The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response ministry responds to immediate and long-term needs following natural and man-made disasters. This ministry is accomplished by loving volunteers working through LCMS districts and congregations, International Lutheran churches and other partners. The LCMS Southern Illinois District participates in this ministry through its Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trained members. LERT teams respond with Christian care to the needs within the church and their communities with the following services:
- On-site assessment
- Emergency, relief and other grants
- Pastoral care for LCMS church workers, their families and congregation and community members
- Congregational preparedness
- LERT basic training, including how to respond to emergencies
- LERT chainsaw training
- Resources (volunteer coordination, donation and equipment management)
Through LERT training, our volunteers are provided with skills and knowledge of how to listen to and to answer those that have been affected by disasters and may be feeling that God has abandoned them. By showing them God’s love for them through our hands and feet during these trying times, we reassure them that God is still with them and loves them.
Mercy is a hallmark of the church. Throughout history, Christians have been known by the world around them as a generous people, as a people whose good works are motivated by their faith in God. Disasters, while terrible, are a time when the church can take a moment to truly care for the greatest treasures of this world—his people. To be a part of this loving process, go to LCMS-LERT.org today and resister for an account. You will then receive news about training and other LERT events that may interest you.
