LCC Disaster Response

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36 NIV

Jesus saw the people around Him. He saw their needs, their pain, and their stories, and His response was compassion.

We are called to do the same.

To SEE the people God places in our path. To notice the needs around us. And then to SERVE with the mercy, compassion, presence and love of Jesus Christ.

That is the heart behind Lutheran Church Charities’ 2026 Annual Campaign: SEE & SERVE.

When you give, pray, volunteer or share the work of LCC, you help make it possible to meet people in difficult moments with care, comfort and the presence of Christ.

See the need. Serve with compassion. Be part of what God is doing.

Learn more and join us in SEE & SERVE: lutheranchurchcharities.org/annualcampaign26

Today ten LERT chainsaw volunteers served at a home with a lot of storm tree damage. This elderly woman and her daughter have a large property with multiple uprooted and downed trees. Although family had tackled some of the work, they could not do anymore due to the size of the trees and several dangerous hanging limbs in several trees. They treated the team to lunch and enjoyed the meal with us. They were very pleased and appreciative of the assistance and care shown to them.

Today two lift teams used both lifts to simultaneously remove tangled trees above multiple tombstones at an old public cemetery. The section of the cemetery where the tree damage was is where 120 civil war veterans are buried. They saw headstones dated from the 1600’s to 1800’s. It was an honor to work here today. The caretaker expressed his deep appreciation for our willingness to serve and professionalism.

LCC Disaster Response leaders and trainers joined other DDRC’s and trainers from all over the country in St. Louis this past week for the annual LCMS DR Conference. There was a lot of learning from each other and networking. It is a blessing to serve with all of these dedicated brothers and sisters in Christ.

Today LCC LERT teams finished seven weeks of serving those affected by tornadoes and a derecho that occurred on July 27 and August 11. Eighty-five LERT volunteers have willingly gave 2,199 hours of their time, talents and resources to help those in need and share the hope, compassion and presence of Christ during these weeks with those we served. We have completed 70 sites, consisting of churches, church cemeteries, congregation and community members homes. We know there may be more requests, so we will continue to respond as needed. Please continue to hold all disaster affected families, churches and communities in prayer as many are repairing their homes and recovering emotionally from the damage and trauma these storms have caused.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Ps 46:1

LCC extends sincere thanks to our volunteers and donors for supporting LCC disaster response ministry.

Over the last two days, LERT volunteers from the Northern Illinois and Indiana districts have completed 8 sites in the south suburban towns of Chicago. Several of these sites have been lift jobs to remove many hanging limbs and widow makers with trained lift operators and ground crew utilizing safe rigging techniques. A few sites other sites required only sawyers and draggers. Some of these homeowners have been patiently waiting a few weeks for us to get to their home with the lift. They so appreciated that we kept our word to come and kept in communication with them. Each of the homeowners expressed their thanks to the teams that served at their homes, with many saying that we have been a blessing to them and others. We are glad that we have been able to continue to assist homeowners in need and show the mercy and compassion of Christ to them.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸
Today, we’re thankful for those who work, serve, care for others, and keep our communities going. We hope you get a little time today to rest, recharge, and enjoy the people and things that matter most.

May God bless you and give you rest.