Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Volunteers Are on the Ground in Nebraska Providing Assistance and Spiritual Support to Those Affected by the Recent Tornadoes

When disasters strike, lives, homes, businesses, churches...everything and everyone can be affected. 

LCC LERT volunteers are trained to respond quickly to serve people affected by a disaster.

Thanks to You, We ARE THERE!

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On April 26, nineteen EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes tore through Nebraska, leaving a trail of destruction in many communities. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response had been asked by Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, to provide chainsaw and debris removal assistance with heavy equipment in communities around Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska with Mick Onnen, Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator.

Deaconess Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, along with twenty Northern Illinois District Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers, arrived in Nebraska on April 29th to begin assessing the extent of damage and providing volunteer chainsaw assistance. They were joined by another thirty-two LERT volunteers from several other districts. As of this writing, 24 sites have been completed, many of these being multi-day jobs.

Mrs T., an elderly and disabled woman, was in her home watching TV when she heard the warning to take cover and the wind. By the time she could get out of her chair and get to the hall for safety, the tornado was upon her. Her door blew open, and windows broke, sending shattered glass into her home.

She could hear trees cracking, and she just prayed for the Lord to take her quickly or keep her safe. It was done in 20 seconds, and she had several trees down and dangerously hanging near her house, as well as glass and broken items in her home. She had no idea how she would take care of all of the damaged trees and feel safe in her home again.

Lutheran Church Charities LERT chainsaw volunteers worked at her home for three days, felling damaged trees, using the aerial lift to remove leaning trees over her house, and moving cut wood to the street for pickup. Other faith-based volunteers helped clean up glass and debris in her home.

When her site was completed, the LERT team presented her with a quilt and a signed tree slice with a cross. She insisted on praying a blessing over each team member to show her appreciation.

LERT volunteers spent two days helping clear many downed trees from a several acreage property of a husband and wife who are Omaha police officers. The tornado leveled their two-story home and garage, as well as rolled their trailer and pickup truck.

They were overwhelmed with and greatly appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community, volunteers, and fellow officers.

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he destruction and trauma experienced by many residents are widespread, but the spirit of community and faith is providing much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process. It is a blessing to listen to their stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we serve those in need.

Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.

DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE

DONATE - EQUIPMENT & FUEL EXPENSE FUND