The Southeastern District Disaster Response Team has been activated. We are coordinating with local and state officials as well as our partners at Lutheran Servants for Christ, LERT, and LCMS Disaster Response. We are so thankful for your out pouring of supporting from people around the nation! Because of you resources have been flowing into Western North Carolina to assist in the recovery efforts. If you would like to continue to give toward this effort you can click the button below. We thank you for your continued prayers and generosity during this time. We will continue to update you on the situation through our weekly email, our social media, and our website here.
Helene Recovery Update 2/26
We continue to thank those who are volunteering hours and labors in Western North Carolina. Did you know that in addition to folks from the Southeastern District, workers have come from 20 of the 35 Districts of the LCMS? It is amazing to watch God at work in the midst of such a tremendous area of storm impact.
Last week, a team of three worked with members of Trinity, Tryon to address the mold issue before the rebuilding may continue. Trinity thanked the leader of this team with this notice in their bulletin.
“We have been served tirelessly this week by retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel David McGuffy. He has done much labor himself at Trinity, led other workers, and organized our projects going forward into a helpful spreadsheet. He has also assisted in getting donated to us Concrobium to carry out mold remediation to the tune of 30+ gallons (cost over $1000) as well as other supplies. Our thanks to Lutheran Servants for Christ.”
The picture shows the team at Trinity at work.
In addition, work continues at Camp Linn Haven and Mountainside Lutheran. Please welcome Heather Bassett as she joins the ministry staff. She shares with us: I have recently begun working in Western NC as a Ministry Disaster Program Coordinator. In short, I receive and direct volunteer LERT teams (and those alike), coming to our little corner of the world to help rebuild what Hurricane Helene destroyed. I have spent the majority of my life coming to these mountains and as of the last decade or so, have never felt more connected to a place or people. When Helene hit and devastated these communities, I knew that being a part of that recovery was paramount, and I did not know how that would look until this position was created. I play a very small part in all of this but fully understand the value of the team I am now a part of and how every bit of help is crucial. Learning about LERT and the incredible impact they are capable of having on disaster-stricken areas has been nothing short of awe-inspiring and I am so grateful to have this opportunity. Out of all the hardship I have seen in these last few months, being able to witness how much stronger people have become by unifying and lifting one another up regardless of belief or stigma has been one of the most beautiful and hopeful experiences. God is good and He provides abundantly.”
We remember those who have experienced the winds and flooding of this weekend. Pastor Matthew Sorenson (St. John’s, Farmville VA) shares ” In central Virginia we there were many people without power for several days after the ice storm last week. We lost a lot of trees. As of yesterday everyone had their power back except one household and everyone is doing well. The Appomattox River was well beyond its banks yesterday but that should have minimal impact. We have been very focused on taking care of neighbors and been blessed to have the resources we needed to do so.”
And new news to share: The Southeastern District will be partnering with Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville NC to help replace a bridge. More than 6,000 private (local community or bridges into small clusters of homes were destroyed. A grant of $55,000 is being provided to enable 8 families to safely enter and exit their neighborhood. Paul Mincer, a member and leader in the congregation has been instrumental in working to secure community support, bids, and lifting up this need. This grant will bring both support and relief to the community.
Final note, new deployments are being listed at LCMS-LERT.org . If you are interested in serving, check there or send a request to sjhiller@aol.com
Thank you for your prayers, time, and gifts. God is using it all to bring about blessings and healing.
Deaconess Sally J Hiller
Resources for those in need
If you have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and are in need of resources, please reach out to Deaconess Sally Hiller, the SED’s District Disaster Response Coordinator at disasterhelp@se.lcms.org
Those who are looking to serve
There are many ways you can support the relief efforts for Western NC and all those affected: You can donate by clicking the button below, or you can put together kits with the info above, there are also opportunities and needs for in-person support – click Lutheran Servants for Christ where they post updates on how you can serve.
God’s peace be with you. I am reaching out to you to share information about Disaster Recovery efforts going on in Western North Carolina. I know that many of you have already been involved on a team that is serving, gathering resources, and, most importantly, praying.
Thank you. On behalf of all of us who are part of the leadership of Lutheran Servants for Christ (LSC) and the Southeastern District (SED) – thank you.
We are currently working in three locations with teams being deployed weekly to help in the recovery effort. This week a team at Trinity Lutheran, Tryon is working on a home is Swannanoa. They will be laying down a new floor. Teams at Mt. Pisgah, lovingly known as “The Lutheran Hotel in Hendersonville” have been working on tree removal. There remains a lot of tree work in Hendersonville and Asheville. Teams serving at Camp Linn Haven are making great progress on rebuilding the cabins and public spaces at the Camp.
Folks from Lutheran congregations across the country are coming to help. It truly is a blessing to see the family of God respond to this need. The need is beginning to change as teams take on repairing/rebuilding homes that were damaged. In Avery county (near Linville) 170 homes have already been identified and vetted for work. Government agencies in Hendersonville are now developing the lists where home rebuild is needed.
There are even several different efforts to rebuild/replace bridges that lead into smaller communities or family farms. The number of private bridges is close to 6000. The Southeastern District hopes to partner in rebuilding at least 2 bridges.
We continue to list weeks for deployments. If you are interested in participating, please go to LCMS-LERT.org and look under deployments. We currently have openings for Feb 16-22 at Trinity, Tryon NC; March 23-29 at Camp Linn Haven; April 27-May 3 at Camp Linn Haven. The need is great and we will be setting up deployment weeks in May, June, and July. If you would like to help or have a team to bring, please let me know.
A final note for this update. I received a response from a family that we helped in the Tryon area. The homeowner writes: “Our family is overwhelmed with joy at God’s provision, through your kind and generous gift, you sent us, after Hurricane Helene and the aftermath. As you may know we lost most of our possessions and our 12 passenger van. (They are a family of 9.)You are a blessing and the timing of the gift came at a very providential time, one of pressing need. Thank you for being Christ’s hands and feet to us in our hour of pain and loss. Thank you for loving a family you’ve never met and reminding us to keep trusting the One who is near to the broken-hearted!”
We continue to pray for all those who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Thank you for your prayers and your support.
The district’s disaster response team has just posted 17 Deployments, and we are waiting for them to be released. This could be as many as 370 volunteers serving in the next months. We are working to get assessors on site in Hendersonville, Swananona, Asheville, and the Linville communities to identify specific homes where we may serve.
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1
We have witnessed the love of God that surpasses all that we can think or imagine. On September 27 when Hurricane Helene swept through the Carolinas and Virginia creating massive destruction and flooding you were the hands and feet of Christ that gathered needed items, sent financial contributions, showed up to cut trees, and mucked out homes. Your generosity continues to be overwhelming. God has shown his goodness from within the District and all through the LCMS church body. Indeed, there are many reasons for Thanksgiving. In fact, Esseye, the district front office manager, has written over 800 thank you letters – and that is just those from the District Office.
Thank you for helping us to meet the first call for response. We are now in a quiet moment, where work continues but we are spending time assessing the needs and opportunities for teams to come and assist with the rebuilding. We will be posting opportunities on the LCMS-LERT.org site. If you would like to come and help or bring a team to help, reach out (sjhiller@aol.com). We need to match teams with leaders and host congregations. We are beginning to work on the January schedule.
I invite you to join with prayer for all whose lives have been changed because of this storm, that God’s mercy will continue to surround them with hope and encouragement.
Thank you for your partnership as together we serve.
Deaconess Sally Hiller
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:1)
Deaconess Sally Hiller
Hurricane Helene: This week, President Bill Harmon visited Western North Carolina with
Pastor Martin Schultheis, Deaconess Sally Hiller, and Mr. Chuck Hiller. Their visit included Trinity, Tryon, Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, Emmanuel, Asheville, Mountainside, Linville, NC, and Camp Linn Haven, Linville, NC. The SED has been in contact with those locations since the hurricane came through that area. Take a look at the video as well as more info below for updates!
- Rejoice: 700 donors from all over the United States have donated over $300,000 to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
- Trinity, Tryon, Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, Emmanuel, Ashville, Mountainside, Linville, and Camp Linn Haven will each receive grants from the SED.
- The impact of those grants will be significantly increased due to our ongoing partnership with LCMS Disaster Response. The SED has submitted grant application requests to the LCMS on behalf of our affected congregations.
- Donations from congregations throughout the district continue to bless the communities affected by the hurricane. We thank God for each drop-off center and St. Peter’s, Conover, for serving as a gathering and distribution site.
- Although vital at one time, there is no longer a need for donations of bottled water, hygiene kits, and muck-out supplies. An updated list of needed donations will be published soon.
- Disaster Response is a collaborative effort with wonderful partners. We thank God for LCMS Disaster Response, Orphan Grain Train, Lutheran Charities, Lutheran Servants for Christ, Forged by Fire, and Shepherd’s Heart for their leadership and partnership.
- The SED Disaster Response is part of LERT (Lutheran Early Response Teams) and works in concert with LCMS Disaster Response guidelines and protocols. This ensures training and proper safety measures for volunteers in the field and for people being served. Please prayerfully consider being trained through LERT. Please contact Deaconess Sally Hiller for more information.
- Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in the Florida/Georgia District as they recover from Helene and Milton.
Thank you for your care and support during this time. The unity and compassion shown through your prayers, correspondence, donations, and service is a tremendous blessing and witness.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
We continue to see the generous response of people from around the country as folks respond to the many needs in Western North Carolina. As our Hurricane response now shifts into what is called the “recovery phase” our work and needs begin to change. Teams and individual volunteers are arriving from within our Southeastern District and all over the country to help with recovery. They are removing trees and tree debris. They are doing flood clean-up work. They are sorting supplies and sending them where they are needed.
Last week “Forged by Fire” was feeding the community at Emmanuel, Asheville NC. This week, volunteers continue to work in the 4’ crawl space at Trinity, Tryon NC to clear the mud, a team at Our Savior, Clyde NC begins to “muck out a member’s home where the first floor was fully flooded and the waters went into the second level. At Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville teams continue to respond to many homes to remove the trees that have fallen. Mountainside and Camp Linn Haven, Linville NC have been working to strengthen the bridge access to the ministries as well as flood clean up in the Pastor’s Office and church. St. Peter’s, Conover continues to be the center for receiving your items, housing folks, and feeding the volunteers going out to serve.
Together, we are answering the call to serve – to be the hands and feet of Jesus where his compassion and grace are most needed.
How may you continue to help? Pray for the people whose lives have been turned upside down. Pray that the workers will get the water restored to the Asheville area. Pray for the continued support of many.
What is needed? The following are on our top ten list of items this week:
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Liquid concentrate household cleanser
- Dish soap
- Pump spray insect repellent
- Scrub brushes
- Clothespins and clotheslines
- Kitchen gloves in sets of twos
- Hand towels
- Small bottles of shampoo
And yes: we are ready to receive quilts and warm blankets (not on the Amazon shopping list).
Stories of the disaster and on going recovery
“A very strange, terrible Monday morning here in the Asheville/Black Mountain area. Helene dumped her worst on this area in the same way that Camille dumped its worst on Nelson County in 1969. Camille, after leaving utter destruction in the Bay St. Louis, area (Judy’s parents had a small home in Pass Christian that was flooded) found its was as a tropical storm to the Blue Ridge mountains and there dropped 27 inches of rain in four hours. The resulting waters took the lives of 150 people (many of which were never found). In trying to get to the airport on Friday, the destruction I saw was reminiscent of what I remember of both Camille and Katrina. I have not heard reports of how much rain we had in the 24 hours of continual rain. I have only heard rumors of the death toll, 70? or more.
I am fortunate to be in the dining hall of a CCC here in Black Mountain that has a large backup generator. Food and water are being provided for the residents, but barely. And this morning, internet through my cell phone hot spot. Maybe…If you get this, it did work.
I and residents are being cared for in the most basic ways. It is so easy to forget how quickly we become accustomed to the extraordinary benefits of clean water (we are using water from a small stream to flush the toilet), electricity, and various forms of communication. I’ve not seen TV or a newspaper since Friday morning.
It is hard not to complain, It requires little thought to realize how much we have to be thankful for when we consider the chronic destruction and disruption that are being experienced – with little hope for relief – in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, etc. As I sit here at the coffee bar (no coffee) I just heard that a truck and helicopter are coming to this location with relief supplies.
Roads (Interstates and other main arteries out of Ashville are all closed.) No way out. The airport opened, I heard?, opened last night with regular flights beginning today. I have a ticket for Tuesday noon to Richmond. I am so privileged. A hundred thousand people are affected in this area.
A couple of things
- Thank God for the massive relief efforts that are now beginning to come into the area and pray for the relief administrators, amind boggling challenge even with what FEMA has learned from past disasters.
- Support the Southeastern District (or your local relief agencies) disaster response teams. President Harmon sent out a pastoral letter on Saturday encouraging support for our district’s response team for our congregations in the Western part of SC and NC.
- Pray….that God keeps us mindful when we have more than we need, of those whose survival is dependent on a daily struggle for food, water and shelter. Pray that we never forget to give God thanks.
This hymn seems appropriate, fogive the formatting, its the best I could do.
My plan (ha ha) was that today would be a continuation of my reflections on events as opportunities for caring! This morning the topic was baptisms/confirmations. New Monday, GOD WILLING?
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say’st to them, “Be still.”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
Though death’s valley I may pass,
Still Thy grace will fear surpass;
In Thy presence I will rest,
And, while leaning on Thy breast,
I will hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
Phil Kuehnert
Hurricane Milton tore through Central Florida, even as people were still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s impact. The Florida-Georgia District has been working to help those in need through their disaster response efforts. To learn more about their efforts and how you can support them click here.
To connect people with Jesus through acts of compassion and mercy at times of disaster.
The Southeastern District extends the compassion and mercy of Christ by preparing congregations, schools, and missions to serve their neighbors during times of disaster and to deploy teams of well-equipped volunteers to respond to immediate and long-term recovery needs when disaster strikes. We also work with LCMS Disaster Response in coordinating a national response in times of disaster.
As news of a disaster becomes known, updates and ways to respond will be listed here as well as communicated through Connect, the District’s weekly newsletter. If you wish to have your name and contact information added to a network of individuals to aid in disaster cleanup and rebuilding, please reach out to Deaconess Sally Hiller, the SED’s District Disaster Response Coordinator at disasterhelp@se.lcms.org
To receive the SED weekly newsletter click here!
Deaconess Sally Hiller
SED Disaster Response Coordinator
Disaster Response Resources
http://se.lcms.org/resources/disaster-response-and-recovery/
Resources to assist the local congregation and her members in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/disaster-response
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Disaster Response ministry responds to immediate and long-term needs following natural and man-made disasters.
Lutheran Servants for Christ (LSC)
Lutheran Servants for Christ is a disaster response ministry that exists to share Jesus’ love to those affected by natural disasters. The ministry includes but is not limited to damaged tree removal, mucking out of homes, home repairs, and the giving of encouragement. All labor and materials are provided at no charge. This Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS grew out of the SED’s need to be able to quickly respond in times of crisis. Today, LSF has a tractor to assist with debris removal, a 10-bed mobile bunk unit, and a mobile food kitchen. Rev. Wayne Puls, Hope, Wake Forest NC is the chairman.
Links: https://lutheranservantsforchrist.org/
Follow on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutheranservantsforchrist/
https://www.lcms-lert.org/
The place to sign up to serve as a volunteer and to locate places where volunteer service is needed. LCMS Districts post training opportunities as well as serving opportunities on this website.
https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfort-dogs-about.html
Launched in August 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred Golden Retrievers. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ.
https://www.ogt.org/disaster-relief/
Orphan Grain Train provides disaster relief throughout the United States and around the world. Working with the people of the communities affected by various natural disasters, OGT has been able to provide needed aid and help long after the initial devastation. Orphan Grain Train helps families devastated by storms, floods, wildfires and hurricanes. When desperation is felt, OGT offers gifts of hope.
The Warehouse in the Southeastern District is the Maryland Branch, located in Millersville MD.
https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartMinistry/
Shepherd’s Heart Ministry exists to share the love of Christ after natural disasters by offering free tree and debris removal, especially to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income families.
Like many other disaster response agencies, Hurricane Katrina was the catalyst for our genesis. Seeing the catastrophic impact on thousands of people, the members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, Alabama wondered, “What can we do?” Remembering the words of Scripture in James 2: 15,16, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” In January of 2006 the members voted to call Pastor Ed Brashier as deployed missionary to the Gulf Coast.
https://www.mercydisasterresources.org
Provides disaster training, planning, and management services to churches. We are a resource to pastors, congregations, and Districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today. Whether you’re a kid or teen, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
Excellent resources and templates for building a response plan for families and community.
Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers’ experience.
Crisis Cleanup works best when a large number of organizations with many volunteers help a lot of survivors in a large area, all at the same time.
The Fuller Center for Housing, faith-driven and Christ-centered, promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.
Districts throughout the LCMS partner in sharing resources and assistance in times of Disaster.
Florida-Georgia District https://flgadistrict.org/lert/
Mid-South District. https://mid-southlcms.org/human-care-disaster/
Southern District https://www.southernlcms.org/hurricane-preparedness/
Texas District https://txlcms.org/congregations/disaster-relief/
NVOAD - Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
- https://www.nvoad.org/
- National VOAD promotes cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration, and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is an umbrella organization made up of diverse disaster response agencies that includes faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations (NG0), local non-profit agencies and government partners (state, county, municipal). Many of our faith-based and NGO members also represent their national organizations while serving with us. When you put together all of our participating agencies, we are the largest disaster response organization in the State of Maryland. We create the framework for these agencies to coordinate, cooperate and collaborate–fostering effective response and recovery for the people of Maryland during times of disaster. We are a voice for the voiceless, the poor and those at the margins. We provide a safety net for all Marylanders during and after disasters.
Virginia VOAD helps to lead response efforts, communicate urgent needs to the wider National VOAD network, and provide assistance to communities affected by disaster. By adhering to the 4 Cs (Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration), VA VOAD effectively provides relief.
The membership of North Carolina VOAD consists of both locally based organizations and local representatives of National organizations. Our mission is to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together in our state to respond to communities affected by disaster. North Carolina VOAD member organizations cover a broad range of missions and technical expertise, and adhere to the 4 Cs: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
https://www.southcarolinavoad.org/
The membership of South Carolina VOAD consists of both locally based organizations and local representatives of National organizations. Our mission is to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together in our State to respond to communities affected by disaster. South Carolina VOAD member organizations cover a broad range of missions and technical expertise, and adhere to the 4 Cs: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
District of Columbia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Each State has a website!
Each State has a website with resources and helps for knowing how to prepare and how to respond in a time of disaster.