The Rev. Dr. Melvin “Mel” Witt, a longtime former Air Force chaplain and director of LCMS World Relief, died April 30 in St. Louis. Witt, 89, had been suffering from cancer and pneumonia.
Witt
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis. Visitation also will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6, at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9907 Sappington Road, St. Louis, with the funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.
A 1952 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Witt served as an Air Force chaplain for some 21 years, with assignments both stateside and overseas — including two tours of duty in Japan, a 30-month tour in Libya and 13 months in Vietnam. U.S. assignments included Air Force bases in Tennessee, California, Texas, Alabama, Virginia and Nebraska.
Witt’s Air Force career included more than six years in Command Chaplain offices, and he planned and coordinated the 1970 Christmas visit of “The Lutheran Hour” speaker Rev. Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann to American troops in Vietnam, serving as Hoffmann’s escort officer. Hoffmann died in 2005.
In 1972 Witt retired from Strategic Air Command headquarters with the rank of colonel to become director of LCMS World Relief in St. Louis, traveling to at least 33 countries — from Argentina to Zambia — on behalf of the Synod’s human-care and development ministry. He resigned from that post in 1987 to accept the newly created position of LCMS World Relief development counselor.
Witt’s awards and honors include 10 service medals and two honorary doctorates.
In a 1987 story in the Southeast Missourian (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) newspaper, Witt said that, too often, Americans give to charities from a feeling of guilt. “As Christians, we should give as God has blessed us,” he said. “I don’t see how a person who loves the Lord can see people in need and hurting and not help some. We can’t help everybody, but we can help some people, one by one.”
“We thank God for Mel’s exemplary service,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “How many millions were assisted around the world during his tenure! For the decade I served LCMS World Relief and Human Care, he would stop by from time to time and provide encouragement. That meant a great deal to me. I’m honored to have known him.”
Witt had an “extraordinary” faith, according to his son, David, and “never met a stranger.” He had a lifelong trust in God, and “his gentleness, his kindness, his compassion … drew people to him. He’s impacted many, many lives, and — even though he’s left his earthly life” — Witt’s “kindness and caring” spirit “will continue to impact many lives.”
David Witt said he and others who knew his father will “miss his smile.”
“He was dedicated to his calling, obviously,” said the younger Witt. “I’m so thankful that he’s with his risen Lord and Savior now and is no longer suffering, and is at peace. He was a good man, a good father.”
In addition to David Witt and his wife, JoAnn, of Oakville, Mo., survivors include two other children: Janice Fredricksen-Naber of Dallas, and Steven Fredricksen of Fort Myers, Fla.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Witt’s wife, Alice, died in 2009.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Melvin and Alice Witt Student Aid Endowment Fund, c/o Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105-3199, or Compassionate Companions, SSM Health — St. Clare Hospital, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton, MO 63026.
Posted May 4, 2016 / Updated May 5 and May 9, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, president of the LCMS Missouri District and chairman of Floor Committee 3 on Mercy, speaks during the July 10 session of the Synod’s 66th Regular Convention in Milwaukee. The committee’s final three resolutions were adopted on the last two days of the convention. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)
By Megan K. Mertz
MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2016) — As one floor committee finished its business and another was about to take the stage July 13 at the 66th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, a delegate asked the convention to consider Resolution 3-04 even though it wasn’t on the schedule for that day.
The resolution was one of three from Floor Committee 3 on Mercy that was omitted earlier in the week due to time constraints.
Delegate Corey Isaak works with the electronic voting system during the LCMS national convention in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Michael Schuermann)
“We have a growing number of issues where science and theology are intersecting, and the LCMS should be able to address the concerns of our members,” said the Rev. Christopher Bramich, pastoral delegate from Haslet, Texas, as he explained why the issue was important to him.
Resolution 3-04 calls for the creation of a task force within the Office of National Mission to study issues surrounding fertility, procreation and the care of the unborn.
The task force is asked to “gather and arrange points for consideration, coordinate discussion, and identify actions leading to the production of appropriate LCMS responses to these issues,” as well as to complete a report on its activities by Dec. 31, 2018, and submit recommendations as overtures to the 2019 Synod convention.
The resolution was adopted by a 924-41 vote.
The next day (Thursday, July 14), Floor Committee 3 returned before the close of the convention to present its final two resolutions.
Resolution 3-03, which was adopted by a 782-1 vote, encourages the Synod to become better informed about the worldwide persecution of Christians. Individual Lutherans are encouraged to contact their respective elected officials on behalf of these persecuted Christians, “according to their conscience.”
Finally, delegates adopted Resolution 3-06, which calls for the Synod to support and expand the work of LCMS World Relief and Human Care in the Offices of National and International Mission and to “strengthen collaboration with the Synod’s districts, congregations, Recognized Service Organizations, and partner churches, here and abroad, to identify and respond to needs for mercy.”
The 2016 LCMS convention met July 9-14 at the Wisconsin Center under the theme “Upon This Rock.” Among the 1,500 convention participants were some 1,125 clergy and lay voting delegates.
Megan K. Mertz (megan.mertz@lcms.org) is a staff writer and managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World with LCMS Communications.
Homes lay in ruins after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Oct. 6. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country’s remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country’s biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
By Roger Drinnon
LCMS disaster responders continue to assess the capacity to provide additional aid for hurricane-battered Haiti while also determining the overall impact of Hurricane Matthew, as it makes its way up the U.S. southeastern coastline.
Thanks to compassionate people in the LCMS who respond generously in the wake of disasters, and using funds already on hand for disaster response work, two aircraft were chartered to airdrop some 60,000 packaged meals and supplies to the people in the hardest-hit areas of Haiti.
On Oct. 6, LCMS leaders approved a $10,000 grant to Ministry in Mission, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO) coordinating this vital airdrop. Another 60,000 meals were provided for by other partner organizations.
“We are looking to work through area RSOs most capable of facilitating additional aid to Haiti victims in the form of providing food and clean water, Lutheran spiritual care and also tin roofs for some 280,000 victims whose homes were ravaged by fierce winds,” said LCMS Disaster Response Director Rev. Ross Johnson.
“These RSOs have years of experience working in Haiti and have an understanding of its culture,” Johnson continued. “We do all of this in the name of Christ. Compassionate spiritual care provided in His name — a hallmark of all LCMS World Relief and Human Care efforts at their finest — distinguishes what the Church does from what government agencies do in responding to disasters like this.”
After strengthening to Category 5, Hurricane Matthew later became a Category-4 storm with reported destructive winds in excess of 140 miles per hour as it moved through the Caribbean.
Johnson estimates that each tin roof could be provided for roughly $1,000. To achieve a goal of only a few hundred roofs, the cost quickly goes up to six figures. He also estimates that a half-million meals could cost about $300,000 to purchase, ship and distribute, noting that the extent of the Synod’s response is contingent upon what God provides through the Church.
Hurricane Matthew comes as LCMS Disaster Response resources have been strained this year amid the ongoing response to the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, La., and after the Synod’s response to this year’s California wildfires.
“In the midst of such terrible destruction, the Church has the opportunity to be Christ’s hands and feet, responding to the needs of the suffering,” said LCMS Disaster Response Manager Rev. Michael Meyer. “At the same time, the Church is making the bold confession that Christ is here in the midst of suffering, walking with those who are suffering, weeping with those who are weeping, through the various vocations of the Church and her members.”
Here at home, Synod responders estimate it could take several days to assess the full impact of the hurricane, once the storm completes its projected course along the southeastern coastline. LCMS Disaster Response will assist the Synod’s Florida-Georgia District responders, wherever needed, to determine the needs of any impacted churches, schools and families.
“We have been monitoring the situation for the past two days, maintaining contact with the circuit visitors in affected areas in the path of Hurricane Matthew,” said LCMS Florida-Georgia District President Rev. Gregory Walton. “To this point, we are not aware of severe damage at any of our ministry locations, although several churches report roof damage and leaks.”
If you would like to assist the LCMS in responding to this developing story through a donation, please call 888-930-4438 or click below.
To donate by check, please make checks payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” (or “LCMS”). On the memo line, write “Disaster Response/Relief.” Mail your donation to The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Roger Drinnon (roger.drinnon@lcms.org) is director of Editorial Services and Media Relations for LCMS Communications.
Posted October 8, 2016 / Updated October 11 and October 13, 2016
On Oct. 7, a woman carries her daughter as she walks through wreckage caused by Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
By Roger Drinnon
Synod disaster responders have deployed to Haiti and the Carolinas in the wake of Hurricane Matthew to assess and broaden aid to victims, as they see the tragic effects of the hurricane first-hand.
LCMS Disaster Response Director Ross Johnson left St. Louis for Haiti on Oct. 10, as an outbreak of cholera has exacerbated recovery efforts there.
“We’re currently working to provide as many as 10 wells for clean water and also to provide tin roofs for some 50 area pastors and possibly 50 churches without roofs [in Haiti],” said Johnson. “We do all of this in the name of Christ. Compassionate spiritual care provided in His name — a hallmark of all LCMS World Relief and Human Care efforts at their finest — distinguishes what the Church does from what government agencies do in responding to disasters like this.”
Johnson estimates that each tin roof could be provided for roughly $1,000. He also estimates that each well could cost as much as $10,000, noting that the extent of the Synod’s response is contingent upon what God provides through the Church.
Not long after Johnson left for Haiti, LCMS Disaster Response Manager Rev. Michael Meyer went to join LCMS Southeastern District President Rev. Dr. John Denninger, so the two could travel together through some of the hardest-hit areas in North Carolina and South Carolina, which took on torrents of rain as the hurricane moved up the southeastern coastline.
After trying to swim out to help a truck driver stranded in floodwater from Hurricane Matthew, a man holds onto a yield sign Oct. 9 in Hope Mills, N.C. Both people were rescued. (Andrew Craft/The Fayetteville Observer via AP)
Early reports show several areas in the Carolinas have significant flooding, and more flooding is possible as rivers crest in the coming days. Several major roadways remained closed as of Oct. 11, greatly hindering access to these flooded areas. More than 30 counties reportedly have been declared federal disaster areas, and it could take a week to bring electricity back to many residents.
“As the rivers begin to crest, the extent of the flooding will increase. We’re hoping that by Wednesday [Oct. 12] or early Thursday the water levels will have receded enough for us to get in and provide guidance in these additional areas, particularly Eastern South Carolina and in North Carolina,” said Meyer. “While some areas are still closed off, we can still meet with pastors and church leaders in the areas of Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and locations in North Carolina as well.”
Meyer said while the purpose of his trip is to assess needs and formulate an effective response stateside, he brought with him $3,000 in gift cards so local pastors can provide immediate assistance as the long road to recovery begins. He also brought along devotionals and other disaster response resources to be distributed among area congregations.
Southeastern District disaster responders are calling for volunteers to cut and remove tree debris, to muck-out flood-damaged homes and to help with home repairs for the hurricane victims, once affected areas become safely accessible. Those interested in volunteering should contact Liz DeMik at (703) 899-7244; email etdemik@aol.com or Sally Hiller, (703) 971-9371; email sjhiller@se.lcms.org.
After strengthening to Category 5, Hurricane Matthew later became a Category-4 storm with reported destructive winds in excess of 140 miles per hour as it moved through the Caribbean and up the southeastern coastline.
Recovery and relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane come as LCMS Disaster Response resources have been strained this year amid the ongoing response to the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, La., and after the Synod’s response to this year’s California wildfires. If you would like to assist the LCMS in responding to this developing story through a donation, please call 888-930-4438 or click below.
To donate by check, please make checks payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” (or “LCMS”). On the memo line, write “Disaster Response/Relief.” Mail your donation to The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Roger Drinnon (roger.drinnon@lcms.org) is director of Editorial Services and Media Relations for LCMS Communications.
Posted October 12, 2016/ Updated October 13, 2016 (In the fourth paragraph, the estimate for the number of tin roofs that could be provided for “roughly $1,000” has been changed from “two or three” to “each tin roof.”)
A young woman walks to the water well amid fallen debris from Hurricane Matthew in the entranceway to First Lutheran Church of Les Cayes in Haiti, Oct. 11. LCMS Disaster Response is working to provide an initial 10 wells, with a goal of providing up to 50 wells for clean water amid an outbreak of cholera that followed the hurricane. (LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford)
By Roger Drinnon
In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, LCMS Disaster Response looks to broaden aid to victims, after having seen the tragic effects of the hurricane firsthand in both Haiti and the Carolinas during Oct. 10-13 visits to the hardest-hit areas.
LCMS Disaster Response Director Rev. Ross Johnson visited Haiti, as an outbreak of cholera was complicating recovery efforts there. His visit revealed specific needs of the victims not already being addressed by various government and nongovernment agencies responding to the catastrophe.
“We’re currently working to provide an initial 10 wells — with a goal of providing up to 50 wells — for clean water and also to provide tin roofs for some 50 area pastors and possibly 50 churches without roofs in Haiti,” said Johnson. “This is a focused response to the destruction and sanitation issues brought about by the storm, while other agencies are providing for medicine, food and other necessities.”
He estimates each tin roof could be provided for roughly $1,000. He also estimates each well could cost as much as $10,000, noting that the extent of the Synod’s response is contingent upon what God provides through the Church.
“We do all of this in Jesus’ name, because we want people in distress to hear the Gospel and receive Christ’s comfort,” said Johnson. “Drilling wells next to safe churches to be staffed by secure pastors is part of the focused LCMS strategy to bring those in the community close to where they can receive care of body and soul. They come to see the Lutheran Church as part of Christ’s body, the very Savior who cares for them after other relief agencies and news crews are gone.”
Immediate and long-term response
Johnson deployed to Haiti to assess further aid to victims following the Synod’s initial response right after the storm.
Thanks to compassionate people in the LCMS who respond generously in the wake of disasters, and using funds already on hand for disaster-response work, two aircraft were chartered to airdrop some 60,000 packaged meals and supplies to the people in the hardest-hit areas of Haiti.
On Oct. 6, LCMS leaders approved a $10,000 grant to Ministry in Mission, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO) coordinating this vital airdrop.
Another 60,000 meals were provided for by other partner organizations. U.S. Air Force C-17, C-130 and military-contracted commercial aircraft also delivered 318 tons of immediate humanitarian aid to Haiti, according to Air Mobility Command spokesman Maj. Nick Plante.
“Now we’re looking to provide a phased response that helps victims in the longer term in those areas not being addressed by other responding agencies,” said Johnson. “This also allows us to continually assess the progress of the response and adjust where needed to ensure we’re responding effectively where it matters most.”
Adding to the effectiveness of the response, he said, is that parts of northern Haiti can provide materials and supplies necessary for the roofs and wells, since the hurricane primarily struck Haiti’s southern Tiburon Peninsula. Johnson also said in-country resources help LCMS Disaster Response work best through area RSOs most capable of facilitating ongoing aid to Haiti, and these RSOs are acting on behalf of the Synod’s disaster-response network.
After strengthening to Category 5, Hurricane Matthew later became a Category 4 storm with reported destructive winds in excess of 140 miles per hour as it moved through the Caribbean and up to the U.S. southeastern coastline.
Local residents work to remove a downed tree from a South Carolina home in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. North Carolina and South Carolina took on torrents of rain and fierce winds as the hurricane moved up the southeastern U.S. coastline. (LCMS Communications/Al Dowbnia)
Assessing impact along the East Coast
Not long after Johnson left for Haiti, LCMS Disaster Response Manager Rev. Michael Meyer joined LCMS Southeastern District President Rev. Dr. John Denninger, so the two could travel together through some of the hardest-hit areas in North Carolina and South Carolina, which took on torrents of rain and fierce winds as the hurricane moved up the coastline.
“In North Carolina, it’s primarily a flood event,” said Meyer, noting that during his visit, rivers were cresting with after-flooding still likely in some areas. “[The] Lumberton and St. Paul areas have some of the worst flooding, and right now, we’re providing spiritual care for families living in emergency shelters and distributing gift cards for essential, immediate needs.”
“In some places, it’s the wind damage, and in others it’s the flooding or downed trees. The overall challenge of recovering from this storm is the hurricane’s wide swath, so we’re working to organize our efforts to respond effectively to all the affected areas,” said Denninger. “The immediate challenge is getting safe access to these places. The second challenge is understanding what has happened and what will happen later, as tributaries continue to crest. The assessment process has to be a continual process for at least a couple of weeks to understand the complete impact of the storm.”
Meyer noted how the LCMS Florida-Georgia District donated hundreds of “flood buckets” filled with disaster-response supplies for Southeastern District responders. Areas within the Florida-Georgia District reportedly had minimal damage from the hurricane.
“In South Carolina, they had a lot of rain, but they also had more wind, so there are a lot of trees down, so tree and debris removal will be key to ensuring the safety of victims in the area,” said Meyer, who at the time was visiting a victim who had a tree fall on her house. “We’re partnering with Shepherd’s Heart Ministry to have chainsaw crews remove trees all up and down the coast for homeowners who are facing difficulties with insurance providers and local contractors in the aftermath of the hurricane.”
Insurance providers in the area purportedly base home-repair deductibles on a percentage of the home’s value, once a hurricane is named officially, based on local insurance coverage policies. Compounding the insurance-coverage problems, at least one victim reported that a local tree-removal company was asking for $9,000 to remove a single tree from the victim’s property that posed a serious safety hazard.
“Trees were just blowing back and forth and back and forth, and I said, ‘Oh boy, this is going to be scary,’” said Marion Bogle, a member of Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as she recalled the night the hurricane struck. “Also with that was the noise of all the branches and pine cones hitting the top of my roof, which sounded and felt like a war-zone. The next morning, it looked like a war zone. I had a very tall tree fall on my house, but luckily, it didn’t hit my windows.”
‘Chainsaw Ed’
“The mission of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry is showing the love of Jesus after natural disasters by offering free tree and debris removal, especially to uninsured, under-insured and low-income families,” said the Rev. Ed Brashier, director of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry and LCMS Southern District disaster-response coordinator whose previous work in the aftermath of disasters earned him the nickname “Chainsaw Ed.” “The skills of the Lutheran Early Response Teams who are trained in chainsaw safety and operation are extremely valuable in times of natural disaster.”
Southeastern District disaster responders are calling for volunteers to cut and remove tree debris, to muck out flood-damaged homes and to help with home repairs for the hurricane victims, once affected areas become safely accessible. Those interested in volunteering should contact Liz DeMik at 703-899-7244 or etdemik@aol.com or Sally Hiller at 703-971-9371 or sjhiller@se.lcms.org.
Recovery and relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane come as LCMS Disaster Response resources have been stretched this year amid the ongoing response to the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, La., and after the Synod’s response to this year’s California wildfires.
If you would like to assist the LCMS in responding to these disaster-response efforts through a donation, please call 888-930-4438 or go to lcms.org/givenow/disaster.
To donate by check, make checks payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” (or “LCMS”). On the memo line, write “Disaster Response/Relief.” Mail your donation to The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Gifts also may be designated specifically for the response to Hurricane Matthew in the memo line of checks or by specifying in an email to mission.advancement@lcms.org.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is providing spiritual and human care in the New Orleans area. Southeastern Louisiana was hit on Feb. 7 by an estimated six tornadoes, including two EF-3 storms with winds up to 150 mph, the National Weather Service reported. One was the most destructive tornado in the history of New Orleans.
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and LCMS Southern District President Rev. Kurt Schultz discuss the Synod’s plans to assist LCMS members after the tornadoes caused injuries and severe damage to homes and businesses.
Please help us spread this information across the Synod.
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, accompanied by LCMS Southern District President Rev. Kurtis Schultz, talks and prays with a resident whose home lost its roof in the tornadoes that swept through the area on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
“We’re going to do the best we can to help the community, as we always have,” Harrison tells him.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is responding with spiritual and human care after tornadoes hit the communities of Perryville, Mo., Ottawa, Ill., and Washburn, Ill., on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
In this March 3 video update, LCMS President Matthew Harrision and Rev. Michael Meyer detail the response efforts planned in those areas for Saturday, March 4, including volunteers from Lutheran Early Response Training, Comfort Dogs from Lutheran Church Charities, and disaster trailers.
A year ago, their city was flooded. Now they are helping others when disaster strikes. See how LCMS congregations were moved to respond in love and mercy in the aftermath of the Perryville, Missouri, tornadoes. For more information visit lcms.org/disaster.
LCMS Disaster Response continues to provide spiritual and human care after severe flooding in the St. Louis area damaged several homes and businesses in late April and early May.
Prayers, training and continued generosity from people across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have equipped LCMS congregations to share Christ’s mercy in the aftermath. The metro St. Louis area also suffered severe flood damage in late 2015, and the Synod is again helping in relief efforts.
Dick Keezer (left), a flood victim and member of First Lutheran Church, Neosho, Mo., prays with his pastor, the Rev. Steve Gillmore (center); the Rev. Michael Meyer, manager of LCMS Disaster Response; and the Rev. Greg Mech (right), pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, Mo., during a May 3 visit at Keezer’s flood-damaged home in Neosho. (LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford)
By Roger Drinnon
Spring 2017’s severe storms have affected Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations and their communities in the Midwest and Texas; and once again, prayers and continued generosity from people across the Synod have equipped congregations to share Christ’s mercy in the aftermath.
During torrents of heavy rain, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens declared a state of emergency April 29, after flooding began in several parts of the state. More flooding occurred in the following days as rivers and waterways crested, resulting in two reported deaths and the closure of major roadways going into and out of affected areas.
Just two days earlier, four tornadoes had touched down in East Texas, killing four and injuring dozens, according to news reports.
The most recent storms are only part of a string of destructive calamities putting pressure on available disaster-response resources. These resources are provided by generous contributions from people who make a difference in the lives of those facing fear and uncertainty.
In late December 2015, similar floods in the Midwest and tornadoes in Texas together caused an estimated $1 billion in damages. From the 2015 floods and tornadoes to now, a barrage of other disasters has included Hurricane Matthew; flooding in Baton Rouge, La.; California wildfires; and a string of tornadoes striking southeast Missouri, central Illinois, New Orleans and Texas.
If this trend is any indication, disaster-relief work will not be letting up any time soon.
Responders note how charitable gifts for disaster response not only help share Christ’s mercy in the aftermath of a catastrophe, but they also enable and equip congregations for responding to the next disaster, whatever that may be.
Ruth Houser, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arnold, Mo., greets volunteers from the church May 2 as they help protect her home in Arnold from rising flood waters. (LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford)
Hands and feet of Christ
LCMS congregations like St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Eureka; New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Pacific; St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arnold; and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, are serving as volunteer hubs for flood-recovery efforts in affected areas of Missouri.
Other affected towns in the Show-Me State include West Plains, Branson, Cassville, Kimberling City and Neosho. Early on, Synod congregations began actively assisting with sandbagging, evacuations, volunteer coordination and immediate recovery efforts.
“We have a disaster-relief trailer that was [made possible] by a grant from [LCMS Disaster Response], and that trailer has been rolling constantly,” said Denise Kasten, vice-chairman of disaster response for Eureka who attends St. Mark’s. “We have evacuated 18 homes — we’re trying to find housing for some of the people. Some of them are staying with friends and neighbors, and so what we are doing right now is reacting to save what we can.”
Kasten said St. Mark’s members and other residents were better prepared to respond this time, compared with the flooding in 2015.
“We just recently went through LERT [Lutheran Early Response Training] — my husband Chris, myself and [our] Pastor Bob [Liebmann],” Kasten said. “[Missouri District Disaster Response Coordinator] Pastor [Charles] Schultz led the training [at St. John’s]. We also had [LCMS Disaster Response Director] Pastor Ross Johnson come to our church a few months ago. He spoke to us, we had a Bible study, and that’s how we learned about LERT.
“We’re encouraged in how to better assist [those affected by disaster] spiritually, physically and emotionally, so that we can help them in all aspects,” Kasten continued. “We’ve developed relationships and friendships [with other residents], and we’re trying to teach them about Jesus. And that’s what we’re doing — just being the hands and feet of Christ.”
“We have 10-12 people from our church [working in my home],” said Dick Keezer, a member of First Lutheran Church in Neosho. “I mean, it really gets to you — the love that poured out.”
“There’s loss of material goods, and some have lost their homes beyond repair. Glory be to God that we didn’t have loss of life,” said the Rev. Steve Gillmore, pastor of the church. “There are 31 families [in Neosho alone] who still are without homes; they’re going to have long-term needs [including] having a place to live.”
Gillmore said some residents are surprised to learn of a Lutheran church in their midst with people willing to assist others — no matter if they are not church members. “[Some unchurched people] are so astonished that someone of faith would stop and offer help [as if to say], ‘Why are you helping me? I don’t go to church?’ Well, God loves you still anyway, and we’re here to help.”
Members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Canton, Texas, are coordinating with other area congregations to help the community clear rubble and rebuild in the aftermath of the multiple tornadoes that ripped through the area.
The Rev. Mark Huston, pastor at Holy Cross, said no one in the congregation lost a home, but efforts continue in partnering with other LCMS churches to help community residents who were affected.
“LERT groups from Beautiful Savior, Arlington, and Trinity, Tyler, have been working in the Canton area. Trinity has also been focusing on Fruitvale, a small community north of Canton that took the brunt of one of the tornadoes from that storm,” said the Rev. Steven Misch, Texas District disaster-response coordinator. “The team from Tyler was on-site before any other volunteer organization to offer assistance.”
Misch said 54 people from various congregations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area also assisted residents during a May 6 volunteer workday. He said more volunteer workdays are being planned.
The long haul
Synod and district disaster responders note that recovery from multiple natural disasters is a long process. Long after the headlines disappear and the TV news crews go home, the work continues to help affected people get back to some semblance of a normal life through compassionate pastoral care and by providing them the basic comforts of food, shelter and clothing.
“With the support of so many kind people who allow us to deliver mercy in His name and who we also consider true disaster responders, we remain committed to longer-term recovery in so many places that have experienced flooding and other devastation,” said LCMS Disaster Response Manager Rev. Michael Meyer.
Synod leaders offer the assurance that in keeping with the precedence of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, gifts provided in the wake of disasters bring compassion to those who are hurting, grieving, fearful and worried about what tomorrow will bring.
“Our LCMS congregations in the area are strong outposts of Christ-centered mercy and proclamation to those affected,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “Drawing upon God’s richness, we will equip and support them to the very best of our ability.”
You can help
Pray — Join the LCMS in prayer for all who suffer from disasters.
Volunteer — Locations are assessing needs and planning relief work. For information, please call the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-843-5267.
To make a credit-card gift by phone, call the LCMS toll-free gift line at 888-930-4438 between 8 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Central time.
To give by mail, make a check payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” or “LCMS.” Write the gift designation on the memo line of your check (e.g., Disaster Response) and send to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Mission Advancement
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
At least 161 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations are in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and the floods, and the Synod stands with those in need through prayer and support.
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, through LCMS Disaster Response, is working with the Texas District to support relief efforts and to aid those in need.
The LCMS encourages congregations to use these church bulletin inserts and resources to inform members how they can support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and local districts will continue providing long-term recovery and care for disaster victims, including those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
As LCMS World Relief and Human Care and its LCMS Disaster Response work with affected districts, the ongoing compassion being expressed across the Synod keeps the recovery efforts moving for the victims of these consecutive disasters.
The LCMS encourages congregations to use the church bulletin insert and flier to inform members how they can join relief efforts.
LCMS Disaster Response visited northern California Oct. 16-18 to meet with officials of the Synod’s California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District as well as with parish pastors based in areas affected by the catastrophic wildfires. Working in collaboration with the district, Disaster Response will assist in conducting an early assessment and devising an action plan to help meet immediate needs in the stricken communities.
LCMS Disaster Response leaders also visited hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, where they focused their efforts on visiting the city of Mayaguez and its surrounding areas. Mayaguez is home to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, served by LCMS Missionary Rev. Matthew Ruesch.
The LCMS encourages congregations to use the following church bulletin insert and flier to inform members how they can join relief efforts.
As of Oct. 27, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District reports the following regarding the impact of the wildfires on affected congregations:
St. John Lutheran Church, Napa — Eight family homes lost, including homes of two preschool staff members;
St. Mark Lutheran Church, Santa Rosa — 22 family homes lost, including home of one church staff member;
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Santa Rosa — At least six family homes lost, including home of one church staff member;
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Healdsburg — Three members lost their homes.
Grace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley – One family lost their home.
Faith Lutheran Church, Sonoma — One family lost their home and business; and
Vineyard of Faith Lutheran Church, Windsor — One member family lost their home.
The LCMS encourages congregations to use the following church bulletin insert and flier to inform members how they can join relief efforts.
