Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Serving Families Hit Hardest by Tornado in Elgin, Illinois

On Wednesday, July 12, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District was struck by fourteen tornadoes within a three-hour time period. Two days later, on Friday, July 14, another two tornadoes occurred.
 
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response immediately reached out to all of the churches in the affected areas to see if they, or any of their congregation members, were affected. Fortunately, most were EF-O tornadoes causing minimal and localized damage that was able to be cleaned up by owners, neighbors, and public works.

The only EF-2 tornado was in South Elgin, which heavily damaged a neighborhood with King of Glory Lutheran Church members.
 
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and thirty-five Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers spent July 13 through July 16 assisting ten homeowners with removal of approximately 125 downed trees, a lot of limbs, and widow makers.

Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. teams were able to serve in both Nashville and Elgin, Illinois, simultaneously.

One homeowner lost sixty trees surrounding his entire property, as well as his garage, shed, and some of his home’s roof. Upon arrival, his home and property were not visible because of the amount of tree damage. After two days, his property was cleared of all downed and damaged trees.
 
He was so appreciative of all of the assistance as he knew he could not do this on his own or afford what a tree company would have charged. This tornado has definitely changed his landscape and view, but he thanks God for keeping his family safe and providing brothers and sisters in Christ to help him in his time of need.

Several sites required the lift to remove multiple dangerous hanging limbs and the big bobcat to move very large damaged tree trunks after they were cut. L.E.R.T. volunteers worked very hard on these last big projects and all of the homeowners expressed their appreciation to each volunteer for returning each day and treating their property as if it was their own.

Mrs. B said, “This tornado was devastating to us. It could have been worse I know. But watching neighbors help each other and seeing your team come each day and ask all of us what you can do for us has just been amazing. You have made this disaster so much more manageable for us. Thanks just doesn’t seem enough!”

One of the women in the neighborhood told us she prayed all day after the tornado happened for God to send angels to clean up the yards and He did. He sent neighbors helping neighbors, the township, and your L.E.R.T. team. She thanks God for answered prayers.
 
LCC Disaster Response is still receiving requests for assistance. It is a privilege for LCC and our L.E.R.T. volunteers to serve in the name of the Lord!

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating storms, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.