LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES' DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM SHARES EXPERTISE WITH WHEATON COLLEGE STUDENTS8/21/2024
 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. |
 | When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming to pick up the pieces. Last week, the entire Northern Illinois District (NID) was affected by a derecho producing 70-110 mph winds, 39 tornadoes (with the NWS still surveying), and severe storms. On Monday evening, the derecho traveled 394 miles and, at times, was 60 miles wide across eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. All of this caused widespread power outages that lasted for many days, and a large path of uprooted and damaged trees and limbs, as well as some structural damage to homes and businesses in many towns. |
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, and volunteers have been assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners since last Tuesday with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. They have worked through Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elburn, Illinois, completing 18 sites, including several homes that were multi-day jobs due to the extent of the damage and at Walcamp. The LCC LERT teams will continue to serve next week until the requests for assistance are completed.
Working Together to Make a Difference
Northern Illinois and the South Wisconsin District LERT volunteers partnered to work at two sites in Janesville, Wisconsin. One of the sites required the new Nifty Lift 64 to remove multiple widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops) from four trees. The homeowner had surgery right before the storms, so she could not do any cleanup and was grateful for all of the help, mercy, and compassion shown to her.
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Bringing Relief to a Family with Significant Property Damage
| The LERT volunteers brought relief to another family in need. Mr. and Mrs. B had their car and garage crushed by a large tree, and their home was damaged by a fallen tree from a neighbor's yard. Thankfully, LERT volunteers were able to carefully remove all of the debris in just three days, using their professional skills and equipment. Mr. and Mrs. B were grateful for our volunteers' willingness to return each day until the work was done - something they could not afford or do on their own. Our volunteers' compassionate approach and experienced sawyers made all the difference in restoring their home to safety. |  |
Twenty-Five LERT Volunteers Make Walcamp Safe to Reopen This Week
On Saturday, 25 LERT volunteers worked at clearing downed and damaged trees and widow makers from Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCSM) Recognized Service Organization (RSO).
The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week.
We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed
The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week.
We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed
Inspiring the Next Generation of Helpers
| Our LERT volunteers are not only making a difference in the lives of families affected by natural disasters, but they are also inspiring the next generation of helpers! At another site, a young boy watched with excitement as our volunteers worked to remove broken limbs from a tree. He wanted to help out too! Our volunteers were patient and allowed him to participate, encouraging him every step of the way. The joy on his face was contagious, and everyone present was touched by his willingness to serve. |  |
My dad Bill Alar was part of the Lord of Life LERT group. He started the group with Larry. My dad loved being able to help others. Unfortunately, we lost him very unexpectedly 2 years ago. He never would have imagined the LERT crew coming to save us. I didn't even have to reach out for help. At 5:00 a.m., the next day Ken Johnston sent me a message telling us not to worry because LERT was already on it. Within a few hours, Larry was here to get things rolling. The amazing group of people have worked incredibly hard all week long. There aren't enough or the right words to thank everyone. It was truly a blessing. - Jen Alar
LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
If you are so moved, 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.
Lutheran Church Charities Human Care and Disaster Response ministries continue to provide cleanup and recovery efforts across the Houston metro region, almost 10 days after Hurricane Beryl left a wake of debris and damage to homes (photo credit: Nancy Beckcom, Trinity Lutheran Church Tyler, Texas).
More than 40 families from Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, have requested help for chainsaw assistance and debris removal after suffering significant tree and wind damage to their homes and vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents are still without power.
In response, LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer coordinated the mobilization of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas.
More than 40 families from Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, have requested help for chainsaw assistance and debris removal after suffering significant tree and wind damage to their homes and vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents are still without power.
In response, LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer coordinated the mobilization of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas.
The Disaster Response volunteers have been on the ground in Spring, Texas, and Tomball, Texas, cutting trees and limbs and clearing debris from 15 homes — with at least 26 more families lined up for assistance in the next two to three weeks, said Deaconess Suzanne Fingerle of Trinity Klein Lutheran.
Last week, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of Trinity Klein Lutheran's food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. "Orphan Grain Train and other distributors have stood up to help fill the shelves for the church and community, and we are so thankful for their donations of food and supplies," said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry.
Currently, Trinity Klein Lutheran is serving 150 families (or roughly 1,000 people) per day — a 50 percent increase from normal demand, said Lauren McCardell, director of the food pantry.
"We know families are beginning the long process of cleanup. In some cases, they are rebuilding their lives," LCC’s Snider said. "At such an important moment for them, we stand ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible goods, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.”
Last week, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of Trinity Klein Lutheran's food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. "Orphan Grain Train and other distributors have stood up to help fill the shelves for the church and community, and we are so thankful for their donations of food and supplies," said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry.
Currently, Trinity Klein Lutheran is serving 150 families (or roughly 1,000 people) per day — a 50 percent increase from normal demand, said Lauren McCardell, director of the food pantry.
"We know families are beginning the long process of cleanup. In some cases, they are rebuilding their lives," LCC’s Snider said. "At such an important moment for them, we stand ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible goods, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.”
The cleanup and recovery work started after Dan Reimer, interim executive director at Trinity Klein Lutheran asked LCC to provide assistance to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations and families around the Houston metro area. LCC is able to provide this assistance because generous donors and volunteers are willing to serve and give.
But additional assistance to provide food, logistics, and home-to-home support and care is still strongly needed, Singer emphasized. "Any financial support you can offer will go directly to helping families in the Houston area," Singer said.
Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help.
But additional assistance to provide food, logistics, and home-to-home support and care is still strongly needed, Singer emphasized. "Any financial support you can offer will go directly to helping families in the Houston area," Singer said.
Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help.
LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
If you are compelled to give, 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. Additionally, click the button to learn more about how LCC Human Care is providing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Beryl and other efforts.
On Sunday night, the Northern Illinois District (NID) was hit by two EF-0 tornadoes and severe storms with high winds. On Monday evening, the NID was then hit by a derecho producing 70-100 mph winds and at least 29 spin-up tornadoes throughout the entire northern Illinois region. The derecho traveled 394 miles and at times was 60 miles wide across eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. All of this has caused widespread power outages, uprooted and damaged trees and limbs, as well as some structural damage to homes and businesses in many towns.
| Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders and volunteers began assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners immediately with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. Currently, they have 21 requests for assistance and expect this list to grow during the week. LCC leadership is also reaching out to churches in the district to see if they or their congregation members may need assistance. LERT teams are ready to respond where needed. |  |
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If you are so moved, 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.
Last week, Lutheran Church Charities deployed five Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw and heavy equipment volunteers to Rogers, Arkansas, at the invitation of Jan Simko, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Mid-South District Disaster Coordinator.
The LCC LERT team served out of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, using skid steers and the new LCC boom lift that was given to LCC Disaster Response by a generous donor. The team removed widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops), and dangerous trees and limbs left after an EF-3 tornado that struck the town six weeks ago.
Lutheran Church Charities and the Mid-South District extend their thanks to the following LERT volunteers:
ILLINOIS
Lord of Life, Elburn – Larry Zagorski
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Rich Wren
St. John’s, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
The LCC LERT team served out of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, using skid steers and the new LCC boom lift that was given to LCC Disaster Response by a generous donor. The team removed widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops), and dangerous trees and limbs left after an EF-3 tornado that struck the town six weeks ago.
Lutheran Church Charities and the Mid-South District extend their thanks to the following LERT volunteers:
ILLINOIS
Lord of Life, Elburn – Larry Zagorski
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Rich Wren
St. John’s, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
The LERT volunteers worked at a congregation member’s home that had multiple large dangerous limbs hanging over their roof, fence, and driveway. They had to coordinate the removal of these limbs using rigging techniques, the boom lift, and sawyers on the roof.
The family is very thankful for the team’s expertise in safely and efficiently removing all of the limbs without damaging their home. They are feeling safer now and can stop worrying that the next storm could cause further damage. All of the LERT volunteers are glad they could make a difference for several families and share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Christ with them.
The family is very thankful for the team’s expertise in safely and efficiently removing all of the limbs without damaging their home. They are feeling safer now and can stop worrying that the next storm could cause further damage. All of the LERT volunteers are glad they could make a difference for several families and share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Christ with them.
Thanks to You, We Can BE THERE!
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We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. We thank our generous donors and appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
If you are so moved, please donate to the 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.
If you are so moved, please donate to the 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.
 | Lutheran Church Charities has deployed five Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw and heavy equipment volunteers to Rogers, Arkansas. They are working with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Mid-South District at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to remove widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops), and dangerous trees and limbs left after an EF-3 tornado that struck six weeks ago. The team is using skid steers and the new LCC boom lift that was given to LCC Disaster Response by a generous donor. |
On Monday, the team worked at Mrs. K's home, a disabled congregation member who runs the church's food pantry. She is also a caregiver to a disabled adult son. The team removed several damaged trees with hanging limbs that required the use of a lift for safe removal. One of the LERT volunteers climbed one of the trees to remove limbs as well. They also cleared overgrown bushes and trees from around her home, making her property more accessible. Mrs. K was thankful for the care shown and the work done for her to make her home safe.
Thanks to You, We Can BE THERE!
We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. We thank our generous donors and appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
If you are so moved, 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.
If you are so moved, 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.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response (DR) was invited by Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan, to provide chainsaw assistance and debris removal with heavy equipment following the devastating tornado that swept through Portage and Kalamazoo on May 7 causing widespread destruction.
LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, have deployed for the last three weeks with 31 LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers to assist residents affected by this tornado. They were able to complete work at 31 homes, with half of these being multi-day sites due to the amount of trees down or damaged on their properties. The teams utilized a boom lift, three skid steers, and rigging skills to safely and efficiently remove these trees.
LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, have deployed for the last three weeks with 31 LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers to assist residents affected by this tornado. They were able to complete work at 31 homes, with half of these being multi-day sites due to the amount of trees down or damaged on their properties. The teams utilized a boom lift, three skid steers, and rigging skills to safely and efficiently remove these trees.
Adam Herringa; Chief Operating Officer of the Town of Portage (pictured with Kathy O'Day), Erik Wilson, Superintendent of Texas Township; and Joanne McFarland, President of Colony Woods Subdivision of Kalamazoo, expressed their sincere appreciation to Kathy O’Day and the LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers for serving in their communities and the willingness to assist homeowners they referred to the LERT team daily.
They reported that 93 homes have been left uninhabitable and another 248 with major to minor damage. Many businesses also were affected. They do not anticipate receiving a FEMA declaration, so they have been relying heavily on community and outside groups' assistance, like LCC Disaster Response.
They reported that 93 homes have been left uninhabitable and another 248 with major to minor damage. Many businesses also were affected. They do not anticipate receiving a FEMA declaration, so they have been relying heavily on community and outside groups' assistance, like LCC Disaster Response.
 | The LCC LERT team worked for two and a half days at two homes that had at least 80 large trees down and damaged on either side of their long driveways, between the homes, and in their backyards. One of the homeowners sent a note of gratitude that stated, “Wow! How did we get so blessed by all of you! This whole process has been beyond words. Many thanks to all of you for the wonderful work you have done at our homes. You are all amazing!” |
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LERT volunteers completed a very technical job using the lift and their advanced training and experience to remove a very tall and dangerous leaning tree next to their home. The homeowners were so pleased with the professionalism during its removal, and now they can “breathe a sigh of relief” that their home is safe.
They also were amazed that we would remove all the other downed trees from their yard. They showed the team an estimate they received for $50,000 to do all the work that the LERT volunteers did at no charge. They thanked each volunteer and told them what a blessing we have been to them.
They also were amazed that we would remove all the other downed trees from their yard. They showed the team an estimate they received for $50,000 to do all the work that the LERT volunteers did at no charge. They thanked each volunteer and told them what a blessing we have been to them.
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Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response thanks the following LCC LERT volunteers for their willingness to serve during all or part of the three-week deployment in Michigan. Many of these volunteers also served in Nebraska just before continuing their service in Michigan.
ILLINOIS
Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn, Terry Fuelling
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton – Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Rich Wren
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
St. Peter, Schaumburg – Ken and Vicki Kiviranta
Trinity, Lisle – Ed and Jan Boerman
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
INDIANA
Christ, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
WISCONSIN
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti, Roger Kautz
St. Paul, Grafton – Stu Natale
Immanuel, Batavia – Bill Pietsch
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn, Terry Fuelling
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton – Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Rich Wren
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
St. Peter, Schaumburg – Ken and Vicki Kiviranta
Trinity, Lisle – Ed and Jan Boerman
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
INDIANA
Christ, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
WISCONSIN
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti, Roger Kautz
St. Paul, Grafton – Stu Natale
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Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response also thanks Pastor Naumann, Tammy Songer, and the congregation members from St. Michael’s and Zion Lutheran Churches for their hospitality, meals, and volunteers who served with the LERT team. It truly has been a blessing and privilege to serve in the Name of the Lord while representing your church in this community.
We thank our generous donors and appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
We thank our generous donors and appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
Thanks to You, We Are Able to BE THERE!
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response (DR) was invited by Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan, to provide chainsaw assistance and debris removal with heavy equipment following devastating tornadoes that swept through. Portage and Kalamazoo on May 7 causing widespread destruction.
On Sunday, May 19, LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with 18 LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, began a two-week deployment to assist residents affected by this tornado.
Town officials from Portage and Kalamazoo expressed their appreciation to the LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers for serving in their communities and continue to refer homeowners to the LERT team for assistance daily.
On Sunday, May 19, LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with 18 LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, began a two-week deployment to assist residents affected by this tornado.
Town officials from Portage and Kalamazoo expressed their appreciation to the LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers for serving in their communities and continue to refer homeowners to the LERT team for assistance daily.
| Mr. and Mrs. C., along with their parents, lost part of their home and at least 50 trees on their several-acre property. They were referred to the LCC LERT team by a co-worker who attends St. Michael Lutheran Church. They couldn’t believe that we would offer to remove their downed trees at no cost to them. After it was explained to Mr. C. that this was our ministry, he broke down and sobbed in the arms of Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response. The volunteers spent the first day clearing many downed, leaning, and damaged trees. Another group of LERT volunteers finished this site in addition to their neighbor’s property on Memorial Day. Mr. C. and his father-in-law shook each volunteer’s hand and offered their sincere thanks. Both families are very pleased and amazed at the work that was done to help them. |   |
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During the first week of deployment, LCC LERT volunteers completed 14 work sites, with three of these being two- and three-day jobs, due to the extent of the tree damage on their property.
One of these homeowners with so much damage was a widow, Mrs. R., who had multiple trees down around her home, with several leaning on her roof. When we met her, she was distraught, in tears, and frustrated with her insurance company who was not returning her calls after assessing the damage.
After the team arrived and began clearing her many trees, she had tears of joy and sincere gratitude for the hard work and Christ-like care shown to her. She told us she felt it was the “first time she could truly smile and have hope for recovery since the tornado.” She was also very touched by the cross and homemade quilt given to her and told us she would treasure them.
One of these homeowners with so much damage was a widow, Mrs. R., who had multiple trees down around her home, with several leaning on her roof. When we met her, she was distraught, in tears, and frustrated with her insurance company who was not returning her calls after assessing the damage.
After the team arrived and began clearing her many trees, she had tears of joy and sincere gratitude for the hard work and Christ-like care shown to her. She told us she felt it was the “first time she could truly smile and have hope for recovery since the tornado.” She was also very touched by the cross and homemade quilt given to her and told us she would treasure them.
| The lift team helped a family with young children remove a very dangerous dangling wood splinter from a tree in their backyard and two trees hanging over their home. This required the use of the lift, rigging, and technical skills. Their 5-year-old daughter gave the team a card she made thanking them for making her yard safe. Mr. and Mrs. O. appreciate everything the LERT team did to make their home and yard safe again for their family. |  |
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The destruction and trauma experienced by many residents is widespread, but the spirit of community and faith has provided much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process. It has been a blessing to listen to the survivors' stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we served those in need.
Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. We appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. We appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
Thanks to You, We Are Able to BE THERE!
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response (DR) has been invited by Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan to provide chainsaw assistance and debris removal with heavy equipment. The towns of Portage and Kalamazoo experienced an EF-2 tornado with 135 mph winds on May 7 causing widespread destruction. It was on the ground for 11 miles and 300 yards wide, beginning one block south of the church.
On Sunday, May 19, LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, began a two-week deployment to assist residents affected by this tornado. This deployment is occurring only six days after LCC LERT volunteers returned from a two-week deployment to Nebraska, also for tornado response work.
LCC LERT draggers, chainsaw, and heavy equipment operators spent the last two days working at the home of a St. Michael’s congregation member who had approximately 30 trees downed and several more damaged on his property surrounding his home, as well as debris from his neighbors home which took a direct hit and was destroyed. He did not know how he would even begin to take care of the damage but is now feeling blessed to have a “church family” so willing to help him until it is cleared.
On Sunday, May 19, LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day and DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, began a two-week deployment to assist residents affected by this tornado. This deployment is occurring only six days after LCC LERT volunteers returned from a two-week deployment to Nebraska, also for tornado response work.
LCC LERT draggers, chainsaw, and heavy equipment operators spent the last two days working at the home of a St. Michael’s congregation member who had approximately 30 trees downed and several more damaged on his property surrounding his home, as well as debris from his neighbors home which took a direct hit and was destroyed. He did not know how he would even begin to take care of the damage but is now feeling blessed to have a “church family” so willing to help him until it is cleared.
Mr. R. had several of his and three of his neighbor's trees all leaning and hung up in one of his trees. He and his neighbors had no idea how all of these could be taken down safely and at what cost. They were pleased with the work this LCC lift team has been doing for the past two days and the professionalism shown with their rigging techniques and lift placement to safely and efficiently remove so many of these dangerous leaning and hung trees and limbs.
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St. Michael has been very welcoming to the LCC disaster response team and is willing to serve their neighbors. Please pray for all those affected and the team deployed to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need!
Thanks to You, We Are Able to BE THERE!
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