When we think of Disaster Response, we often think of the first responders who go in while others are leaving for safer areas. Or we may think of our county Emergency Management folks or FEMA who offer government assistance after small and large natural disasters.
Did you know that a lot of Disaster response work is done by volunteers such as yourself? Our Synod has a great treasure chest of Christian men, women, and youth who eagerly give themselves in service to the neighbor flowing out of the love of Christ.
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod has thousands of people who generously give of themselves to help their neighbor. We have Recognized Service Organizations (RSO) who work alongside and with us to train and support these works of mercy. This Christian aid comes in many forms. A distinctive way to help is the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers who come from all walks of life to help their neighbors when disaster strikes. Whether it be hurricane, flood, tornado, or fire (or one of the other ways disaster strikes), your Christian brothers and sisters readily step up to help lift up their neighbor both in their congregations and those who do not attend a church. It matters not. Our neighbor gets our help because God has shown us love in Christ Jesus and we, in turn, show love to those around us.
LCMS Disaster Response volunteers serve in many different capacities. Some are engaged in the heavy work of mucking out a home, using a chainsaw to clear fallen trees, pumping flood waters out of basements, and removing debris when a home is destroyed. Others offer gifts of food, help organize incoming materials, arrange for food pantry items, or distribute equipment where it is needed. Your Lutheran brethren come from across the United States to help!
What distinguishes our work of Christian service from other organizations? It is this: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is paramount. Sure, damage is cleaned up and homes are begun to be put back in order. But LERT volunteers stop to pray for the afflicted, offer a word of comfort and encouragement, and are always reminding people that Jesus loves them amid days of chaos and destruction. He is our Life and Hope. He makes all things new. People hear how Jesus is the Life of the World and that He cares for them. They have not been abandoned by God nor are they being punished in their troubles. Jesus comes to them in this sin-filled disorder and rescues them from their enemies.
That is something no government agency can do. In the Church, Jesus raises the dead, gives hope to the bewildered, calms the fearful, and preaches the Gospel to those who are confused and harried. LCMS volunteers bring a clear word of salvation and rescue to those needing mercy and grace in time of trouble. They also help bring a bit of order to shattered lives.
Would you like to help?
LCMS Disaster Response coordinates teams of volunteers in every District to help with this needful work. District Disaster Response Coordinators keep in touch with their teams and help to mobilize them for training and for relief response. Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) also work in their congregations and circuits to provide help to those who are in need of their skills: the single parent, the aged and lonely, and those who do not have the means to make repairs of their homes. LERT volunteers are engaged during times of prosperity and in times of tribulation. They help to raise the fallen and comfort the weakhearted and distressed both at home and at scenes of disaster. It is year-round work, not confined to times of great disaster.
If this appeals to you, contact your LCMS District or LCMS Disaster Response at disaster@lcms.org. We'll get you trained and help you work with others who respond to all sorts of life's disasters.
Finally, we are so very thankful to God for our dear LERT volunteers and RSO's who give so generously and willingly of their varied gifts. It is certainly a gift of the Holy Spirit who brings forth such works out of faith. To all of you, your staff at LCMS Disaster Response thanks you and prays the Lord's great mercy and blessing upon you. Well done, good and faithful servants!
