LCC Disaster Response

Last month, Pastor Torkelson's property in South Wisconsin suffered extensive tree damage from strong straight line winds. Over 20 mature trees were damaged or destroyed in the storm. He requested assistance from the SWD and this week 14 LERT volunteers from the NID and SWD spent two days clearing his property with sawyers, draggers and heavy equipment. His property is now cleared and safe once again. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all of the volunteers for all that was done. A cross was cut into one of his stumps as a reminder that Christ is always with us in every situation of life. As Mark Brueggemann stated, “It is our privilege, as LERT volunteers, to help those in need and especially those of the household of faith!"

LERT crews put faith into action today in Spartanburg, SC, in a HUGE way serving families and community members who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. From unloading to setting up to serving as ambassadors and helping hands, our volunteers shined the light of Christ with smiles and caring hearts. We're so thankful for all the ways you made this community outreach possible. Thanks be to God!!

Greetings from Spartanburg, South Carolina! This weekend, LCC Disaster Response and LERT volunteers are on a Short-Term Mission Trip to help people in this community who are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene 21 months after the storm hit. More than 50 volunteers will serve together, including our friends from Lutheran Servants for Christ and Southeastern District, LCMS. We expect as many as 500 people from Spartanburg seeking assistance tomorrow. Pray for the Lord to be glorified.

Spartanburg, SC Deployment Day 1 Greetings from Spartanburg, South Carolina! This weekend, LCC is on a Short-Term Mission Trip to help people in this community who are still feeling the effe...

This Memorial Day, we remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

As we honor their courage, we also hold close the families, friends, and communities who carry their memory every day. We pray that God’s comfort surrounds all who grieve. ❤️💙🇺🇸

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

LCC Disaster Response recognizes 21 new sawyers that completed LCMS basic and intermediate chainsaw training on May 1st – 2nd at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, IL. These new sawyers joined another 23 chainsaw team volunteers from the NID in clearing trees around this Christian camp from storm damage and to make trails passable. Thank you to our knowledgeable instructors, team leaders and volunteers willing to learn how to use their skills to help those in need. One of the new sawyers sent a text that read, “I sure appreciate the fabulous training and belonging to a great team! It is a blessing!”

Today LERT volunteers worked at 3 homes. Mr. L. has a large farm property with a long driveway. As the tornado siren sounded for the third time on April 17, he saw the tornado heading straight toward him. Many trees and limbs along his driveway uprooted and fell, blocking his access. Neighbors cut a path for him to get through, but he wondered how he would get the rest of the downed trees cut that were along the driveway and all over his property. The team worked all day cutting and dragging the wood and brush to burn piles as well as cutting firewood length for future burning. Mr. L. was overwhelmed with everything that got done to clear his land and for being there for the day with him. At another home they also carefully and successfully removed an uprooted split leaning tree that was over a neighbor’s fence and a utility box. The homeowner was so relieved to have this done without causing any further damage.

At Miss P.’s home, the lift team removed hangers from several trees in her yard. Another team had worked at her home over the weekend removing fallen trees and limbs. She is so grateful that we returned to make her yard safe, as she knew she could never afford what was done. She expressed her sincere thanks for helping and caring for her. It is a blessing to serve!

Today work continued in Roscoe with two small groups of volunteers serving at 3 sites. Mrs. K. had 6 trees blown down needing removal. She was a self-professed tree hugger, and was very emotional about the fruit trees she had lost and would not be able to start over. When we asked if her husband could get new and replant, she broke down saying her husband had been laid off work for two months and they were struggling. She shared they were now fighting with the insurance company to repair the fence and the small damage to their home. The team made quick work of the trees and Karen was grateful it was over so she did not have to see the trees broken and falling down. When we did the group picture and prayer after the job was complete, we presented her with an apple and a plum tree to start over. She broke down and said that type of plum was the very same she had before that she made the old family recipe of plum dumplings from. She was overwhelmed and excited to get them planted to start over. She said she would remember what we did every year when the trees bloomed. Sometimes listening to their story and doing something extra makes all the difference to someone who needs hope restored. Every family expressed their thanks for the care and assistance given to them.

Today was the last day for LCC LERT to serve in Lena. It has been such a pleasure to serve in this town. St John Lutheran Church members and community residents have been so welcoming and appreciative of our work. I went to the Casey’s gas station today to get pizza for our small group for lunch. The lady asked if I was with another group in town and I told her no, I was with the LERT team from St John’s. She said, “Oh, you’re the lift team! Thank you so much for what you are doing here!” We definitely tackled a very complex lift job today using many rigging techniques. All of the very dangerous limbs were removed safely. The homeowner was so pleased and relieved that he didn’t have to worry about his home or garage being badly damaged.

LCC LERT volunteers began their work in Roscoe serving out or St. Andrew’s in Rockton, IL. This damage is also from a tornado that struck last Friday, April 17th. They worked at 3 sites today with each of the homeowners greatly appreciating the work done to make their property safe again. It truly is a blessing to serve in both communities!

Today, one of the LERT teams needed to fell 14 topped and damaged trees from the backyard of a homeowner. He backed up to the school that had been hit from the tornado. He hated to lose all his trees, but was grateful his home was not destroyed and everyone was safe. The lift crew had two sites to work at. Each required rigging and careful planning to remove the damaged limbs safely. The families were all very thankful for the professional and caring assistance. Tomorrow LCC LERT teams will complete one more day in Lena and also begin serving in Roscoe.

Today a large LERT crew worked at Pastor’s home clearing all of the fallen trees along and in the creek running along his property. He was very pleased with everything done and expressed his gratitude to all. It has been a joy to serve this community representing St John’s. The lift team removed a very dangerous suspended limb, a large dangling trunk and a split tree that was hollow in the center from the yard of Mr. and Mrs. F. home. All of these could have seriously hurt someone or their home had they fallen. At another home, they removed a very large topped pine tree from their kids play area. Both families were so grateful for the assistance and care shown to them. One of the homeowners gave us a little poem about being a village. She told us that we are now a part of her village that she is very thankful for!