Homeowners and the Learning Tree Are Blessed by LCC Disaster Response Assistance in Alabama

“You are a blessing sent from God.” – Homeowner
 
L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Team Members Continue Serving in Devastated Areas of Alabama for Second Week

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

On Thursday, March 25, the National Weather Service reported eleven tornadoes with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF-4, ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia causing seven deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage.

For a second full week, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, Kathy O’Day and Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) are deployed and serving in Alabama. At the invitation of Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District, recovery efforts continue in the towns of Ohatchee, Wellington, Jacksonville and Piedmont. We are serving out of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsen, Alabama, with Pastor John Reynolds.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Erica Brown, Resource & Development Coordinator, The Learning Tree, Ann Cusey, Homeowner, and Mark Brueggemann, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteer share how the LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams brought mercy and compassion when responding to the Alabama tornadoes. Click on the image below to watch the video.

Since arriving the Monday after Easter, thirty-one LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have joined the Southern District L.E.R.T. team members to assist those affected by these devastating tornadoes clear properties of downed and damaged trees, and debris utilizing the boom lift, dump trailer, bobcats, ditch witch, and tractors with grapples. This will help them begin their long road of rebuilding and recovery.

Clean-up Continues at The Learning Tree and Staff Member Properties

Property damage has been extensive at The Learning Tree Residential Schools for Children & Adults with Developmental Disabilities but care and enthusiasm for their students and residents has not wavered. The director, property manager, and staff can’t believe LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members traveled such a great distance to help them in their time of need. They continue to see the hand of God provide for them during the tornado recovery efforts. They look forward to having safe properties, bringing back their students and residents, and helping everyone return to their normal schedule.

Helping Elderly Couple with Property Clean-Up

Mr. and Mrs. C. were so touched by the assistance the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team gave to remove many downed trees from around the home they share with their daughter, a staff member at The Learning Tree. The entire time we were there, they watched the work being done, and spoke with and hugged every volunteer. They felt we were a blessing sent from God.

Serving Overwhelmed Staff Member with Property Damage

Pat, another staff member at The Learning Tree, is also very happy with the work being done at her home. She had many large cedar and evergreen trees down on her driveway, chicken coop, and animal pens. The recovery task seemed overwhelming. She expressed her gratitude for the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team assistance and care shown to her. She will remember us every time she looks at the large slice of one of her cedar trees that team members signed.

Removing Large Tree that Landed on the Home of Man with a Disability

Bob and his family huddled in their bathroom wearing their bicycle helmets as they heard the tornado pass and the trees crashing onto their house and down on their property. When they came out, a large tree was resting on their roof but they were very surprised to see that it didn’t go through or damage the interior of their home.

Due to his disability, he knew there was no way he could begin to remove the damaged trees. He is very thankful that LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams came with their equipment to assist.

If it weren't for all of the faith-based groups helping the community, he doesn’t know how he and his neighbors would be able to clean up all the damage to their properties.

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Other LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have been working on several large jobs that took several days. Property owners have been overwhelmed with the clean-up task and are overjoyed when they witness the hands and feet of Jesus helping them.
 
Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General 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.

Please keep the families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff while we are deployed to Alabama.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND