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. 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.” 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. LCC never goes where we are not invited. |
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