LCC responding in Wisconsin, Illinois after EF-3 tornado, severe storms hit

Staff, LERT crews, Cares volunteers mobilizing to assist in cleanup efforts, spiritual care. ​

Lutheran Church Charities staff and volunteers are preparing deployment plans to Wisconsin and across Northern Illinois this week to bring disaster response assistance and spiritual care after severe storms with hail and an EF-3 tornado hit Monday afternoon causing widespread damage across both states.

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado packed winds of more than 136 miles per hour near Appleton, WI, calling it “extremely dangerous.” Reports of extensive damage have come in throughout the Fox River Valley and Lake Winnebago, especially the towns of Appleton and Menasha, including homes destroyed, trees split and shredded, and debris everywhere. Tens of thousands are without power. 

In Northern Illinois, roadways were temporarily blocked by downed trees and storm damage, roofs ripped off, buildings collapsed, and some flash flooding. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) crews were already at work yesterday in Frankfort, IL, with requests coming in from Wheaton, Homewood, Markham, and Steger. 

LCC plans call for Spiritual First Aid™-trained volunteers to join them in caring for homeowners shaken by the storm, bringing care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities. They'll also serve at Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events being planned in both states.

"This round of severe weather has hit close to home for us at LCC," said President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer, who has been in contact with Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod district officials and LCMS pastors since Monday. "LCC has dearly loved volunteers, teams, and church affiliates in Appleton, Greenville, and across Northern Illinois. They are already at work caring for their neighbors, and LCC is eager to work alongside them to bring comfort and compassion to these hurting communities."​

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Late Monday, President Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s South Wisconsin District and President Rev. Dr. Allan Buss of the Northern Illinois District invited LCC to bring Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers and Spiritual First Aid™-trained caregivers to their regions to assist in storm cleanup and care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities.

LCC has also been in communication with LCMS pastors in Appleton, WI, Greenville, WI, and Beecher, IL.
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LERT crews in Northern Illinois are responding to requests for assistance in Wheaton, IL, and Frankfort, IL, starting today, said LCC Disaster Response Director Deaconess Kathy O'Day. 

Meanwhile, LCC affiliate churches Faith Lutheran in Appleton, WI, home of K-9 Comfort Dog Hagar and a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in Greenville, WI, home of K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria, report that their communities were severely impacted and are providing help to neighborhoods, including opening up to those who need power. 

Rev. Singer is calling on LCC supporters to pray for those impacted by these powerful storms and for the first responders who are working to assist communities.

“Today, our neighbors who have been affected by these storms and a tornado are in great need. They’re scared and shaken. Let’s lift them up in prayer and respond with generous support, providing shelter, comfort, and hope in the name of Jesus,” Rev. Singer said. “We ask that the Holy Spirit would be near to them now amid the shock and devastation.”

LCC sends volunteer ministry teams as a reminder to hurting communities that people across the nation love and support them. LCC seeks to provide those impacted by natural disasters with opportunities to process their trauma and receive messages of love and hope, ultimately finding the solace that can only come from Jesus. 

Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.