LCC LERT Volunteers are the Hands and Feet of Jesus While Helping Residents in Jacksonville, Alabama

This past week, three LCC LERT volunteers and four LERT team members from North Carolina worked with Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Coordinator, in completing tornado recovery chainsaw work in Jacksonville, Alabama. During the week, Steve Chester (St. John – Wheaton, Illinois), Pete Springmire (St. Peter – Hampshire, Illinois), and Steve Black (St. John – Dillsboro, Indiana) heard many stories of God’s presence in the lives of impacted residents.
Picture: LERT Team w Pastor Ed

They relayed two homeowner stories that made an impression on them. The first was a family whose home was badly damaged during the tornado. The mom had been changing their baby’s diaper on her bed when she received a phone call to take cover immediately as the tornado was heading towards their home.

She snatched up the baby and took cover in the bathroom just as a large evergreen fell through the roof directly over the bed she had been in with her baby. Each time she told the story all could see the hand of God protecting her. In her words, “No one was hurt! Praise God!” Her husband also worked with this team for two days removing the tree from their roof and clearing other trees from their property. They were very grateful for the help they received from the LERT teams.

At another home, a widow and her daughter had several large trees come down around their home and yard. They also had a 30’ tree that was dangling near their home and electrical wires. They were able to tie ropes to pull and insure the tree fell where it was safe while removing it with chainsaws. As the tree fell and hit the ground both women began to cry. Steve Chester went and talked with them immediately and they said, “I have not cried since my husband/dad died 18 months ago. This is beautiful what you guys are doing for us.” This team worked at their home for four days removing trees, branches and the stumps. She told all who came by her home that “She had nine angels working in her front yard.”

These are just a few examples of how LCC LERT volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to individuals recovering from a disaster. LCC thanks all of our LERT volunteers for their continued dedication and compassion. Please continue to keep all those impacted by the Jacksonville, Alabama tornado in your prayers.