LCC Disaster Response LERT Teams Help Host Church and 36 Homeowners in North Carolina Remove Damage from Hurricane Florence

Impact from Hurricane Michael Headed to North & South Carolina this Week

This week, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and 25 LCC LERT chainsaw team members from 12 churches and 3 states deployed to Messiah Lutheran Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the invitation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) South Eastern District (SED) to assist those with downed and damaged trees as a result of Hurricane Florence. Extensive storms are headed their way later this week due to Hurricane Michael which is currently a Cat 3 hurricane that will cause high winds and several inches of rain to fall across North and South Carolina. This will be devastating to these hard hit areas as there will be more flooding and tree damage.

Pastor Timothy Steele, Rev. Mark Spelzhausen, Emeritus, and the congregation warmly welcomed the team to their community. Kathy and Rev. Mark spent two days prior to the LERT teams arrival on Saturday assessing 36 homes with damage, as well as the church. Messiah Lutheran had several trees fall on their property, which the team took care of immediately. They sustained major roof damage during the hurricane that also caused part of the vaulted ceiling in the sanctuary to collapse and water damage to pews as well as the fellowship hall. They have an $18,000 deductible with their insurance company for repairs to be made. They are also concerned that Hurricane Michael may cause further damage as there is only a tarp on part of the roof.

By the end of Monday, LERT chainsaw teams hadcompleted work at 17 Messiah Lutheran Church member homes in the 3 days they had been there. They have several other homes in Wilmington they will be assessing and hope to complete before they leave or Hurricane Michael arrives. Several of these jobs have involved the use of heavy equipment, such as tractors, bobcats and the boom lift. Everyone who is being assisted is very appreciative for the professional work done and Christian focus of the team members.

One of the assessed homes was Rev. Mark’s. He had several trees damaged and, after worship on Sunday, a team worked all day at his home to clean up his yard. He and his wife appreciated the assistance and the team’s professionalism and Christian care. He was especially touched by the cross carved out of one of the damaged trees in his yard.

Another home was Mr. Henry, an elderly disabled gentleman, and his wife. They have several trees down in their back yard and on their new roof, which was put on 3 days before the hurricane. On the day we assessed the damage at their home, Mr. Henry told us he knows God is blessing him with help because he didn’t know what he was going to do. On Sunday afternoon, a chainsaw LERT team began what was a two day job. Mrs. Henry kept telling the team working that she is praising God that “He sent angels their way to take care of them all the way from Illinois!” She also thanks her Messiah Lutheran Church neighbors for looking out for them by sending help their way. They are both so pleased!

These are just a few stories of how LCC LERT teams work together in times of disaster to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. LERT team members who deployed to North Carolina are as follows:
 
Northern Illinois District LERT Members
Cross – Yorkville: Derek Kowalczyk
Good Shepherd – Elgin: David Vollrath
Immanuel – Belvidere: Mike Buhl, Wes Johnson
Immanuel – Palatine: Jim Beckley, Jeff Dykstra
Lord of Life – LaFox: Larry Zagorski, Ken Johnston
St. John – Wheaton: Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Jan Gerveske, Jeff Johnston, Roy Rose, Ken Rosenwinkel
St. Peter – Hampshire: Dan & Bobbie Swyndroski
Trinity – Lisle: Mike Kostecki
Trinity – Roselle: David Vance
Trinity – Tinley Park: Joel Powless
 
Central Illinois District LERT Members
Immanuel – Shobonier: Fran Collier
Trinity – Pekin: Terry Knollenberg
 
Other Volunteers
Dillsboro, Indiana: Steve Black
Port Orange, Florida: Ken Cupples
North Carolina: Dave Klovstad
 
There is much work to be done in a very short time. Please keep the LERT team members and the North Carolina community in your prayers. Your donations will help us assist individuals and families affected by Hurricane Florence.

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Donate - Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Fund

Donate - Hurricane Florence K-9 Travel Fund