L.E.R.T. Mercy in Action

LCC Disaster Response Helps Christ the King Chicago with Damaged Tree Removal

Last week, LCC L.E.R.T. team members Alan Holm, Marty Johnson, Bruce Preston, Pete Springmire, and Rich Wren removed a damaged tree and ground the stump and roots from Christ the King Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor John and Mrs. Geri Brazeal were extremely grateful for the assistance as this tree was in danger of falling onto the church, and its roots were causing sewer issues.

LCC received the following email after the work was completed:
 
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:1-9
 
This is one of my favorite Psalms. It reminds me of the awesomeness of our God and the people who serve him. To those who have suffered great tragedy removing a dying tree from someone's yard is not really important. To us, it was an act of mercy, allowing us to live a better life and conserve our retirement funds for important things, such as serving those in need.
 
Now that the tree has been laid to rest (as Morgan put this task), we can save the $400, which was used four times this year to have the plumbing rodded out to keep waste from backing up. Much of the problem was the roots in the pipes.
 
We also have a school child now who wants to come and help the disaster team cut down trees for people who have been in storms and floods. He wants to be the man who goes to the top of the tree and cuts it down. The pod of kids who were here Monday gave up their morning recess because they wanted to watch the tree removal to see if they would like to do this kind of job. They were very impressed, and we had trouble getting them back inside!
 
We cannot say thank you enough. You guys are always there to help us through a crisis, whether it be big or small. Do not forget you can also always count on us! Love you guys to the moon and back.
 
Pastor John and Geri Brazeal, and Christ the King

---