LCC DISASTER RESPONSE DEPLOYS TO FLORIDA TO HELP CHURCHES AND HOMEOWNERS CLEAN UP PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IAN
Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
GIVE BELOW
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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.
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida as it moved inland. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, worked with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.
Posted: November 5, 2022
THIRTY-NINE LCC L.E.R.T. VOLUNTEERS SERVED IN HARD-HIT FLORIDA COMMUNITIES FOR THREE WEEKS FOLLOWING HURRICANE IAN
Assessments Completed: 127
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 83
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 12
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 83
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 12
Helping Churches and Homeowners with Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
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It has been a rewarding deployment to serve residents affected by Hurricane Ian. Over three weeks, thirty-nine LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers completed work on ninety-five homes that needed chainsaw, lift and heavy equipment assistance, as well as mucking and/or help salvaging belongings.
It truly has been a privilege to serve together with willing servants of Christ in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, Englewood, North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West. |
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Our L.E.R.T. team has also been greatly blessed by Pastor David Dahlke, his family, and the congregation of Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice.
They were a perfect host church – so willing to serve us as we served in their affected communities with delicious meals, willing hands to cook, clean, and visit and work with homeowners. We may have come as strangers, but we are leaving as family, having gained many more brothers and sisters in Christ. Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers were present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they served. |
Helping Daughter of Northern Illinois District Pastor with Property Damage
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Pastor Paul Cutler from Grace Lutheran Church in Streamwood, Illinois, reached out to Kathy while she was deployed, asking for assistance for his daughter, whose property in Arcadia, Florida, sustained massive flooding and had many downed trees from the hurricane.
LCC L.E.R.T. teams helped clear downed trees and move debris to the road for pick-up. Throughout the day, she was out with the team sharing appreciation for all they did for her. Living on ten acres, she could not afford to do this on her own, especially after losing everything in her home due to it flooding with six feet of water. |
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Removing Damaged Trees for Redeemer Lutheran Church Daycare Assistant
The 83-year-old daycare assistant at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood takes care of her two special needs grandchildren. Her property had multiple downed trees and dangerous hanging limbs with a lot of tree debris in her yard. LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers were happy to help clear her property. Her grandson enjoyed watching the team at work.
Neighbor Getting Assistance for Elderly Woman
The neighbor of a 94-year-old woman contacted Kathy to see if LCC could help remove a large trunk and root ball from trees damaged on her neighbor's property. The homeowner referred to one tree as the Crown of Thorn tree with branches twisted like the crown of thorns on Jesus' head. She was amazed that our team was willing to tackle such a huge mess to help her neighbor in need. LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers were happy to assist a neighbor who was looking out for her elderly friend.
Helping School Children Affected by the Hurricane
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The Trinity-Lisle L.E.R.T. team sent sixty backpacks with items for impacted school-aged children. Jan Boerman and members from Lakeside Lutheran Church filled the backpacks with items such as coloring books, crayons, books, flashlights, toiletry items, stuffed animals, and more.
A majority of Redeemer Lutheran School families either had homes damaged or destroyed. The staff at Redeemer really appreciated that we did something special for the children who attend their school. |
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LCC Thanks Dedicated L.E.R.T. Volunteers
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, extend sincere thanks to the thirty-nine L.E.R.T. volunteers who willingly shared the mercy and compassion of Christ with those in need over the past three weeks.
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Immanuel, Bartlett – Brad Kuehn
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Immanuel, Dundee – Bill Conforti, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug Hoyt
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Vince Miller, Dave Smercina, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro, Jonathan Schaefer, Rich Wren
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
Trinity, Lisle – Ed and Jan Boerman, Tim Gillian, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Kent Worrell, Paulette Yetter
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
Florida
Northcliff, Spring Hill – Doug Krage
Indiana
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Wisconsin
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann
St. Paul, Janesville – Lark and Terry Sanders
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, extend sincere thanks to the thirty-nine L.E.R.T. volunteers who willingly shared the mercy and compassion of Christ with those in need over the past three weeks.
Illinois
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Immanuel, Bartlett – Brad Kuehn
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier
Immanuel, Dundee – Bill Conforti, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug Hoyt
Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Vince Miller, Dave Smercina, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro, Jonathan Schaefer, Rich Wren
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
Trinity, Lisle – Ed and Jan Boerman, Tim Gillian, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Kent Worrell, Paulette Yetter
Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif
Florida
Northcliff, Spring Hill – Doug Krage
Indiana
St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Wisconsin
Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann
St. Paul, Janesville – Lark and Terry Sanders
If any L.E.R.T certified individual is interested in volunteering on their own to do muck-outs or chainsaw work, LCMS Disaster Response is still operating a base camp at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Meyers, Florida. It is planning to remain open until the second week of December.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams were blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus during such a difficult time.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams were blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus during such a difficult time.
Posted: October 25, 2022
EIGHTEEN LCC LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM VOLUNTEERS IN VENICE, FLORIDA, FOR THIRD WEEK OF HELPING WITH RECOVERY EFFORTS AFTER HURRICANE IAN
Assessments Completed: 102
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 78
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 11
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 78
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 11
Helping Churches and Homeowners with Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
As of Sunday, October 23, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to continue the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, as well as North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West until the end of October.
These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes.
Since our arrival, LCC has completed 102 property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes.
These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes.
Since our arrival, LCC has completed 102 property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes.
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During their first two weeks in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed seventy-eight tree-damaged property sites and eleven property sites with muck out, debris removal, or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, ten church worker or congregational staff homes, and many congregational members and community residents.
Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve.
Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve.
Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage
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Last week, we shared that one of the homeowners, a very recent widow, told the team working at her home, “You are a group of angels sent by God.” She came to worship at Lakeside Lutheran Church last Sunday, and the first thing she said was, “There’s my angels!”
The L.E.R.T. volunteers and Pastor David Dahlke gave a very warm welcome to their new friend and spent a lot of time with her after the service. The Pastor and congregation members look forward to seeing her often. |
Removing a Giant Tree from Hard-Hit Property
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LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers helped a homeowner cut and remove a giant tree trunk. The team learned it was a Ramose tree they had not seen before.
They enjoyed getting to know the family and felt blessed by the time spent with the 94-year-old grandma. She was very thankful and hugged everyone for helping them. The L.E.R.T. volunteers feel blessed to serve over ten families in this hard-hit, low-income community who are trying to recover from heavily damaged property. |
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BEFORE
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AFTER
Helping Homeowner Recovering from Recent Open Heart Surgery
While working on another property, we met a female homeowner in her 40s who was recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. In fact, this was her fourth heart surgery. Her property had quite a yard of downed trees, and she didn’t know how she was going to get it taken care of as she has many medical expenses. She truly appreciated the caring support and was amazed that we would offer to help her at no cost in her time of need.
While working on another property, we met a female homeowner in her 40s who was recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. In fact, this was her fourth heart surgery. Her property had quite a yard of downed trees, and she didn’t know how she was going to get it taken care of as she has many medical expenses. She truly appreciated the caring support and was amazed that we would offer to help her at no cost in her time of need.
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Working Together to Serve Homeowners in Need
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Members from Lakeside Lutheran Church worked side-by-side with L.E.R.T. volunteers from Trinity-Lisle to help several families salvage belongings and make home repairs from damage after the hurricane. Many roofs came off, or flying debris caused holes where heavy rain came in.
They helped five families this past week move flood-damaged belongings out of homes, installed new windows, replaced a water heater, made minor repairs, or salvaged belongings. |
Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus – it has been a great week of serving!
Posted: October 18, 2022
TWENTY-FOUR LCC LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM VOLUNTEERS IN VENICE, FLORIDA, TO CONTINUE RECOVERY EFFORTS AFTER HURRICANE IAN
Week Two Helping Churches and Homeowners with
Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.
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As of Sunday, October 16, twenty-four LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to continue the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, as well as North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West until the end of October.
These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes. Additional L.E.R.T. volunteers continue to arrive throughout the deployment. |
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Watch the video below to hear homeowners and pastors share how LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers are bringing them hope following the devastation left by Hurricane Ian.
Pastor David Dahlke – Lakeside Lutheran Church
Pastor David Dahlke from LCC’s host church Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, shares, “One of the life lessons we learn early from the Bible is Love your neighbor … what do we do next. And God's hands send the people of L.E.R.T.” He continues, “Help them, serve them and care for them … God calls his church together – hand to hand, life to life, soul to soul – to touch people’s lives and bring them that peace that can only come from the hands of God.” Pastor Dahlke and his congregation are being the hands of Christ to the L.E.R.T. volunteers and to the community. They are so grateful that “God would send Samaritans to not only help them but to pray with them.”
Pastor David Dahlke from LCC’s host church Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, shares, “One of the life lessons we learn early from the Bible is Love your neighbor … what do we do next. And God's hands send the people of L.E.R.T.” He continues, “Help them, serve them and care for them … God calls his church together – hand to hand, life to life, soul to soul – to touch people’s lives and bring them that peace that can only come from the hands of God.” Pastor Dahlke and his congregation are being the hands of Christ to the L.E.R.T. volunteers and to the community. They are so grateful that “God would send Samaritans to not only help them but to pray with them.”
Since our arrival, LCC has completed eighty-two property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes. Additional assessments will continue throughout the three-week deployment.
During their first week in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed twenty-three tree-damaged property sites and seven property sites with debris removal or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, eight church worker or congregational staff homes, and many community residents. Several properties were multi-day sites, including tree removal from rooftops.
During their first week in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed twenty-three tree-damaged property sites and seven property sites with debris removal or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, eight church worker or congregational staff homes, and many community residents. Several properties were multi-day sites, including tree removal from rooftops.
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LCC Disaster Response is one of three recovery basecamps established by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Rev. Ross Johnson, Director LCMS Disaster Response, Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training, and Jay Wendland, FL-GA District Disaster Response Coordinator visited the LCC base camp this week. They were impressed and thankful for what we have completed, and for our servant hearts to those in need.
Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve. |
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Bringing Emotional and Spiritual Support to a Young Family Who Lost Everything
During the LCC Disaster Response deployment to aid those devastated by Hurricane Ian, staff and volunteers were blessed to meet Mrs. S and hear her family's story. The family are members at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, Florida. When LCC staff arrived at the family home to assess the property, it became clear that the need for emotional and spiritual support was as great as the need for help with physical damage.
"I'm tired of having to be strong," Mrs. S confessed with tears in her eyes. She and her husband had saved for years to purchase their first home. One year ago, they finally bought a home, which was a dream come true. Now that home is unlivable. During the hurricane, the ceiling collapsed. Water got into the home, which created harmful mold and damaged nearly all of their possessions. Mrs. S described the emotional process of throwing away precious items from her childhood that she had passed down to her own children. Beyond the physical losses, Mrs. S is concerned for her beloved children.
During the LCC Disaster Response deployment to aid those devastated by Hurricane Ian, staff and volunteers were blessed to meet Mrs. S and hear her family's story. The family are members at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, Florida. When LCC staff arrived at the family home to assess the property, it became clear that the need for emotional and spiritual support was as great as the need for help with physical damage.
"I'm tired of having to be strong," Mrs. S confessed with tears in her eyes. She and her husband had saved for years to purchase their first home. One year ago, they finally bought a home, which was a dream come true. Now that home is unlivable. During the hurricane, the ceiling collapsed. Water got into the home, which created harmful mold and damaged nearly all of their possessions. Mrs. S described the emotional process of throwing away precious items from her childhood that she had passed down to her own children. Beyond the physical losses, Mrs. S is concerned for her beloved children.
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Mrs. S told us about her family, who is staying with her mother as they search for housing. They have four children, ages 3, 6, 9, and 12. Two of the children have special needs challenges. The stress of losing their home and getting out of regular routines has been incredibly hard for the children. After years of therapy and progression for her children with special needs, she fears that they are back to square one. Please keep this family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult and heartbreaking chapter in their lives.
“We Need Help” Shares a Husband and Wife Who Sheltered in Place
Robert and his wife sheltered in place for nine hours while the eye of the storm passed over their house. Protecting his wife with a mattress and his own body in a closet, they relied on their strong faith as they read Psalms and prayed for their safety. The Lord heard their prayers!
Robert and his wife sheltered in place for nine hours while the eye of the storm passed over their house. Protecting his wife with a mattress and his own body in a closet, they relied on their strong faith as they read Psalms and prayed for their safety. The Lord heard their prayers!
Betty Felt Peace Amongst the Raging Storm
Betty prepared a safe place in her closet but took refuge in the Lord. The wind was so loud that she didn’t even hear a large tree fall down on the power lines right next to her house. She laid on her bed and sang a beloved hymn, giving her peace that the Lord would protect her.
She thanks all of the L.E.R.T. volunteers, saying that it is so wonderful to know that people who don’t even know you care about you. "It’s so much easier knowing God is leading you, guiding you, and sending you people like yourselves to help."
She thanks all of the L.E.R.T. volunteers, saying that it is so wonderful to know that people who don’t even know you care about you. "It’s so much easier knowing God is leading you, guiding you, and sending you people like yourselves to help."
Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage
One of the homeowners, a very recent widow, told the team working at her home, “You are a group of angels sent by God.”
It is a blessing to listen to everyone’s stories, offer prayers, and serve them in the name of the Lord.
Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others in their time of need.
It is a blessing to listen to everyone’s stories, offer prayers, and serve them in the name of the Lord.
Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others in their time of need.
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Posted: October 11, 2022
EIGHTEEN LCC LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM VOLUNTEERS ARRIVED IN VENICE, FLORIDA, TO HELP CHURCHES AND HOMEOWNERS CELAN UP PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. The death toll reported is now more than 100 as search and rescue teams continue to go door to door throughout impacted communities.
As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.
As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.
On Sunday, October 9, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers arrived in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to begin the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood until the end of October. Additional L.E.R.T. volunteers will arrive throughout the deployment.
As of Monday, five churches, four pastors, and thirty-one congregation members from five different churches need immediate property assistance. Assessments began upon arrival, and some of the homeowner damage is so bad that homes are uninhabitable. Additional assessments will continue throughout the three-week deployment.
On Sunday, October 9, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers arrived in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to begin the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood until the end of October. Additional L.E.R.T. volunteers will arrive throughout the deployment.
As of Monday, five churches, four pastors, and thirty-one congregation members from five different churches need immediate property assistance. Assessments began upon arrival, and some of the homeowner damage is so bad that homes are uninhabitable. Additional assessments will continue throughout the three-week deployment.
Lakeside Lutheran Joyfully Serves Community through L.E.R.T.
On Monday, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers completed all of the property clean-up at the host church, Lakeside Lutheran, in Venice, Florida. Pastor David Dahlke and congregation members are very welcoming and supportive of our team members. They are amazed at all of the work done to clean up their property so quickly. Lakeside’s mission is “to joyfully serve,” and they have been joyfully serving our L.E.R.T. volunteers so that we can represent them as we serve in their communities.
On Monday, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers completed all of the property clean-up at the host church, Lakeside Lutheran, in Venice, Florida. Pastor David Dahlke and congregation members are very welcoming and supportive of our team members. They are amazed at all of the work done to clean up their property so quickly. Lakeside’s mission is “to joyfully serve,” and they have been joyfully serving our L.E.R.T. volunteers so that we can represent them as we serve in their communities.
Restoring Hope at Redeemer Lutheran Church
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, Florida, is in a pastoral vacancy. They have survived Hurricane Ian but have sustained major damage to the church, daycare, and school. Approximately 100 trees are down throughout their property.
Members are feeling hopeless but have strong faith that God will provide for all of their needs. Early Tuesday morning, the LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers came ready to help and began the clean-up effort. They will be working at least four days on this property alone.
Members are feeling hopeless but have strong faith that God will provide for all of their needs. Early Tuesday morning, the LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers came ready to help and began the clean-up effort. They will be working at least four days on this property alone.
I want everyone to come here and see what you are doing. I feel like we’ve been losing hope, but you’re restoring our hope. Congregational Leadership, Redeemer Lutheran Church
Seeing God’s hands in action through our dedicated L.E.R.T. volunteers, Redeemer plans to reopen the daycare and school on October 17 once the grounds are safe.
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LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will provide chainsaw, heavy equipment, boom lift assistance, and some mucking and gutting of a flooded church sanctuary. Our teams will also provide spiritual and emotional care as many people took shelter in their homes and endured horrific conditions while the hurricane passed through their cities. Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ.
Please pray for the residents in the impacted communities and all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff during our deployment to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Posted: October 4, 2022
LCC DISASTER RESPONSE DEPLOYING TO FLORIDA THIS WEEKEND TO HELP ASSESS HOMEOWNER PROPERTY DAMAGE AND ASSIST WITH RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland. The death toll reported is now more than 100 as search and rescue teams continue to go door to door throughout impacted communities.
As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida last week, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.
As the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida last week, it raged across the state with catastrophic 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Estimated to be about 140 miles wide, it downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing vast destruction and major flooding.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, have been collaborating with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinators Joel Mathews and Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.
Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O'Day, Ed Boerman, and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to be in Florida this week to be part of the assessment team.
Approximately twenty-six LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin serving out of Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, which is located 30 minutes from Englewood and Port Charlotte. Pastor David Dahlke has graciously welcomed our team to stay at Lakeside Lutheran. Brenda Gustafson, Church Administrator shared, “We are an older congregation and cannot get out into the community, so we are thrilled to serve you so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.”
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin arriving in Florida on Sunday, October 9, and will be serving in our designated communities until the end of October.
Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O'Day, Ed Boerman, and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to be in Florida this week to be part of the assessment team.
Approximately twenty-six LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin serving out of Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, which is located 30 minutes from Englewood and Port Charlotte. Pastor David Dahlke has graciously welcomed our team to stay at Lakeside Lutheran. Brenda Gustafson, Church Administrator shared, “We are an older congregation and cannot get out into the community, so we are thrilled to serve you so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.”
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will begin arriving in Florida on Sunday, October 9, and will be serving in our designated communities until the end of October.
LCMS Disaster Response has asked us to begin our work with two heavily damaged churches, Trinity Lutheran of Southwest in Port Charlotte and Redeemer Lutheran Church & School in Englewood, and remove downed trees at our host church Lakeside Lutheran. All three congregations also have several staff and congregation members who have property damage. In addition, we will serve affected residents as requested in these communities.
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will provide chainsaw, heavy equipment, and boom lift assistance, and some mucking and gutting of a flooded church sanctuary. Our teams will also provide spiritual and emotional care as many people took shelter in their homes and endured horrific conditions while the hurricane passed through their cities. Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ.
Please pray for the residents in the impacted communities and all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will provide chainsaw, heavy equipment, and boom lift assistance, and some mucking and gutting of a flooded church sanctuary. Our teams will also provide spiritual and emotional care as many people took shelter in their homes and endured horrific conditions while the hurricane passed through their cities. Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ.
Please pray for the residents in the impacted communities and all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Posted: September 29, 2022
LCC DISASTER RESPONSE READY TO DEPLOY TO FLORIDA TO HELP ASSESS PROPERTY WITH CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IAN
Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida with high winds, rain, and storm surges as it moved inland.
More than 2.5 million homes and businesses were left without power as the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon, bringing “catastrophic” 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Hours later, the storm – estimated to be about 140 miles wide – was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing major flooding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it brought “historic” damage to the state. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this,” DeSantis said.
More than 2.5 million homes and businesses were left without power as the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon, bringing “catastrophic” 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Hours later, the storm – estimated to be about 140 miles wide – was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing major flooding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it brought “historic” damage to the state. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this,” DeSantis said.
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Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response has been carefully monitoring the path of Hurricane Ian since it began. Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, have been collaborating with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinators Joel Mathews and Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.
Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O’Day and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to travel to Florida next week to be part of the assessment team.
Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O’Day and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to travel to Florida next week to be part of the assessment team.
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Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. teams are on standby and ready to respond as needed. When it is safe to enter the disaster-affected areas and the LCMS Florida-Georgia District has the designated church ready to accept volunteers, LCC L.E.R.T. teams will deploy.
LCC Disaster Response will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Ian, which is expected to become a hurricane once again, as it will likely make a second landfall on the Atlantic Coast Friday. Heavy impacts to northeastern Florida and Georgia, as well as the entire South Carolina coast, is projected. |
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.
Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ian, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
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Lynda Streich
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.