Lutheran Church Charities returned to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico, last weekend and this week for a six-day deployment that included training in early disaster response and chainsaw work, plus administering Spiritual First Aid™. Ruidoso has continued to recover from the South Fork Fire and flash flooding that devastated the mountain town in June, destroying 1,400 homes and businesses. LCC teams from three states began arriving on Friday at the invitation of Pastor Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills. Counselors from Gloria Dei Lutheran in Houston, Texas, and Lord of Glory Lutheran Greyslake, Illinois, joined the Persis K-9 Comfort Dog team of King of Kings Lutheran Glenpool, Oklahoma, and LCC Disaster Response personnel from Illinois. Pastor Rust requested LCC’s help after reaching out to two pastors in Texas for assistance. In turn, the Texas pastors recommended LCC, which began the new partnership with Shepherd of the Hills. Also unique on the New Mexico deployment was that church members went directly from classroom training into the field for practical ministry work — with the ultimate aim of pointing their hurting neighbors and friends to the hope found only in Jesus. 21 TRAINED, CERTIFIED BEFORE SERVING IN THE COMMUNITY A day-by-day account of LCC Disaster Response ministry work: Friday, October 11 The deployment started with Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, meeting with members of Shepherd of the Hills to assess damage in the region caused by the wildfire. The LCC Disaster Response team also got to check out an equipment trailer the church purchased with grant money supplied by the Disaster Response division of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The trailer is outfitted with a workbench and shelves to hold saws, personal protective equipment (PPE), gasoline, bar oil, and other tools for church members who are certified in Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training. Many thanks to the Synod. With these supplies, volunteers will be preparedto serve their disaster affected community and share the hope of Christ. Saturday, October 12 Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught nine members of Shepherd of the Hills how to operate a chainsaw, drag safely, and fell, buck, and limb trees. “It was a very good day and all felt they learned a lot in both the classroom and working in the field,” O’Day said. “All the saws and PPE were used from their new team trailer. On Monday, this new LERT team will start helping homeowners clear burnt trees from their properties with LCC guidance. They are excited to be the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors.” Sunday, October 13 Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Marty Johnson, LCMS and LCC Chainsaw Instructor, taught basic Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) to a group of 21 students from three churches: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Ruidoso, New Mexico; Mission Lutheran Las Cruses, New Mexico; and St. John’s Lutheran, Orange, California. All 21 were certified and now form the newest LERT team in the LCMS Rocky Mountain District. “It is good to see how the Disaster Response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need,” O’Day said. Monday, October 14 The new Shepherd of the Hills LERT chainsaw crew worked at the homes of two congregation members to remove numerous burnt and damaged trees. Homeowners are responsible to clear their property of these trees before they can rebuild or sell their home, according to town bylaws. Insurance does not cover these costs. “Both homeowners were so appreciative of having this removal work done by their own church family,” O’Day said. “It was a privilege to watch these volunteers enthusiastically begin to develop their team and minister to those they will be serving. READ MORE about the LCC Care Team part of the deployment. Comments are closed.
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