LCC Disaster Response Chainsaw Teams Help Thirteen Families and Host Church With Tornado Recovery in Kansas

Donna Williams, Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator invited Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response LERT teams to return to Kansas with chainsaw assistance after an EF-4 tornado went through Linwood and Bonner Springs, Kansas on May 28. The damage was very evident throughout these small towns.

The Northern Illinois and Kansas District LERT teams spent this past week working together to help residents recover. They stayed at and worked out of two Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) churches in Basehor, Kansas: Trinity Family of Faith, Pastor Jason Boetcher and Risen Savior, Pastor Robert Weinkauf.

These LERT team members were able to complete major chainsaw work and debris cleanup at 13 homes and at the church. The Kansas District LERT team members and affected families expressed their appreciation to all present with many thanks and hugs.

Watch - LCC Kansas Tornado Response Video

Clearing Extensive Tree Damage for Risen Savior Member
John is a Risen Savior congregation member who had a large wooded property surrounding his home. The tornado destroyed most of his trees, leaving them twisted, broken, with limbs hanging precariously and many laying on the ground. He stated he didn’t know how he would ever be able to remove that many trees or make his property safe again. Then, he heard about LERT teams who would come and help him with chainsaws. The Kansas District chainsaw team spent several days doing what they were able. The LCC LERT teams brought in the boom lift and other equipment to complete the work. John and his wife were very grateful for all of the assistance. They appreciated the gift of a quilt and a cross made in their tree.

Helping a Widow Remove Damaged Trees and Rebuild Grandson’s Broken Swing Set
A very recent widow and another Risen Savior member are neighbors who saw their entire neighborhood change after the tornado went through. They both had minimal damage to their homes, but multiple trees down on their properties. Many of their neighbors, however, had destroyed homes or homes with belongings totally gone from the foundations. The LERT team spent the day between both homes removing downed and damaged trees. We also took the time to repair the widow’s grandson’s swing set that had been twisted and blown though the yard. It meant a lot to her, as she never expected all the trees to be taken care of and for someone to go above and beyond to rebuild the broken swing set. We all prayed that we helped bring the comfort and hope of Jesus Christ to her as she is coping with many losses.

Father Witnesses God’s Protection While Tornado Hits Their Property
This father took his family with two little girls to a shelter in the basement of his parents’ home, which was just down the road from them. He then drove back to their house to get the dogs who were still in the outdoor kennel and to try to get the cows in the barn. As he was putting the dogs in his car, he could see the tornado approaching and knew he had no time to leave. He pulled the dogs out and ran into the house. As he was closing the door he heard many cracks of trees and destruction occurring. He said it seemed like eternity but was actually over in seconds. When he came out of his house, the car he had quickly exited was crushed to the ground by fallen trees. His barn and shed were destroyed and there were trees down everywhere around the house, and in the pasture. His home where he sheltered sustained no damage. He and his family know that God protected and saved him. Listening to his story was to hear and see the hand of God in the midst of chaos. The LERT team members felt privileged to help this family who was very thankful for the assistance.

Clean-up at Host Church After Storm Damage
Friday, June 21 was the last day in Kansas for the LERT teams. It just so happens that a strong storm with torrential rain and 50-70 mph wind gusts swept through the area. Trinity Family in Faith and several of the churches’ neighbors had half a tree and many limbs come down. The LERT team felt it was very fitting that we ended the work week serving at the church and its neighbors.

Please keep all of the tornado and flood impacted communities in Kansas in your prayers as they continue their long clean-up effort and recovery.

Please consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance and 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.

Donate - LCC Disaster Response Fund

Donate - Disaster Response Equipment & Fuel Expense Fund