LCC Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams clean up and care across Missouri   With rooftops blown apart, homes devastated with damage, and tree limbs scattered across yards and streets, Missouri has endured a week and a half of severe weather and heavy hearts. From St. Louis to Springfield, communities across the state have been hit hard following multiple tornadoes and straight line windstorms. Lutheran Church Charities has been on the ground this week with Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to help local LCMS churches with damage assessments, chainsaw work, debris removal, food and resource distribution, and spiritual care and comfort. Disaster Response In Springfield, Missouri, last week and into this week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jason Johnson, LCC Disaster Response & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, have been assessing damage from an EF-1 tornado with 95 to 100 mph winds, followed by a second storm with 80 mph straight-line winds. The damage is widespread with more than 200 households impacted, according to Katie Kovach, Green County Emergency Manager. After weather delays on Memorial Day, LCC LERT volunteers arrived Tuesday to work with Hope Lutheran Church, Republic, Missouri, and Trinity Lutheran in Springfield — both are assisting with the volunteer camp at the Lutheran Student Center and providing meals for LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers who will serve until Saturday. O’Day and Johnson report widespread devastation, with numerous homes and properties bearing the brunt of severe tree and structural damage. Among those affected was an elderly, disabled veteran whose property was left in ruins—12 massive trees toppled across his land, and his home suffered significant harm. On Tuesday, the teams used chainsaws to cut through the fallen trees and worked tirelessly to clear his property. He was very grateful for their help and mercy shown to him. As a heartfelt gesture, they presented him with a cross, lovingly carved from one of the downed trees and signed by each team member. Deeply moved by their kindness and the mercy shown to him, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the help he never expected but desperately needed.  The man shared how frustrating it is that he can no longer take care of his own property. He expressed great thanks that LCC could send chainsaw volunteers to help him clean up his yard this week. O’Day said they met several elderly homeowners that are grateful for the offer of assistance and a willingness to listen to their stories. In St. Louis, another crew of LCC Disaster Response chainsaw and lift volunteers have joined forces with other LERT volunteers from around the country to clear tree damage at Concordia Seminary, which was swept by an EF-3 tornado on May 16. Officials estimate that more than 100 trees were uprooted or leaning on the campus and nearby park. Some caused damage to the chapel and several dormitories and apartments on the grounds. Faced with challenging cleanup maneuvers, crews have been using heavy equipment and lifts — even climbing trees — to remove fallen and dangerous branches and limbs off buildings and clearing walking pathways.  During the cleanup work, Ed Boerman, LCC LERT Chainsaw Instructor and Team Leader presented Rev. Dr. Tom Egger, President of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, a slice of tree with a cross and signatures of all the LERT volunteers’ signatures who have been working this week. During the chapel service on Sunday morning, Rev. Dr. Egger expressed his appreciation to all the volunteers for their hands and hearts of service. LCC Disaster Response extends thanks to the following LERT volunteers for their service at the Seminary: Immanuel DeKalb, IL – Pete and Christel Springmire Immanuel Dundee, IL – Matt Flynn St. John Wheaton, IL – Dave Mummah, Rich Wren Trinity Lisle, IL – Ed Boerman St Paul Grafton, WI – Mark and Bev Brueggemann Trinity Davenport, IA – Ken Stotmeister  LCC Care Teams Two LCC Care Teams partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran St. Louis to distribute food, blankets, and essential care items to individuals affected by the storms. With stores closed, these are among the first supplies to reach the residents in the area. One team included members from Living Word Galena, Ohio, along with staff from LCC. The second Care Team was from Trinity Green Trails Lisle, Illinois. They distributed gift cards and children’s activity back packs, with grooming supplies, hygiene kits, toys, books, and a blanket. As they served the community, they provided Spiritual First Aid™ to those in need of emotional and spiritual support to take their next steps in their journey to recovery and healing. While assisting community members, LCC Care Team volunteers spoke with Wanda. She expressed deep gratitude, saying she believed God had carried them through everything. Speaking quickly and with urgency, Wanda explained that she was helping her 80-year-old neighbor, who couldn’t leave the house. She had come to the distribution center to pick up food and supplies for her, as no one else was offering assistance. Though thankful, Wanda also voiced concern about how long it might take for her neighbor to feel safe and comfortable again. Her stressed body language was noticeable, so one of the Care Team members placed a hand on her arm gently and spoke to her softly. As she began to calm down, Wanda shared how much she appreciated the team's presence and said she believed God had sent them to help.  K-9 Comfort Dogs in action On Sunday, LCC church affiliates St. Paul Des Peres, Missouri, and Timothy St. Louis, brought K-9 Comfort Dogs Tabby, Zion, and Noah to partner church Bethlehem St. Louis, which has served as a hub for community members, distributing food and supplies, operating as a call center, and welcoming those who need shelter. Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling invited the community to attend the Sunday service and spend time cuddling with the comfort dogs. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries volunteers were: Sheryl Schucart with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion Ruth Agne with K-9 Comfort Dog Tabby Ministry Partners Sue and Jon Burford with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion and Tabby Glenn Nielsen with K-9 Comfort Dog Noah At LCC, we never go where we are not invited. We never charge those we serve. If you are compelled to give, please donate to the May 2025 Tornado Outbreak Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.  Comments are closed.
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