“This is why we serve”

Donor support fuels fifth week of disaster response aid in Illinois, Indiana

The homeowner in Beecher, IL, was homebound. At 93 and disabled, she was unable go outside — but with her sister’s help, inching to her home’s front window, she could see the work Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response had done. 

Trees trimmed. Yard cleared. And a cross cut into a slice of tree stump. 

“We were told that it brought her to tears and that she expressed her thanks to all the volunteers working all day at her home,” said Deac. Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response. “This is why we serve!”

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) crews are nearing the end of the fifth week of disaster response in the LCMS Northern Illinois District as the region is trying to recover from tornadoes and a derecho that pummeled the area in July and August. LCC staff and volunteers have assessed 63 sites in multiple communities and completed 42. 

Elsewhere in Beecher, IL, LERT chainsaw volunteers used a lift to make two Peace Lutheran congregation members’ yards safe. 

Both properties had multiple large hanging branches that would cause damage if they fell. Volunteers worked quickly to trim back the limbs. Both homeowners expressed their gratitude for responding to their request for assistance and the work completed without incident. 

“One of the homeowners told us that she was surprised that their church could do this type of work and had all the right equipment,” O’Day said. “Lutheran Church Charities thanks all our donors for their support that allows us to have and maintain the right equipment to serve those in need.” 

Across the state line in Munster, IN, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School reopened for the start of school after LERT volunteers worked three days to clear the campus grounds of several very large trees that toppled over on the roof and blocked entrances. 

The derecho on August 11 packed winds stronger than 100 miles per hour and uprooted or damaged about 30 trees. Northern Illinois and Indiana District volunteers worked together so students could return safely to school. 

St. Paul’s was overflowing with thanks and praise. On its Facebook page, the church and school shared: “Divine intervention arrived this week in the form of the LCC Disaster Response Team! For three straight days, specially trained Lutheran Early Response Team volunteers worked tirelessly to remove fallen trees, clear debris, and restore our campus after last week’s devastating storm. Equipped with chainsaws, a tractor, and mini Bobcats, they helped make our grounds beautiful and safe just in time for the start of school. To watch these disaster responders help our church and school after the storm was such a wonderful example of living out God’s Word. Seeing people come together to help others reminds us of all the blessings God provides through caring neighbors and faithful volunteers. Thank you for providing in our time of need. We give thanks to your ministry and pray for you as you continue to serve these impacted communities!”  

Indiana District President Rev. Dr. D. Richard Stuckwisch also expressed his gratitude, saying, “God bless Kathy and her NID team for their wonderful assistance in the Northwest Region of our Indiana District. The Lord be with you, one and all, and preserve you in body and soul, in safety, peace, and good health!”  

LCC expects to work into a sixth week of recovery in Illinois, focusing on sites in and around Beecher, Crete, and Steger. Two or three sites are large, multi-day jobs, O’Day said, and will require more volunteer help. 

LCC is working with Camp Manitoqua and Good Shepherd Lutheran in Frankfort, IL, to house and feed out-of-state volunteers willing to serve. ​

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