Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas Helmer asked Lutheran Church Charities to help provide support to these families and over 150 first responders from 50 local departments who bravely responded to the fire. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs always bring relief to all of the first responders. They also continue to bring comfort and hope to the distraught families

The cost of a new boom lift is $38,000. A boom lift would allow the LERT chainsaw operator to control their workspace in tight or hard-to-reach areas and to cross over or around obstacles and work hazards when removing damaged tree limbs. Please consider donating towards a boom lift to help LCC Disaster Response support homeowners after a disaster.

Your donation will enable LCC LERT volunteers to continue professional and safe disaster response services to those in need

In order to provide a much safer and efficient way to clear damage following disasters, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a boom lift is greatly needed for extensive tree removal. It would allow the LERT chainsaw operator to control their workspace in tight or hard-to-reach areas, and to cross over or around obstacles and work hazards when removing damaged limbs or trees that are high above the ground. It would complete the process of providing a safe and well done job for a homeowner.  

Ed Boerman, Lutheran Church Charities Chainsaw Instructor and ISA Certified Arborist, has proposed the purchase of a new Boom Lift at a cost of $33,400. It comes with hydraulic outriggers and automatic leveling to allow operation in under 30 seconds. It can be towed by anyone with a standard half-ton pickup truck. It will come with the necessary safety harnesses and upon delivery training will be provided. This investment will benefit many churches and homeowners as LCC LERT teams continue to offer a professional and safe means of providing disaster response services to those in need.
 
Please prayerful consider donating to help LCC Disaster Response support homeowners following a disaster.

On Saturday, April 7, LCC held a Basic LCMS LERT training at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine, led by Kathy O’Day, Director of Disaster Response. There were a total of 31 in attendance from the following churches and LERT teams:

• Immanuel, Palatine
  
• Prince of Peace, Palatine
• Immanuel, Des Plaines
• St. John, Wheaton
• St. Matthew, Hawthorn Woods
• Lord of Life, LaFox
• St. John, Lombard
• Zion, Beecher
• Joyful Harvest, Johnsburg
• Trinity, Lisle

The disaster response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. 

Rev. Don Love of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka and the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency has asked for more LERT volunteer assistance to help congregation members and residents of Watseka, Illinois, still trying to clean up from the February flooding. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, LCC DR staff, and LERT team members will be partnering with the Central Illinois District of the LCMS for another muck-out workday on Thursday, April 5.

We will be doing muck outs, power washing of basements, removing carpet, drywall insulation and debris removal from homes damaged by the historic flooding in February. We will also be able to provide mold remediation with the foggers and disinfectant recently purchased.

This community has been hard hit and homeowners are struggling to recover. LCC LERT volunteers will continue to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need who are feeling exhausted and discouraged.

She snatched up the baby and took cover in the bathroom just as a large evergreen fell through the roof directly over the bed she had been in with her baby. Each time she told the story all could see the hand of God protecting her. In her words, “No one was hurt! Praise God!” Her husband also worked with this team for two days removing the tree from their roof and clearing other trees from their property. They were very grateful for the help they received from the LERT teams.

At another home, a widow and her daughter had several large trees come down around their home and yard. They also had a 30’ tree that was dangling near their home and electrical wires. They were able to tie ropes to pull and insure the tree fell where it was safe while removing it with chainsaws. As the tree fell and hit the ground both women began to cry. Steve Chester went and talked with them immediately and they said, “I have not cried since my husband/dad died 18 months ago. This is beautiful what you guys are doing for us.” This team worked at their home for four days removing trees, branches and the stumps. She told all who came by her home that “She had nine angels working in her front yard.”

These are just a few examples of how LCC LERT volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to individuals recovering from a disaster. LCC thanks all of our LERT volunteers for their continued dedication and compassion. Please continue to keep all those impacted by the Jacksonville, Alabama tornado in your prayers.