From Fallen Trees to Lifted Spirits: LERT Volunteers Serve Hurricane Survivors in Hendersonville, N.C.

"Our work isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about restoring hope, encouraging the weary, and sharing Christ’s love with every conversation, prayer, and act of service." LERT volunteer 

Last week, LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers answered God’s call to serve, traveling from across the country to Hendersonville, North Carolina. Serving out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, these teams brought more than chainsaws and construction tools—they brought compassion and spiritual encouragement to those still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

LCC disaster response staff, chainsaw instructors and experienced volunteers helped two new New York teams from St. James Lutheran Church in St. James and Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadows received in-depth chainsaw training while serving on homeowner sites, which has prepared them to serve with skill and confidence in future deployments.

With 15 chainsaw sites and 2 construction projects completed—totaling 554 volunteer hours—this week’s ministry demonstrated that LERT’s work is about more than cleanup. It’s about restoring hope, encouraging the weary, and sharing Christ’s love with every saw cut, every conversation, and every prayer lifted in service.

Here are the stories. 

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Preserving History, Sharing God’s Love

At the Historic Johnson Farm, volunteers cleared fallen and leaning trees across several acres of this 1847 working farm.

More than restoring pathways and buildings, the teams helped preserve a place where students learn about history and artisans keep early 1900s crafts alive.

Volunteers saw firsthand how God can use their hands to protect a legacy and bring joy to a whole community.

Porch Conversations and Spiritual Care

When volunteers visited Mr. and Mrs. J., a 90-year-old disabled couple, they discovered ministry in action.

While removing fallen trees, volunteers spent meaningful time on the porch, listening to their stories and praying with them.

Pastor Neil Mittelstaedt of St. James Lutheran Church offered Communion and shared God’s Word, showing that sometimes the greatest service is offering presence, care, and spiritual encouragement.

Service in Sweat and Joy

A team working with Housing Assistance, Inc. undertook the physically demanding job of demolishing a dangerous deck and digging footers for a new one.

Despite the heat and the tough work, volunteers served with joy and perseverance, demonstrating that ministry often calls us to roll up our sleeves and meet tangible needs with a willing heart.

Restoring Homes and Hope

One of the homeowners was a mother, caring for her disabled husband, sister, and daughter, found new hope through volunteers who cleared fallen trees, stacked firewood, and prepared burn piles on her daughter's property.

Beyond the labor, volunteers listened, shared encouragement, and reflected Christ’s mercy in action—reminding her that she is not alone in her struggles.

Small Acts, Lasting Impact
A young family’s yard, blocked by fallen trees and limbs, was cleared in just a few hours.

The team, led by Pastor Sean Chapman from Calvary Lutheran, East Meadows, not only transformed the property but also shared Scripture and prayer.

The family received a cross and Bible, tangible reminders of God’s presence in their lives and the ministry of LERT volunteers.

Feeding Body and Spirit
Behind every chainsaw and hammer was the dedicated team from Trinity Lutheran, Athens, GA, serving meals out of their food trailer to nourish both body and spirit. Their faithful service ensured volunteers stayed energized, ready to continue sharing God’s love through action.

A Nationwide Mission of Service
This ministry was made possible by the faithful partnership of churches and volunteers from across the country:

Atlantic District
Calvary, East Meadows NY – Nick Caputo, Pastor Sean Chapman
St. James, St. James NY – Alex Hartmann, Eric and Meredith Johansson, Doug Miller, Jacob Mittelstaedt, Pastor Neil Mittelstaedt, Tony Romano, Jim Sauer, Ken Seltzer, Don Smith
St. John, Holbrook NY – Chris Polley
St. John’s, Sayville NY – Steve Lindfors
Florida-Georgia District
Trinity, Athens GA – David Bacastow, Charles Bissett, Pastor Tim Davis, Marty Lambert, Jessica O’Rear
Our Redeemer, Jacksonville FL – Richard Paris

Northern Illinois District
Immanuel, Dekalb IL – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee IL – Matt Flynn
Prince of Peace, Palatine IL – Jim Beckley
St. John, Dillsboro IN – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Southeastern District
Hope, Wake Forest NC – David Critchley

South Wisconsin District
St. Paul, Janesville WI – Lark Sanders

LCC also thanks Mt Pisgah in Hendersonville and Trinity in Tryon for sending many flood recovery supplies back with us for the South Wisconsin flooding that just occurred.

Make This Ministry Possible
LCC Disaster Response relies on the generosity of donors to fund training, equipment, and deployments like this one. Your gift helps volunteers continue bringing God’s love to families in need.

HELP LCC BE THERE - HURRICANE SUPPORT FUND