATE - LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

LCC DISASTER RESPONSE DEPLOYMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA COMPLETES 70 SITES

11/13/2024

 
Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) volunteers assessed 104 sites and completed 70 during a three-week deployment in western North Carolina.

Since October 19, LCC LERT crews have totaled 1,956 volunteer hours, rotating in and out for the laborious work of cutting damaged trees, clearing debris, and removing hazards around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C., areas that felt the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s high winds and massive flooding during September and October.
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DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

Delivery During the Storm - Hope and Help in Crisis

In the face of Hurricane Helene, Mrs. C found herself in a moment of incredible vulnerability, nine months pregnant and struggling to protect her twin children from the storm's fury. Her world shifted when she went into labor. The birth of her healthy baby boy became a beacon of hope.
 
“She shared how her family’s faith has given them peace, comfort, strength, and hope,” said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response. “She told us she trusts that God was and will be with them through this entire process. And she thanked God for sending our team to help clean up all her fallen trees to make her yard safe for her kids when they can return.”
 
With LCC volunteers by her side, Mrs. C received practical help to assess her damaged home, clear fallen trees, and pack up her kitchen as they prepared to move out for repairs.

Her words, filled with gratitude and trust in God, remind us that even in the darkest times, there is light through the love and support of those around us. Together, we can turn despair into hope and rebuild lives.
 
“It was a blessing to listen to her story and witness her faith,” O’Day said.
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Appreciation for "All the Servant Hearts"

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Pastor Jonathan Christensen of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville expressed thanks and praise for all the servant hearts that have so willingly worked and blessed residents in the community and surrounding areas. “We have sincerely appreciated all the hospitality shown and meals prepared for us by this congregation," said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, who led the deployment with Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager.
 
To share the LCC volunteers’ appreciation, Matt Flynn, Team Leader of the Immanuel Dundee, IL, crew presented Pastor Christensen with a plaque created to thank the congregation for the ongoing support.

Pastor Eric Hollar of Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C., and Interim Director of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry, a disaster response non-profit, posted a message last week on LCC Disaster Response’s Facebook page. He shared, “I have been able to focus more on my pastoral duties at my congregation, due in LARGE part to the ‘partnership in the Gospel’ with LCC. We are so appreciative of their support in the response in Hendersonville.” The message was a reminder that Lutheran Church Charities welcomes opportunities to partner with churches and Recognized Service Organizations (RSO) in sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need

LCC Thank-Yous

Lutheran Church Charities and Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville extend a huge thanks to Kelli Francis from Fuel Relief Fund and Jim Norton from Suncoast Fuel for their generous donation of 500 gallons of diesel to use during LCC Disaster Response’s deployment. “What a savings and blessing it was and continues to be in keeping equipment and trucks full for serving those in need,” O’Day said.

LCC Disaster Response gives special appreciation to Lutheran Servants for Christ which loaned its tractor to LCC LERT volunteers last week.
Lutheran Church Charities also thanks the following LERT volunteers and their churches from multiple LCMS districts for serving together with LCC Disaster Response during the three-week deployment:
Northern Illinois District
Christ Our Savior, Dixon – Joy Holden
Christ the Rock, Rockford – Matt & Carol Robert
Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless
Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger
Immanuel, Crystal Lake – Jeff Dykstra
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete & Christel Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Bill Conforti, Matt Flynn, Terry & Denise Fuelling, Al Navarro
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Lord of Life, Elburn – Terry & Mary Kramer, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Marty Starck,
Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John, Union – Laurie Mathisen, Rick Miller, Nick Miletta
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Schwartz, Ken Scott
Trinity, Roselle – Kristin Bilar
Zion, Ottawa – Dave & Cindy Reif
 
Indiana District
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black
Christ, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn

Iowa District
Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
 
Missouri District
New Beginnings, Pacific – Glenn Stellhorn
 
South Wisconsin District
Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale, Kaye Voss

Southeastern District
Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Pastor Jonathan Christiansen, David Maloney, David and Wendy White
“We leave behind new friends, memories, hope, and prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they continue their recovery process,” O’Day said. “It has truly been a blessing to serve!”
 
READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.
DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

LCC DISASTER RESPONSE EFFORT ENTERS THIRD WEEK IN NORTH CAROLINA AREAS HIT BY HELENE

11/5/2024

 
Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers are on the ground in Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C., for the third week of a deployment that began October 19, assessing more than 100 sites and completing work at more than 50 of them.

Most have been multi-day jobs of cutting damaged trees, clearing debris, and removing safety hazards, all of which are a result of the destruction left by Hurricane Helene and subsequent flooding a month ago.

LCC LERT teams, which have come and gone during the multi-week deployment, are led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager, and have been working from a home base at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran in Hendersonville, under the leadership of Pastor Jonathan Christensen.
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DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND
Last week, the crew was able to bless the community in additional ways. On October 31, volunteers joined the Mt. Pisgah congregation at Halloween Street Treats events in downtown Hendersonville, handing out candy and much-needed personal items, such as children’s backpacks, socks, hygiene kits, hats, mittens, and flashlights.

More than 1,000 people attended this event, seeking to bring some normalcy to children who had endured a chaotic month since the hurricane. “Parents were so grateful and expressed thanks for all the items and how supportive the church was,” O’Day said. “Seeing the appreciation on their faces helps us believe that we are making a difference in these families’ lives by showing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ.”

The LCC Disaster Response team received a visit from Southeastern District President Rev. Bill Harmon, Assistant to the President Martin Schultheis, and District Disaster Response Coordinator Sally Hiller. The Southeastern District officials watched the LCC LERT team work and thanked them for their service.
Amid the cutting, hauling, and clearing, the LCC LERT team has used Spiritual First Aid™ to encourage residents who have been struggling emotionally in the weeks since the storm.

Some stories and highlights:
The entire LCC LERT team went to a 40-acre goat farm owned and operated by a single woman named Ms. B. The property had several large oak and pine trees that were down, some on her outbuildings, barns, pastures, fallow field, pens, and paddocks.

“She was overwhelmed when she called Mt. Pisgah for assistance,” O’Day said. “She couldn’t believe we would prioritize her request and come so quickly to her aid with all our equipment and volunteers to get her farm back to operational status.”

Southeastern District officials Harmon, Schultheis, and Hiller visited and prayed with Ms. B, who gave everyone hugs and expressed her thanks at the end of the day as the volunteers left. “It was a very blessed day!” O’Day said.
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A few days later, the LCC LERT team and two members from the Mt. Pisgah team worked at two sites all day. The homeowners had many large oak trees down on their properties. One of them, a Ms. S, had a long and steep driveway that was blocked by eight very large trees. The crew cut and moved the wood to open up access to the driveway and home.

“She shared how emotionally traumatized she had been by this catastrophic storm, as well as losing one parent the day after Helene struck and her other parent three months prior,” O’Day said.

Several team members spent time listening to her story, talking with her, offering support, and leading a prayer of hope. Both homeowners expressed appreciation for all the work done and the care shown to them.

“It is a blessing to serve,” O’Day said.
LCC LERT volunteers worked at a site in Asheville with a steep-sloped yard that couldn’t accommodate machinery and heavy equipment. “Everything needed to be cut and hand-carried, or left in place,” O’Day said. “The homeowner sent an email later that said, ‘You all are amazing! Our life had been turned upside down, but you have helped by doing what you do. Thank you so much. God bless all of you!”

A second site in Asheville had 15 leaning tees that had to be felled, as well as one tree that had been broken in half. This week, some new LCC LERT volunteers were on the job and they had a climber that was able to remove the tree safely. “The homeowner was extremely grateful to have these dangerous trees gone and her property safe for her family,” O’Day said. “ All the volunteers worked hard and shared the love of Christ with those they served.”

READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.

DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

LCC DISASTER RESPONSE CLEARS NEARLY 30 SITES IN NORTH CAROLINA AFFECTED BY HELENE

10/30/2024

 
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Led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers are halfway through the second week of working around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C., areas that were devastated by hurricane winds and flooding nearly a month ago.

Working out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville with Pastor Jonathan Christensen, crews have assessed 86 sites with requests for assistance coming in daily. In the first week, 27 LERT volunteers joined together to cut damaged and leaning trees, remove safety hazards, and clear debris for residents in the region. As the second week began Monday, 21 volunteers were continuing to serve. Altogether, teams have completed work at 29 sites, several of them multi-day efforts.

LCC LERT teams will continue to serve in the area until at least November 9 and would value your prayers and support. 

Coming up on November 6,
LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak of Emmanuel Lutheran Asheville will join with multiple LCMS congregations and residents in the region for an evening of community togetherness and spiritual support to help the recovery process.

“We’ll explore the importance of connection and healing, share awareness of post-disaster challenges, and introduce tools like psychological and
Spiritual First Aid™ to identify next steps in the recovery journey,” Singer said. “Together, we can rebuild not just our homes but our spirits.”

DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND

GOD-MOMENTS FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPLOYMENT

During the first 10 days of the deployment to North Carolina, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers have used Spiritual First Aid™ to encourage residents who have been struggling emotionally in the weeks since the storm. Team members have supplied tangible goods to meet physical needs, such as quilts, space heaters, and gift cards, which have been provided by Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations in the Northern Illinois District.

Some highlights:
In the first week, LCC LERT chainsaw crews worked at the home of a Miss P, a single woman who inherited the home her grandparents built and where her siblings were raised. It sits on a 4-acre wooded lot with several small outbuildings. Hurricane Helene uprooted about 25 trees, leaving her home with extensive roof damage and her property in ruins. “She couldn’t believe that we would send a team to clear all the fallen trees at no cost,” said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response. “She was moved to tears and expressed her thanks to the volunteers.”

That evening, Miss P sent a quick note: “Your team is AMAZING! What a blessing today was to me. Thank you so much for everything!” Two days later, she shared with the LCC team what she posted on Facebook, letting her friends know how God had blessed her:

“When 12 volunteers in neon shirts walk up your driveway, along with a Bobcat, an equipment trailer, a van, chainsaws, and smiles … it’s gonna be an emotional day. These folks have traveled from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and other states to help western North Carolina in the aftermath of Helene. They spent a full day clearing the property of the remaining fallen trees, and they did it with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. They even made me this plaque from one of the trunks, adding their hearts. …
The Lutheran Church Charities made a difference in my life yesterday. God is so good. Some days, His blessings are small; some days they are huge. And every day, I am grateful.”

"This is the reason LERT volunteers serve. We are more than ‘chainsaws;’ we provide spiritual and emotional care to those we serve," O’Day said.

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LCC LERT team members worked on the property of a Mr. W. His family of eight could not live in their home because a large tree was leaning on it and threatening to fall through it. He also had a lot of downed and broken trees on his property. With multiple health issues, he could not afford to clear the debris.
As he told us, “I may not have much, but I do have a family — and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.” He was very thankful for all the work that was done so he and his loved ones could return home.
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Many LCC LERT volunteers served a family who had lived through the nightmarish hurricane winds and flash flooding. LERT teams did chainsaw work and rebuilt a water-compromised deck. The family lives in two homes along what is normally a beautiful river, but over dinner, they shared about how it became a raging torrent causing destruction, major flooding, and death.

The river rose 20 feet and swept away neighbors’ homes, businesses, vehicles, and people. The stories of life, loss, grief, and small joys were heartbreaking. Next week, the father of the family will have surgery.  As the team listened, they were able to tell of Christ’s love and hope with the family. “This family, as well as hundreds of others in many areas of western North Carolina, still have no water or electricity,” O’Day said.

The LCC team gave them kerosene space heaters for their home and several quilts and blankets to keep warm in the dropping temperatures. Many hugs were given and tears shed for the volunteers showing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ.

READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.
DONATE — LCC HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND
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  • The LCC LERT team was blessed by Fuel Relief Fund, who re-supplied the group with 500 gallons of diesel fuel for the team’s skid steers, lift, and vehicles. What a wonderful gift from a great organization that supports disaster responders.

  • On Reformation Sunday, LCC LERT team members worshipped at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran in Hendersonville, followed by a luncheon. During the morning, an elderly couple that was served during the first week came to Mt. Pisgah for church. The couple is not Lutheran, and they don’t have a church home. But they wanted to thank each volunteer that helped them at their home and sit with them during worship. At the end of the service, Pastor Jonathan Christensen asked them to introduce themselves. Mr. H stood and talked about how God blessed them by sending the “crew in orange shirts” to help him and his wife. Not only did they clear his property, he said, but they listened to the family’s stories and shared smiles, laughs, and hugs. The family would never forget them and what they did. Then he thanked the church for hosting the LCC LERT team so the community could be served. “We all had tears in our eyes, and the congregation applauded and said, ‘Amen!’”   

LCC DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMS DEPLOY TO RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO, FOR POST-DISASTER CARE

10/15/2024

 
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Lutheran Church Charities returned to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico, last weekend and this week for a six-day deployment that included training in early disaster response and chainsaw work, plus administering Spiritual First Aid™.  Ruidoso has continued to recover from the South Fork Fire and flash flooding that devastated the mountain town in June, destroying 1,400 homes and businesses. 

LCC teams from three states began arriving on Friday at the invitation of Pastor Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills. Counselors from Gloria Dei Lutheran in Houston, Texas, and Lord of Glory Lutheran Greyslake, Illinois, joined the Persis K-9 Comfort Dog team of King of Kings Lutheran Glenpool, Oklahoma, and LCC Disaster Response personnel from Illinois. 

Pastor Rust requested LCC’s help after reaching out to two pastors in Texas for assistance. In turn, the Texas pastors recommended LCC, which began the new partnership with Shepherd of the Hills.

Also unique on the New Mexico deployment was that church members went directly from classroom training into the field for practical ministry work — with the ultimate aim of pointing their hurting neighbors and friends to the hope found only in Jesus.
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21 TRAINED, CERTIFIED BEFORE SERVING IN THE COMMUNITY

A day-by-day account of LCC Disaster Response ministry work:

Friday, October 11

The deployment started with Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, meeting with members of Shepherd of the Hills to assess damage in the region caused by the wildfire. The LCC Disaster Response team also got to check out an equipment trailer the church purchased with grant money supplied by the Disaster Response division of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The trailer is outfitted with a workbench and shelves to hold saws, personal protective equipment (PPE), gasoline, bar oil, and other tools for church members who are certified in Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training. Many thanks to the Synod. With these supplies, volunteers will be preparedto serve their disaster affected community and share the hope of Christ.

Saturday, October 12

Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught nine members of Shepherd of the Hills how to operate a chainsaw, drag safely, and fell, buck, and limb trees. “It was a very good day and all felt they learned a lot in both the classroom and working in the field,” O’Day said. “All the saws and PPE were used from their new team trailer. On Monday, this new LERT team will start helping homeowners clear burnt trees from their properties with LCC guidance. They are excited to be the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors.”

Sunday, October 13

Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught basic Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) to a group of 21 students from three churches: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Ruidoso, New Mexico; Mission Lutheran Las Cruses, New Mexico; and St. John’s Lutheran, Orange, California. All 21 were certified and now form the newest LERT team in the LCMS Rocky Mountain District. “It is good to see how the Disaster Response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need,” O’Day said.

Monday, October 14

The new Shepherd of the Hills LERT chainsaw crew worked at the homes of two congregation members to remove numerous burnt and damaged trees. Homeowners are responsible to clear their property of these trees before they can rebuild or sell their home, according to town bylaws. Insurance does not cover these costs. “Both homeowners were so appreciative of having this removal work done by their own church family,” O’Day said. “It was a privilege to watch these volunteers enthusiastically begin to develop their team and minister to those they will be serving. ​

READ MORE about the LCC Care Team part of the deployment.

LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS (LERT) DISPLAY MERCY IN ACTION

10/7/2024

 
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Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response was invited by the Mayor of Woodridge, Illinois, Gina Cunningham, and Mr. Dan Hecht, case manager, to serve alongside Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors to offer assistance to families finally able to move back into their condominiums that were damaged in the Woodridge-Naperville tornado in June 2021.
 
On Saturday, Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) volunteers completed handyman projects for residents and helped move household items. The Trinity Lutheran LERT team from Lisle, Illinois, serviced breakfast and a hot lunch to residents and volunteers.
 
Mayor Cunningham and Mr. Hecht expressed their deep appreciation for our continued willingness to assist the residents of their community in their ongoing tornado recovery. Many residents thanked the team for the meals and help they received in their homes. Although the size of the projects varied, the servant hearts and hands were well received by all.

The following LERT volunteers served with joy:
 
Trinity, Lisle
  • Tim Blake, Jan Boerman, Dale and Beth Durfey, Marge Franzen. Darlene King, Jim and Vicki Reuter, Ed Schwartz, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Kent Worrell
 
St. Paul Rockford
  • Greg and Sue Smith

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This week, our dedicated St. John Wheaton Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers showcased the true spirit of community support as they helped a family affected by a July derecho. Working hand in hand with Commonwealth Edison Electric Co., they ensured the safe removal of a massive 75-foot tree that had caused significant damage.
 
The family's heartfelt gratitude was evident as they provided coffee, donuts, and lunch for the team, highlighting the bond forged through acts of kindness. This collaboration not only restored safety to their home but also reinforced our commitment to compassionate service during times of crisis.
 
The following LERT volunteers from St. John, Wheaton, served with joy: Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jim Long, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro, Rich Wren
 
Your support can make a difference—join us in our mission to uplift those in need, whether through volunteering or contributing to our cause.
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DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

EMPOWERING DISASTER RESPONSE LEADERS AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COLLABORATION

9/24/2024

 
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We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of the recent annual Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response Conference held at the International Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
This event brought together sixty-five dedicated Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders from various districts, all united by a shared commitment to enhance our disaster response capabilities. Over five enriching days, participants engaged in vital training sessions focused on safer and more efficient disaster response methods.

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Lutheran Church Charities was represented by LCC Director of Disaster Response/Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinator Kathy O'Day, LCMS chainsaw instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire, and team leaders Anna Piro, Christel Springmire, Mark and Beverly Brueggemann. Kathy gave a presentation on LERT Safety Officer Considerations and Marty on Safety on LERT Sites.
 
The conference was not just about learning; it fostered friendships and collaborations that are essential to our community-focused mission. The networking opportunities allowed LERT leaders to share experiences, insights, and strategies, reinforcing the importance of coming together as a united front in times of crisis
We are filled with hope and determination as we reflect on the achievements and learnings from this conference. LCC is committed to being present for those in need, inspired by the collective efforts and dedication demonstrated during this event. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters and share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those suffering and in need.

SHARING STORIES ABOUT THE IMPACT OF LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES' DISASTER RESPONSE MINISTRY

8/21/2024

 
The technical skills and dedication of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) lift and chainsaw volunteers were on full display during their two-day project at Pastor Noah Kegley's (Immanuel Lutheran - Batavia, Illinois) home. The team carefully removed hanging limbs with rigging and felled a dead pine tree alongside his house, making the property safe for his family.
 
Pastor Kegley and his family were grateful for the hard work and compassion shown by the volunteers. The team received the following homemade thank you note:
 
“Thank you for coming to our house to cut our branches, remove trees, and help our yard. Thank you for the fun ride on the lift and for being so fun to have at our house. You all worked so hard and we are grateful.”
 
This project is just one example of how the services provided by Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response LERT make a tangible difference in communities.
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Recently, a homeowner in Illinois faced a precarious situation when a tree fell during the derecho and was hanging in another tree. She couldn't afford to have the tree removed and didn't know what to do. Fortunately, a church elder from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora reached out to Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response for assistance.
 
Volunteers Ed Boerman and Ed Schwartz from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle stepped in to help, and after their hard work, the homeowner's tree was removed and her home was safe once again.
 
The homeowner was incredibly grateful and sent a note to Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, thanking the “Eds” for their hard work and care shown to her. "My tree is out and my home is safe! Both Eds did an amazing job. I’m so thankful to you and your organization. May God bless all of you!”
 
This story is just one example of the impactful work that volunteers and donors make possible through Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
If you are moved to help, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE - DISASTER RESPONSE EQUIPMENT & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES' DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM SHARES EXPERTISE WITH WHEATON COLLEGE STUDENTS

8/21/2024

 
Last week, Marty Johnson and Anna Piro, St. John Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, along with Deaconess Kathy O’Day from Lutheran Church Charities, met with students from the Humanitarian Disaster Institute of Wheaton College.

These master’s degree students from across the globe wanted to hear how LERT responds to disasters so they could learn how to assist their churches and organizations prepare and care for a disaster-filled world.
 
The students were divided into three groups and given scenarios that have occurred on disaster responses to discuss/solve before they were provided with how the scenarios actually played out. They asked questions and then went to visit St. John’s LERT team trailer.
 
Chances are most will never pick up a chainsaw, but they will serve people from a uniquely Christian perspective in disaster ministry, emergency management, humanitarian aid, and public and mental health fields.
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LERT VOLUNTEERS RALLY AROUND NEW PASTOR

8/15/2024

 
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On Monday, August 12, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) lift and chainsaw volunteers removed hanging limbs over Pastor Noah Kegley’s home, as well as felled a dead pine tree along his property line. Kegley is the new pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois. He expressed appreciation for the servant hands and hearts of the following volunteers in making his home and property safe:
 
Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire
Lord of Life, Elburn – Larry Zagorski
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

If you are moved to help, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE - DISASTER RESPONSE EQUIPMENT & FUEL EXPENSE FUND FUND
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