LERT VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE RELIEF IN TORNADO-STRICKEN COMMUNITIES

Answering the Call to Serve in Missouri

Last week, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers stepped up to serve in two states impacted by destructive EF-2 tornadoes. Their efforts provided much-needed relief and hope to communities facing overwhelming devastation.

One dedicated volunteer, Bill Pietsch from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia, IL, traveled to Missouri to assist in the cleanup. Serving out of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rolla, MO, Bill worked alongside Missouri District teams to clear damaged trees.

His decision to deploy there was personal—his extended family farms and resides in the area. Equipped with his MT-100 Bobcat, he helped move heavy logs, limbs, and debris, significantly impacting a place close to his heart. Bill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, feeling blessed to support residents in a community he knows well.

Bringing Aid to Arkansas Communities

Meanwhile, St. John Lutheran Church LERT chainsaw volunteers Dave Mummah and Rich Wren deployed to Batesville, Arkansas, to assist the Mid-South District. Operating out of Hope Lutheran Church, they utilized a ditch witch to aid in clearing tree and structural damage in Batesville, Cushman, and Melbourne.

One heavily affected property saw hundreds of trees either uprooted or snapped in half across several wooded acres.

With a team of 10 volunteers —including three equipment operators, four sawyers, and three pullers — the team focused on clearing the immediate backyard between the house and the cement slab where a woodshop once stood.

This hard-working team successfully cut and stacked approximately 50 trees in just five hours!

Gratitude and Faith  Amidst the Storm

The homeowner, deeply moved by the volunteers’ efforts, shared how the Lord had watched over his family during the storm. With heartfelt gratitude, he thanked the team for their hard work and compassion.

Through their service, these LERT volunteers embodied Christ’s love in action, bringing physical relief and spiritual encouragement to those in need. We continue to pray for all affected by these storms and for the dedicated volunteers who answered the call to serve.

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Rebuilding at two North Carolina sites

Elsewhere in the U.S., a team of 20 LCC LERT volunteers, mostly from Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL, is deployed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Tryon, N.C. They are helping to rebuild the church after massive flooding from Hurricane Helene.

The Trinity congregation hopes to return to their building in time for Easter Sunday. On the first day of work, the team helped clear the crawl space, remove floor tiles, build shelves, and paint bathrooms. A few of the team members (pictured at right) dug a trench to help lay pipes to divert water. They will be working hard to help Trinity reach it goal of worshipping on Resurrection Day!

In another part of the Tarheel State, a team from Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL, (pictured below) is serving at Camp Linn Haven, N.C. They are also helping with rebuilding after Hurricane Helene destruction, doing drywalling, siding, staining, and cleanup. They are making progress to restore the camp for future guests.

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How You Can Help
LERT volunteers make a difference in times of disaster, but there is always a need for more hands and hearts willing to serve. If you feel called to support this mission, consider registering for the upcoming LERT training, donating to the LCC Disaster Response Fund, or keeping affected communities in your prayers.

DONATE - LCC DISASTER RELIEF FUND