LCMS Disaster Response

Today our Oklahoma District LERT team got to proclaim Christ as the reason for all we do on the news as they help people recover from the tornado that hit earlier this week.

Volunteers help Beggs recover after EF-3 tornado damage Cleanup efforts continue in Beggs after an EF-3 tornado tore through the community, leaving damaged homes and debris scattered across neighborhoods.

Some great advice for the coming winter storm.

Just a few tips for generator use should you need one in the upcoming days. Never use double male ended extension cord to back feed into your home outlets. It can cause fires in your home and kill linemen. If you aren't powering devices directly with an extension cord, have a generator transfer switch or interlock kit installed. Also, should there be any overhead utility lines on the ground, always treat them as energized. Every utility line, including phone and internet, can carry fatal voltages. Stay away and call the utility company to make them safe.

Heavenly Father, we lift up the people of Jamaica to You in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, granting comfort to the weary, strength to the afflicted, and hope to the brokenhearted. Guide and sustain the responders and relief teams as they work tirelessly in Your name. May Your mercy flow through every act of service and every word of encouragement, reflecting the compassion of Christ who bore our sorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Live: Melissa Pummels Caribbean As Jamaica, Cuba Reel | Weather.com Here's everything we know as this powerful hurricane continues its assault on the Caribbean.

Gracious God, we bring before You the people of Jamaica as they face the ferocious power of Hurricane Melissa. Grant them shelter in the storms, strength in the winds, and refuge in Your steadfast love. Sustain the weary, protect the vulnerable, and grant wisdom and courage to those who serve in the midst of chaos. Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

Hurricane Melissa Nears Record Intense Jamaica Landfall As Category 5 | Weather.com Melissa will make history in Jamaica with landfall today, packing catastrophic flooding, landslides and destructive winds. It will then target eastern Cuba and the southeast Bahamas. Here's the very latest forecast. - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Almighty and merciful God, You are our refuge in every storm and our help in every trouble. Look with compassion upon those in the path of Hurricane Melissa. Protect their lives, comfort the afflicted, and grant wisdom and courage to all who bring relief and care in Your name. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hurricane Melissa Forecast: Catastrophic, Historic Jamaica Strike Begins | Weather.com Melissa will be one of the most intense, devastating hurricanes on record in Jamaica, with widespread flooding, landslides and destructive winds. Flooding rain is also a grave concern in Hispaniola and Cuba. Here's the latest forecast.

Heavenly Father, we pray for all in the path of Storm Imelda. Protect lives and homes, and give strength to first responders and volunteers. Calm fearful hearts and remind us that You are our refuge and strength. Preserve Your Church to bring Christ’s mercy and hope in this time of need. Through Jesus Christ, who calms the wind and waves, Amen.

Tropical Storm Imelda, Hurricane Humberto Maps Tracker | Weather.com Tropical Storm Imelda could bring impacts to the Southeast U.S. Here's the latest forecast maps and tracking information to stay up-to-date on the storm's path and potential impacts.

Heavenly Father, Creator of wind and wave, we lift before You the people of North and South Carolina as Hurricane Erin approaches. Spare them from harm, guard all who are in the path of the storm, and protect homes, churches, and livelihoods from destruction and flooding. Strengthen first responders, pastors, and volunteers who serve in Your name, that through their work many may be comforted. Above all, remind us of Christ our refuge, who calms every storm and promises never to leave nor forsake us.

When To Expect The Worst From Hurricane Erin - Videos from The Weather Channel Hurricane Erin continues to grow in size with hurricane-force-winds now extending 90 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 265 miles. Conditions will deteriorate across the Outer Banks today with the worst impacts being felt later today and tomorrow across Nort...

Merciful Lord, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We lift before You the students, faculty, staff, and community of Concordia University Nebraska as they recover from the recent tornado. Guard them from fear, provide for their needs, and strengthen them through Your Word and Sacraments. Bless all who serve in cleanup and restoration, that their work may be a witness to Your mercy. Through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A big welcome to our newest Chainsaw LERT group! Thank you for your willingness to serve others in the name of Christ.

Thank you to the Florida/Georgia LERT team for testing some of the newest battery-powered saws and pole saws and providing valuable feedback. Your input helps us evaluate the safety, durability, and usability of this equipment for our teams.

Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw - Tree Care Industry Magazine Battery-powered gear is evolving fast in the tree care industry, and Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel (trademarked FUEL) Telescoping Pole Saw has shown some clear innovations. From the very first cut, it’s obvious this saw was designed with working arborists in mind. It’s clean, compact, powerful and, mos...

Merciful Father, we pray for Your protection over the people of Hawai‘i as they face the threat of a tsunami. Calm the winds and waves, and guide first responders, leaders, and all who serve their neighbors in this time of danger. Grant peace to those who are afraid, and draw many to trust in Christ, our refuge and strength. According to Your gracious will, preserve life and bring comfort through Your Word and promises.

Magnitude 8.8 Earthquake Sets Off Tsunami Alerts Across The Pacific | Weather.com The massive quake shook eastern Russia and far western Alaska. Here's the latest.