LCC Disaster Response Continues to Prepare L.E.R.T. Volunteers

Lutheran Church Charities is making plans for Basic L.E.R.T. training and a Chainsaw Certification class as our Northern Illinois District churches are beginning to reopen in Phase 3 of the “Restore Illinois” plan.

The federal guidelines indicate that volunteers responding to a disaster should be trained and certified. Lutheran Church Charities provides LCMS training for Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) through churches in the Northern Illinois District. Should a disaster strike, these teams would be put on call and may be asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders.

NEW: LCMS Disaster Response has developed new guidelines for youth participation so that L.E.R.T. training can now be offered to youth, ages 14 – 17, so they can also assist in general disaster response safely and under the guidance of their own youth leadership.
 
Trained and certified L.E.R.T. members are ready with willing hearts and hands to show the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need after a disaster.
 
If your church is interested in hosting a L.E.R.T. training, or if you or someone you know is interested in becoming L.E.R.T. certified, please contact LCC's Director of Disaster Response, Kathy O’Day at 866-455-6466 to schedule or discuss further. If you live outside the Northern Illinois District, please contact your LCMS District Disaster Response Coordinator to schedule a training.