Hurricane Helene Past Updates
Wednesday October 30
Today LCC LERT teams worked at four sites. One team finished removing the last two trees off of the barn and out of the pens at the goat farm everyone was at yesterday. Ms. B was so happy to have the volunteers return and again expressed her heartfelt thanks for all of the work done to make her home operational. Another two sites had leaning trees on very steep sloped properties. It was difficult and slow to carefully maneuver and operate equipment, but all was completed safely by the teams. We thank God for His protection and care of those affected by Helene and volunteers responding to needs.
Tuesday October29
Today our entire LCC LERT team went to a 40 acre working goat farm owned and operated by a single woman, Ms. B. She had many large oak and pine trees down on all of her outbuildings, barns, farrow field, pastures, pens and paddocks. She was overwhelmed when she called Mt. Pisgah for assistance. She couldn’t believe we would prioritize her request and come to her aid with all of our equipment and volunteers to help get her back operational. Kathy O’Day, LCC Dir. of Disaster Response took Southeastern District President, Rev. Bill Harmon, and Assistant to the District President, Martin Schultheis and Sally Hiller SED DDRC to this site after a meeting this afternoon. They watched the team work, thanked them for their willing service, visited and prayed with the homeowner. Ms. B. gave each of us several hugs and expressed her sincere thanks when we left. It was a very blessed day!
Monday October 28
Lutheran Church Charities LERT teams started the second week of deployment today. Last week, we were able to complete 30 sites, provide spiritual and emotional care, and meet some families' physical needs with quilts, space heaters, and gift cards provided by many of our Northern Illinois District congregations. We look forward to continuing to offer assistance to those in need and thank you for your support and prayers.
Saturday October 26
Today LCC LERT teams worked at three sites, each with many trees down. One of the sites had several downed oak trees to be cut and moved. They also had four leaning trees towards the house that were being carefully removed with the lift. Another site was two neighbors that have at least 16 trees down straddling their properties. One of the trees had a root ball as tall as the house with a 4 ft. diameter trunk that crashed through the deck. Both of these homeowners were thrilled with all of the assistance and the care shown to them. And we enjoyed the cookies and brownies they made for us! Tomorrow we will worship and enjoy a luncheon at our host church, Mt. Pisgah for Reformation Day. Sola fide, sola scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia!
Friday October 25
Today, we completed 12 sites between Hendersonville, N.C., to Asheville, N.C. One of these was an elderly congregation member that had a large tree on her shed and fence. She was very concerned that she would lose both, but the lift team was able to get if off with minimal damage.
Another team served a family that had lived through a nightmare during the hurricane winds and flash flooding. They did chainsaw work and rebuilt a water compromised deck. The family lives in two homes on what is normally a beautiful river, but it became a raging river that caused destruction, major flooding, and death. This family shared their stories of life, losses, grief, and small joys with the team as they worked and shared a meal. As the team listened, they shared of Christ’s love and hope with the family. All of the families served today were shown care. It is a blessing to serve!
Finally, we want to extend a HUGE THANKS to Fuel Relief Fund for supplying us with a 500 gallon tank of diesel fuel for our skid steers, lift, and vehicles while we are serving here in North Carolina. This is a wonderful gift from a great company that supports disaster responders!
Thursday October 24
Today the LCC LERT teams completed 10 sites. One of our homeowners were 99 and 96 year old sisters. What a blessing to serve these lovely ladies! The following note was sent to us from a woman we helped yesterday. This is what she said she posted on her Facebook page to let her friends know how God had blessed her. This is the reason all of us serve. We are more than “chainsaws” – we provide spiritual and emotional care to those we serve.
“When 12 volunteers in neon shirts walk up your driveway, along with a bobcat, an equipment trailer, a van, chainsaws, and smiles...it's gonna be an emotional day. These folks have traveled from Illinois, Minnesota, Arkansas, Ohio, and other states I can't remember to help WNC in the aftermath of Helene. They spent a full day clearing the property of the remaining fallen trees, and they did it with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. They even made me this plaque from one of the trunks, adding their signatures to make it even more special. AND I received a quilt as well, which I will wrap around me whenever I get overwhelmed.
The Lutheran church's disaster response team of Lutheran Church Charities ministry made a difference in my life yesterday. God is so good. Some days His blessings are small; some days they are huge. And every day I am grateful.”
Wednesday October 23
Today LCC LERT teams completed 7 sites. One of the sites were two homeowners on a very long steep driveway that had about 25 large oak and pine trees that were either downed or precariously leaning over the driveway. The two lift teams completed removing leaning trees over homes and properties. Another team helped clear many downed trees and fallen bamboo from around her yard. She told them how she had been trapped in her home for five days without power, water and phone service. She stated how scared she had been and relieved when the National Guard finally rescued her and took her to a shelter. She watched the team work, shared her story, and was given a quilt and cross. As the team left she blessed them for watching over her and others.
All of the homeowners were very pleased with all of the work done making their homes and properties safer and for showing them the love of Christ.
Tuesday October 22
Today 20 LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers worked at three large sites removing downed and damaged trees utilizing boom lifts and bobcats. Miss P. is a single woman who inherited the home her grandparents built, her parents and her siblings were raised in. It sits on a 4 acre wooded lot with several small outbuildings. The hurricane damaged about 25 trees, leaving her home with extensive roof damage and her property left ruined. She couldn’t believe that we would send a team to clear all of the fallen trees at no cost. As the team gave her a cross and quilt that brought her to tears she expressed her thanks to all. She sent a quick note of thanks this evening that read, “Your team is AMAZING! What a blessing today was to me. Thank you so much for everything!”
We also worked at Mr. W’s home. His family of eight cannot live in their home due to a large tree that is slowly leaning and threatening to fall through it. He also has a lot of other downed and broken trees on his property. He has multiple heath issues and cannot afford to do this work. As he told us, “I may not have much, but I do have family – and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.” He was very thankful for all that was done to help him be able to return home.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Moriah (St. Luke’s - Oviedo, Florida) and Jemimah (St. Paul - Boca Raton, Florida) visited two Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod schools in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday to bring comfort to students, teachers, and staff as they recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Students and teachers from Our Savior Lutheran School St. Petersburg welcomed LCC Comfort Dogs Moriah and Jemimah for a time of peaceful interaction. True to their calm nature, Moriah and Jemimah reclined on the floor and invited gentle pets and snuggles, followed by some photos with the children.
Our Savior reopened about a week ago after being closed for more than a week following Hurricane Milton’s landfall on October 9. The school is home to about 260 students in preschool through 8th grade.
LCC Comfort Dog Teams Moriah and Jemimah also visited Grace Lutheran School St. Petersburg on Tuesday, which marked its first day with students in more than 2 weeks. Grace, which has students in preschool through 8th grade, is operating with only seven of its 22 classrooms available for instruction.
Moriah and Jemimah stayed for a couple of afternoon class periods for second-graders and fourth-graders, followed by a visit to the after-school program. At both schools (and others in affected areas), LCC has provided K-9 coloring books.
Monday October 21
Today a small group of NID, SED and MO LERT volunteers worked together to remove trees from three homes, including the Mayor of Hendersonville. She was very pleased with the care and professionalism shown by the team in cutting the leaning tree safely from her backyard and removing the large root ball from her front yard. Kathy O’Day completed many assessments, but another 20 requests for assistance came in today to Mt Pisgah. There is a lot of damage everywhere you look. By tomorrow afternoon we will have 25 LCC LERT volunteers in NC to serve those in need. Continue to pray for all those affected and those coming to serve in these communities from around the country.
Sunday, October 20
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, along with LERT volunteers Steve Chester (St. John Wheaton) and Steve Black (St. John Dillsboro), arrived at Mt. Pisgah in Hendersonville, NC. After meeting with Pastor Jonathan Christensen, they began assessing sites in preparation for the arrival of additional teams, who will begin work later today and continue through November 9th.
They met an elderly congregation member with a tree dangerously leaning over her shed. She shared how terrifying it was to hear the storm’s destruction and how isolating the days following were due to downed trees, power lines, cell towers, and flooding. She expressed deep gratitude for her church and the volunteers coming from across the country to help her community recover.
They also met Mr. W., whose family of eight cannot live in their home because a large tree is slowly leaning and threatening to fall through it. His property is also scattered with downed and broken trees. With serious health issues and limited resources, he cannot handle the work himself. As he shared, “I may not have much, but I do have family – and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.”
Monday, October 14
“In a crisis, look for the helpers.” The LCC Care Team took these famous words to heart during a couple of stops at a Red Cross emergency shelter in Asheville, N.C., over two days, encouraging Red Cross staff weary from their work but grateful for support. The Red Cross care-givers and the residents they were serving equally recounted stories of what had happened the last two weeks in the mountainous part of the state. On a first visit, the LCC Care Team listened for needs and ways to bless those who had suffered loss. One man asked for a King James Bible. Another man named Kenny said he could use a backpack — and maybe something more comfortable to sleep on. The next day, Care Team member Tina Simmons of Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C., returned with a gently-used backpack from teammate Crystal Sherrill’s son, plus a ground mat and a sleeping bag. On her way to make the delivery, Tina prayed that she’d find the man who wanted the Bible amid the shelter crowded with people. An answered prayer — she found him and handed over that King James Version, a reminder that God’s Word is living and active and would be treasured in the weeks and months to come.
Helene’s wrath was harsh on the veterans who lived near a bridge near a tributary of the Swannanoa River. The storm and floodwaters wiped out multiple homes on the east side of Asheville not far from Interstate 40. Trees and debris were tossed everywhere. To get by, the former servicemen had taken refuge in a nearby Quality Inn — the same motel where the LCC Care Team was staying. Declining several offers for help, the veterans thanked the Care Team for being there. Others could use help. Care for them. Not long after, the team met a family in need and supplied them with food and items donated by Bethel Lutheran Claremont.
Sunday, October 13
Captain Michelle Quintero stayed in North Carolina, amid the warnings. She was committed to her role at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. On Sunday, September 29, she passed away after getting caught up in the flood water, while on her way to work. She is one of six first responders who died in the line of duty in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Emmanuel Lutheran, in nearby Asheville, N.C., signed a Heart of Mercy & Compassion with messages of love, hope, and comfort, then the LCC Care Team drove it up to the station house to deliver it. When the Care Team arrived, Captain Quintero’s daughter, Ashlynn, who also works at the Sheriff’s Office, was there to receive the Heart in her mother’s name. The Care Team also presented three prayer shawls for Ashlynn, her brother, and extended family. For officers serving the county, the Care Team brought Bibles to use and pass along to others. During their time together, Ashlynn asked for prayers for a friend’s neighbor named Chris, who was with Captain Quintero when she passed and was unable to save her. It was a sacred moment for comfort and peace.
Sometimes God’s servants need to be served. The LCC Care Team attended worship Sunday morning at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Asheville, N.C. and met with Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak and the congregation. After the service, the Care Team ate lunch with the pastor and church members, listening to their stories of heartache, struggle, and loss — their own and the community’s. The ministry of presence often brings comfort to those who have been through a lot, even a church that has endured a catastrophe and responded to numerous needs. The Care Team handed out prayer shawls, then Pastor Skopak had something to give the Team — a Heart of Mercy & Compassion signed by the congregation to give to local law enforcement, as well as Bibles for the officers.
Saturday, October 12
The staff of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Transformation Village had wanted a chaplain or minister to visit the homeless shelter last week, but none was available. So when the LCC Care Team reached out to schedule a visit, the shelter staff was eager to meet them. ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing for homeless women, mothers with children, and veterans. The LCC Care Team divided into two teams, meeting and praying with staff members and shelter residents. The Care Team used the BLESS CPR method of Spiritual First Aid™ to listen and assess individual needs, while encouraging the residents through practical presence. Some were eager to share about past and present circumstances. Both the staff and residents expressed thanks for the LCC Care Team’s visit. Serving on the LCC Care Team are Heidi Gilbert-Then, a parish nurse from Faith Lutheran Sussex, Wisconsin; Crystal Sherrill, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; Tina Simmons, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; and Tony Spencer, St. Stephens Hickory, N.C.
Friday, October 11
A Lutheran Church Charities Care Team certified in Spiritual First Aid™ will arrive in North Carolina on Friday, October 11 to distribute food and supplies and offer spiritual and psychological support to those affected by Hurricane Helene and the first responders who are helping them. The team will be led by Heidi Gilbert-Then, a parish nurse from Faith Lutheran Sussex, Wisc., and joined by members of Bethel Lutheran Claremont and N.C., St. Stephen’s Hickory, N.C.The team also will help serve hot meals on the four- to five-day deployment. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 UPDATE LCC Disaster Response LERT volunteers have been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Director of Disaster Response and the Southeastern Disaster Response Team, to provide chainsaw assistance in and around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C. These LCC Disaster Response teams also have been asked to provide mucking and
gutting work; distribute meals, water, and supplies; and provide spiritual and emotional care. Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response will deploy with LCC LERT volunteers from October 21 to November 9. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 UPDATE A pallet of food and supplies from LCC is on the way to Immanuel Lutheran in Asheville, N.C., and St. Peter’s Lutheran in Conover, N.C. Both congregations will hand out the provisions to families in need via car lines at their church properties. LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry will deliver HMCs to first responder agencies and the families of fallen first responders across North Carolina. As schools regain power and return to classes, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will arrive to visit children, teachers, and administrators.
Wednesday, October 9
LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer released a special message to Lutheran Church Charities supporters Wednesday night, calling for prayers for Florida as Hurricane Milton made landfall. Singer emphasized that care and aid to Florida would not take away from the ministry work that is underway in North Carolina, Georgia, and other parts of the South.
“LCC is committed to staying on-site after our initial deployment so we can provide long-term support and recovery to these communities,” he said.
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1018118954/e81d593405?share=copy
Tuesday, October 8
On a two-day deployment to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer met with four North Carolina pastors this week:
· Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak, Emmanuel Lutheran Asheville, N.C.;
· Rev. Peter Frank, St. Peter's Lutheran Conover, N.C.;
· Rev. Jonathan Christensen, Mount Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville, N.C.;
· Rev. Eric Hollar, Bethel Claremont, N.C.
The LCC team visited Asheville, N.C., Hendersonville, N.C., and Hickory, N.C. , as well as other sites, to coordinate opportunities for LCC Care Teams to serve with LCMS churches in the region. While the LCC team was on the ground Tuesday, they received an invitation to deploy from Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon, president of the Southeastern District, and from Sally Hiller, Southeastern District Disaster Response Coordinator.
Today LCC LERT teams worked at four sites. One team finished removing the last two trees off of the barn and out of the pens at the goat farm everyone was at yesterday. Ms. B was so happy to have the volunteers return and again expressed her heartfelt thanks for all of the work done to make her home operational. Another two sites had leaning trees on very steep sloped properties. It was difficult and slow to carefully maneuver and operate equipment, but all was completed safely by the teams. We thank God for His protection and care of those affected by Helene and volunteers responding to needs.
Tuesday October29
Today our entire LCC LERT team went to a 40 acre working goat farm owned and operated by a single woman, Ms. B. She had many large oak and pine trees down on all of her outbuildings, barns, farrow field, pastures, pens and paddocks. She was overwhelmed when she called Mt. Pisgah for assistance. She couldn’t believe we would prioritize her request and come to her aid with all of our equipment and volunteers to help get her back operational. Kathy O’Day, LCC Dir. of Disaster Response took Southeastern District President, Rev. Bill Harmon, and Assistant to the District President, Martin Schultheis and Sally Hiller SED DDRC to this site after a meeting this afternoon. They watched the team work, thanked them for their willing service, visited and prayed with the homeowner. Ms. B. gave each of us several hugs and expressed her sincere thanks when we left. It was a very blessed day!
Monday October 28
Lutheran Church Charities LERT teams started the second week of deployment today. Last week, we were able to complete 30 sites, provide spiritual and emotional care, and meet some families' physical needs with quilts, space heaters, and gift cards provided by many of our Northern Illinois District congregations. We look forward to continuing to offer assistance to those in need and thank you for your support and prayers.
Saturday October 26
Today LCC LERT teams worked at three sites, each with many trees down. One of the sites had several downed oak trees to be cut and moved. They also had four leaning trees towards the house that were being carefully removed with the lift. Another site was two neighbors that have at least 16 trees down straddling their properties. One of the trees had a root ball as tall as the house with a 4 ft. diameter trunk that crashed through the deck. Both of these homeowners were thrilled with all of the assistance and the care shown to them. And we enjoyed the cookies and brownies they made for us! Tomorrow we will worship and enjoy a luncheon at our host church, Mt. Pisgah for Reformation Day. Sola fide, sola scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia!
Friday October 25
Today, we completed 12 sites between Hendersonville, N.C., to Asheville, N.C. One of these was an elderly congregation member that had a large tree on her shed and fence. She was very concerned that she would lose both, but the lift team was able to get if off with minimal damage.
Another team served a family that had lived through a nightmare during the hurricane winds and flash flooding. They did chainsaw work and rebuilt a water compromised deck. The family lives in two homes on what is normally a beautiful river, but it became a raging river that caused destruction, major flooding, and death. This family shared their stories of life, losses, grief, and small joys with the team as they worked and shared a meal. As the team listened, they shared of Christ’s love and hope with the family. All of the families served today were shown care. It is a blessing to serve!
Finally, we want to extend a HUGE THANKS to Fuel Relief Fund for supplying us with a 500 gallon tank of diesel fuel for our skid steers, lift, and vehicles while we are serving here in North Carolina. This is a wonderful gift from a great company that supports disaster responders!
Thursday October 24
Today the LCC LERT teams completed 10 sites. One of our homeowners were 99 and 96 year old sisters. What a blessing to serve these lovely ladies! The following note was sent to us from a woman we helped yesterday. This is what she said she posted on her Facebook page to let her friends know how God had blessed her. This is the reason all of us serve. We are more than “chainsaws” – we provide spiritual and emotional care to those we serve.
“When 12 volunteers in neon shirts walk up your driveway, along with a bobcat, an equipment trailer, a van, chainsaws, and smiles...it's gonna be an emotional day. These folks have traveled from Illinois, Minnesota, Arkansas, Ohio, and other states I can't remember to help WNC in the aftermath of Helene. They spent a full day clearing the property of the remaining fallen trees, and they did it with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. They even made me this plaque from one of the trunks, adding their signatures to make it even more special. AND I received a quilt as well, which I will wrap around me whenever I get overwhelmed.
The Lutheran church's disaster response team of Lutheran Church Charities ministry made a difference in my life yesterday. God is so good. Some days His blessings are small; some days they are huge. And every day I am grateful.”
Wednesday October 23
Today LCC LERT teams completed 7 sites. One of the sites were two homeowners on a very long steep driveway that had about 25 large oak and pine trees that were either downed or precariously leaning over the driveway. The two lift teams completed removing leaning trees over homes and properties. Another team helped clear many downed trees and fallen bamboo from around her yard. She told them how she had been trapped in her home for five days without power, water and phone service. She stated how scared she had been and relieved when the National Guard finally rescued her and took her to a shelter. She watched the team work, shared her story, and was given a quilt and cross. As the team left she blessed them for watching over her and others.
All of the homeowners were very pleased with all of the work done making their homes and properties safer and for showing them the love of Christ.
Tuesday October 22
Today 20 LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers worked at three large sites removing downed and damaged trees utilizing boom lifts and bobcats. Miss P. is a single woman who inherited the home her grandparents built, her parents and her siblings were raised in. It sits on a 4 acre wooded lot with several small outbuildings. The hurricane damaged about 25 trees, leaving her home with extensive roof damage and her property left ruined. She couldn’t believe that we would send a team to clear all of the fallen trees at no cost. As the team gave her a cross and quilt that brought her to tears she expressed her thanks to all. She sent a quick note of thanks this evening that read, “Your team is AMAZING! What a blessing today was to me. Thank you so much for everything!”
We also worked at Mr. W’s home. His family of eight cannot live in their home due to a large tree that is slowly leaning and threatening to fall through it. He also has a lot of other downed and broken trees on his property. He has multiple heath issues and cannot afford to do this work. As he told us, “I may not have much, but I do have family – and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.” He was very thankful for all that was done to help him be able to return home.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Moriah (St. Luke’s - Oviedo, Florida) and Jemimah (St. Paul - Boca Raton, Florida) visited two Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod schools in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday to bring comfort to students, teachers, and staff as they recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Students and teachers from Our Savior Lutheran School St. Petersburg welcomed LCC Comfort Dogs Moriah and Jemimah for a time of peaceful interaction. True to their calm nature, Moriah and Jemimah reclined on the floor and invited gentle pets and snuggles, followed by some photos with the children.
Our Savior reopened about a week ago after being closed for more than a week following Hurricane Milton’s landfall on October 9. The school is home to about 260 students in preschool through 8th grade.
LCC Comfort Dog Teams Moriah and Jemimah also visited Grace Lutheran School St. Petersburg on Tuesday, which marked its first day with students in more than 2 weeks. Grace, which has students in preschool through 8th grade, is operating with only seven of its 22 classrooms available for instruction.
Moriah and Jemimah stayed for a couple of afternoon class periods for second-graders and fourth-graders, followed by a visit to the after-school program. At both schools (and others in affected areas), LCC has provided K-9 coloring books.
Monday October 21
Today a small group of NID, SED and MO LERT volunteers worked together to remove trees from three homes, including the Mayor of Hendersonville. She was very pleased with the care and professionalism shown by the team in cutting the leaning tree safely from her backyard and removing the large root ball from her front yard. Kathy O’Day completed many assessments, but another 20 requests for assistance came in today to Mt Pisgah. There is a lot of damage everywhere you look. By tomorrow afternoon we will have 25 LCC LERT volunteers in NC to serve those in need. Continue to pray for all those affected and those coming to serve in these communities from around the country.
Sunday, October 20
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, along with LERT volunteers Steve Chester (St. John Wheaton) and Steve Black (St. John Dillsboro), arrived at Mt. Pisgah in Hendersonville, NC. After meeting with Pastor Jonathan Christensen, they began assessing sites in preparation for the arrival of additional teams, who will begin work later today and continue through November 9th.
They met an elderly congregation member with a tree dangerously leaning over her shed. She shared how terrifying it was to hear the storm’s destruction and how isolating the days following were due to downed trees, power lines, cell towers, and flooding. She expressed deep gratitude for her church and the volunteers coming from across the country to help her community recover.
They also met Mr. W., whose family of eight cannot live in their home because a large tree is slowly leaning and threatening to fall through it. His property is also scattered with downed and broken trees. With serious health issues and limited resources, he cannot handle the work himself. As he shared, “I may not have much, but I do have family – and we just want to be able to come back home and be together again safely.”
Monday, October 14
“In a crisis, look for the helpers.” The LCC Care Team took these famous words to heart during a couple of stops at a Red Cross emergency shelter in Asheville, N.C., over two days, encouraging Red Cross staff weary from their work but grateful for support. The Red Cross care-givers and the residents they were serving equally recounted stories of what had happened the last two weeks in the mountainous part of the state. On a first visit, the LCC Care Team listened for needs and ways to bless those who had suffered loss. One man asked for a King James Bible. Another man named Kenny said he could use a backpack — and maybe something more comfortable to sleep on. The next day, Care Team member Tina Simmons of Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C., returned with a gently-used backpack from teammate Crystal Sherrill’s son, plus a ground mat and a sleeping bag. On her way to make the delivery, Tina prayed that she’d find the man who wanted the Bible amid the shelter crowded with people. An answered prayer — she found him and handed over that King James Version, a reminder that God’s Word is living and active and would be treasured in the weeks and months to come.
Helene’s wrath was harsh on the veterans who lived near a bridge near a tributary of the Swannanoa River. The storm and floodwaters wiped out multiple homes on the east side of Asheville not far from Interstate 40. Trees and debris were tossed everywhere. To get by, the former servicemen had taken refuge in a nearby Quality Inn — the same motel where the LCC Care Team was staying. Declining several offers for help, the veterans thanked the Care Team for being there. Others could use help. Care for them. Not long after, the team met a family in need and supplied them with food and items donated by Bethel Lutheran Claremont.
Sunday, October 13
Captain Michelle Quintero stayed in North Carolina, amid the warnings. She was committed to her role at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. On Sunday, September 29, she passed away after getting caught up in the flood water, while on her way to work. She is one of six first responders who died in the line of duty in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Emmanuel Lutheran, in nearby Asheville, N.C., signed a Heart of Mercy & Compassion with messages of love, hope, and comfort, then the LCC Care Team drove it up to the station house to deliver it. When the Care Team arrived, Captain Quintero’s daughter, Ashlynn, who also works at the Sheriff’s Office, was there to receive the Heart in her mother’s name. The Care Team also presented three prayer shawls for Ashlynn, her brother, and extended family. For officers serving the county, the Care Team brought Bibles to use and pass along to others. During their time together, Ashlynn asked for prayers for a friend’s neighbor named Chris, who was with Captain Quintero when she passed and was unable to save her. It was a sacred moment for comfort and peace.
Sometimes God’s servants need to be served. The LCC Care Team attended worship Sunday morning at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Asheville, N.C. and met with Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak and the congregation. After the service, the Care Team ate lunch with the pastor and church members, listening to their stories of heartache, struggle, and loss — their own and the community’s. The ministry of presence often brings comfort to those who have been through a lot, even a church that has endured a catastrophe and responded to numerous needs. The Care Team handed out prayer shawls, then Pastor Skopak had something to give the Team — a Heart of Mercy & Compassion signed by the congregation to give to local law enforcement, as well as Bibles for the officers.
Saturday, October 12
The staff of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Transformation Village had wanted a chaplain or minister to visit the homeless shelter last week, but none was available. So when the LCC Care Team reached out to schedule a visit, the shelter staff was eager to meet them. ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing for homeless women, mothers with children, and veterans. The LCC Care Team divided into two teams, meeting and praying with staff members and shelter residents. The Care Team used the BLESS CPR method of Spiritual First Aid™ to listen and assess individual needs, while encouraging the residents through practical presence. Some were eager to share about past and present circumstances. Both the staff and residents expressed thanks for the LCC Care Team’s visit. Serving on the LCC Care Team are Heidi Gilbert-Then, a parish nurse from Faith Lutheran Sussex, Wisconsin; Crystal Sherrill, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; Tina Simmons, Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C.; and Tony Spencer, St. Stephens Hickory, N.C.
Friday, October 11
A Lutheran Church Charities Care Team certified in Spiritual First Aid™ will arrive in North Carolina on Friday, October 11 to distribute food and supplies and offer spiritual and psychological support to those affected by Hurricane Helene and the first responders who are helping them. The team will be led by Heidi Gilbert-Then, a parish nurse from Faith Lutheran Sussex, Wisc., and joined by members of Bethel Lutheran Claremont and N.C., St. Stephen’s Hickory, N.C.The team also will help serve hot meals on the four- to five-day deployment. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 UPDATE LCC Disaster Response LERT volunteers have been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Director of Disaster Response and the Southeastern Disaster Response Team, to provide chainsaw assistance in and around Asheville, N.C., and Hendersonville, N.C. These LCC Disaster Response teams also have been asked to provide mucking and
gutting work; distribute meals, water, and supplies; and provide spiritual and emotional care. Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response will deploy with LCC LERT volunteers from October 21 to November 9. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 UPDATE A pallet of food and supplies from LCC is on the way to Immanuel Lutheran in Asheville, N.C., and St. Peter’s Lutheran in Conover, N.C. Both congregations will hand out the provisions to families in need via car lines at their church properties. LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry will deliver HMCs to first responder agencies and the families of fallen first responders across North Carolina. As schools regain power and return to classes, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will arrive to visit children, teachers, and administrators.
Wednesday, October 9
LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer released a special message to Lutheran Church Charities supporters Wednesday night, calling for prayers for Florida as Hurricane Milton made landfall. Singer emphasized that care and aid to Florida would not take away from the ministry work that is underway in North Carolina, Georgia, and other parts of the South.
“LCC is committed to staying on-site after our initial deployment so we can provide long-term support and recovery to these communities,” he said.
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1018118954/e81d593405?share=copy
Tuesday, October 8
On a two-day deployment to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer met with four North Carolina pastors this week:
· Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak, Emmanuel Lutheran Asheville, N.C.;
· Rev. Peter Frank, St. Peter's Lutheran Conover, N.C.;
· Rev. Jonathan Christensen, Mount Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville, N.C.;
· Rev. Eric Hollar, Bethel Claremont, N.C.
The LCC team visited Asheville, N.C., Hendersonville, N.C., and Hickory, N.C. , as well as other sites, to coordinate opportunities for LCC Care Teams to serve with LCMS churches in the region. While the LCC team was on the ground Tuesday, they received an invitation to deploy from Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon, president of the Southeastern District, and from Sally Hiller, Southeastern District Disaster Response Coordinator.