Chainsaws, Crosses, and Compassion: LERT Volunteers Bring Hope After Storms and Floods

Responding to Devastation in Valparaiso, IN

On Sunday, March 30, the town of Valparaiso, Indiana, was struck by 90 mph straight-line winds that toppled 110 utility poles, tore through rooftops, downed trees, and left residents without power for days. In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) was contacted by Immanuel and Christ Lutheran Churches to aid their communities.

LCC Director of Disaster Response, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, deployed LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) chainsaw volunteers who served 14 homes over the course of a week. The very first call came from a teacher at Immanuel whose home had sustained significant tree damage—one tree punched holes through their roof while another destroyed their deck. LERT volunteers quickly removed both trees and tarped the roof, preventing further water damage and helping the family begin the road to recovery.

Power outages and downed lines delayed work at some homes. One homeowner, recovering from a fractured hip, had no power for five days. Volunteers cleared limbs from her deck and promised to return when it was safe. The simple gesture of clearing her deck gave her hope and brought a smile to her face. When the crew returned to fully clear her yard, she expressed deep gratitude for their compassion and care.

Another stop brought the team to the home of a single mom and piano teacher, whose studio had been rendered inaccessible by three large uprooted spruce trees. Unable to afford help, she prayed for a miracle. Through a recommendation from one of her student’s parents, she found LCC. Within hours, the trees and root balls were gone, her yard cleaned and raked, and a cross was cut into the stump of one of the trees. Moved to tears, she said, “This cross will always remind me to trust God to provide for my needs and that He sent angels here to take care of me.”

Rebuilding in Tryon, North Carolina

Farther south, another team served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tryon, NC, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Though the congregation had hoped to return to their sanctuary by Easter, there remains much to be done.

LERT volunteers made significant progress—clearing and insulating the crawl space, installing lighting, laying new floors and tiles, building storage units, painting, and digging trenches to divert water away from the church. They also beautified the grounds, taking advantage of the pleasant weather to do landscaping.

During their deployment, four volunteers stayed behind at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, where they were housed, to help redirect a creek that was eroding the church’s roadside. Their trench work helped prevent further damage to an area awaiting a new sidewalk.

Several members of the Trinity congregation dropped by with meals and stories. One woman, Mrs. L., shared her experience of evacuating her home and witnessing the destruction in her beloved community. Seeing the church and her home slowly restored, she said, was restoring hope not just for her but for many in Tryon.

Restoring a Beloved Camp in Linville, NC

Meanwhile, a small but determined team from Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL traveled to Camp Linn Haven in Linville, NC. The LCMS summer camp sustained extensive damage to its chapel, kitchen, main hall, 18 cabins, and bridge due to Hurricane Helene.

Volunteers assisted with hanging drywall, repairing siding, staining, painting, and general storm cleanup. Although there’s more work to be done, their efforts made meaningful progress in preparing the camp for future campers and ensuring the facility remains a safe and joyful space for all.

Gratitude for Hands that Serve

Lutheran Church Charities extends heartfelt thanks to the many LERT volunteers who offered their time, talent, and compassion in these recent deployments:

• Cross, Yorkville IL: Clay and Linda Arnold; Daeson Blue; Chris Coulombe; Heather Fiala; John Goettsch; Carrie Howard
• Bethany, Naperville: David, Gretchen, and Isabel Brouch; Alex Clasen; Pastor Seth Clemmer; Tye, Linda, Henry, and Ken Fox; Beth Hahn; James and Susan Jablonsky; Grace Ryan; Judy and Nathan Teske
• Good Shepherd, Elgin: David Vollrath
• Immanuel, Palatine: Chris Johnson
• St. Peter, Gilberts: Aleis Vasa
  
  

This team truly enjoyed the hospitality shown to them by the congregations of Trinity, Tryon and Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville and will continue to hold both congregations in their prayers.

The Southeastern District has continued opportunities to serve at several locations in North Carolina. Please consider volunteering your time and talents to help those in need recover from Hurricane Helene.

How You Can HelpLERT volunteers make a difference in times of disaster, but there is always a need for more hands and hearts willing to serve. If you feel called to support this mission, consider registering for the upcoming LERT training, donating to the LCC Disaster Response Fund, or keeping affected communities in your prayers.

DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND