Hurricane Michael UPDATE from LCC President / CEO Tim Hetzner Returning from Florida

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. - Isaiah 40:1

I have just returned from visiting the affected areas hardest hit by Hurricane Michael a week ago. The single word I would use to describe the situation in the Panama City Area – DEVASTATION!
 
I was part of a group with Southern District President Rev. Eric Johnson, Rev. Curt Schultz, Emeritus District President, Rev. Michael Meyer, LCMS Disaster Response, Rev. Ed Brasher, Southern District Disaster Response Director, Rev. David Goodine, Executive Director Camp Restore, and Pastors from the Southern District, both affected and in the area.
 
We went into the affected areas that were torn apart by the 150 mph hurricane winds. Trees, roofs, buildings and homes, power lines, and just about everything in Hurricane Michael’s path were torn apart or flattened. Several of our churches were damaged to the point that they may not re-open. Others were hit but are still open. There is NO ELECTRICITY in the whole area – hoping and praying they can get it back up in several weeks – but with most electric poles down that would be a minor miracle as new poles need to be put up throughout the community. 

Donate - Hurricane Michael Relief Collections

Donate - Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund

Special Update - Hurricane Michael from Lutheran Church Charities on Vimeo.

CLICK HERE to watch video of the devastation that I saw and what those people impacted are saying.
 
LCC began providing financial assistance to our pastors in the affected areas and will continue to do so to allow them to help impacted individuals and families.
 
This all seems like BAD NEWS.
 
THE GOOD NEWS
God works in the midst of disaster! God brings Hope in Chaos!
 
The pastors at our churches are wonderful, spirit-filled, outreach-minded people! Their members are determined to come through this stronger! All are committed to working with others to bring the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ to all who are in need! 
 
Yes, in the midst of disaster, GOD DOES WORK – AND WORKS THROUGH HIS PEOPLE! So this is where YOU come in.
 
FIRST - PRAY
Please pray for all the people affected by Hurricane Michael and for all the Disaster Response teams who are and will be going in to volunteer to help.
 
SECOND - SUPPORT
Consider helping those affected by the disaster. 
 
CLICK HERE to donate to the Hurricane Michael Relief Collections Fund to purchase items like tarps, small grills and charcoal (with no electricity that is what they are cooking on), toiletry items, Gatorade, paper products, hand sanitizer, etc.
 
CLICK HERE for the general Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund to be used in helping families financially who are suffering from the after effects of Hurricane Michael.
 
THIRD – HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF COLLECTIONS (Northern Illinois District only)
For those in the Northern Illinois District who want to donate items which will be delivered to Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida, CLICK HERE for a list of items and drop off locations. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois has donated the use of a semi-trailer truck to deliver the donations.
 
FOURTH - VOLUNTEER
Chainsaw teams and draggers are needed now.

CLICK HERE to volunteer if you are a LCC LERT team member. For the next several weeks, they are only taking volunteers who are self-contained (have RV’s, camping equipment, or places to stay, own food and a way to prepare it, own shower capability) until a camp is set up at Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City. If you can go after that, please also register and indicate when you can go down. We anticipate we will be working in the area over the next 2-3 months.
 
CLICK HERE to read the most recent update from the Southern District LCMS Disaster Response. This letter includes information for others who are interested in volunteering.
 
Working Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME!

Peace in Jesus Christ,

Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

Donate - Hurricane Michael Relief Collections

Donate - Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund