Mock disaster provides training ground for volunteers

A volunteer drives “Sally the Tractor” during a Lutheran Early Response Team training event in Apex, N.C., in April. (Lutheran Servants for Christ)

By Hilary Tew

In October and November 2022, people from around the country assisted with the response to Hurricane Ian in the Fort Myers, Fla., area. One of those volunteers was Wendy Robertson, a member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Apex, N.C. Robertson, a first-time disaster response volunteer, had previously completed Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training, and she was eager to help.

After a week of volunteering, during which she performed muck-out work and helped provide hundreds of meals to hurricane survivors, Robertson returned home with much to ponder. At the time, Jordan Lutheran was making plans for a permanent church building. The congregation already owned the land, and there were structures on the six-acre site that would be demolished as the lot was developed.

Soon an idea took shape: Why not use the house on the property for muck-out training? Then another thought came to mind: Could some trees be used for chainsaw training? Robertson contacted Lutheran Servants for Christ (LSC), a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) based in the LCMS Southeastern District (SED). LSC works closely with the SED’s disaster response coordinator to furnish equipment and training so that volunteers are better able to respond after disasters.

Once LSC heard the idea, more ideas came. Could the site also be used for tractor training, with tree portions cut during chainsaw training? Could LSC’s mobile bunk trailer be deployed to house out-of-town volunteers? And could LSC’s mobile food trailer participate by feeding the volunteers and others in need in the community?

Thus began months of conversations and planning. As various logistical items were sorted out with subject matter experts in the areas of chainsaw, tractor, muck-out and mobile food preparation, Jordan Lutheran’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Merker, along with a group of Jordan members, corresponded with town officials to secure the proper permit for the training event. The LCMS LERT database was used to inform potential participants of the event, set for April 5–6, and the registrations began rolling in. Some volunteer leaders also made presentations at their home congregations in order to spread the word about this unique opportunity, a mock disaster response. As registrations were reviewed, each participant who signed up received a customized schedule based on the specific areas in which he or she wished to train.

In preparation for the training, volunteers towed each piece of equipment — the 10-bed mobile bunk trailer, “Sally the Tractor” (fondly named after the SED’s disaster response coordinator, Sally Hiller), and the mobile food ministry trailer — to its point of use. These pieces of equipment were obtained over the last several years with support from LCMS Disaster Response, the SED, Mid-Atlantic Lutherans in Mission and others in the SED.

On April 5, the first day of training, the mobile food ministry team had a comfort station up and running bright and early to offer volunteers coffee, water, fruit and pastries. The food team also received training before jumping into field food preparation for lunch. The tractor students took turns practicing various functions and moving debris around Jordan’s property. At midday, the group enjoyed a delicious sloppy joe meal with sides. Then, as the food team learned about cleanup, tractor practice continued, and chainsaw instruction cranked up.

The second day presented similar opportunities, with the addition of muck-out training and the preparation of 200 meals for homeless individuals in the area. A partner brown-bag project in Apex took to-go meals to distribute to those in need. Chainsaw and tractor training continued.

In all, 43 participants from seven congregations in four different states received disaster response training. Five volunteers used the 10-bed mobile bunk trailer. The entire group was blessed by wonderful collaboration and fellowship, favorable weather, generous donations to offset the cost of the training, and a safe and productive event. It is LSC’s prayer that these dozens of participants are now better equipped to carry Christ’s mercy to people in need after disasters.

LSC has just completed fundraising efforts for a second tractor and is exploring having a shower/laundry trailer built to support future disaster response efforts in the North Carolina area and beyond. For more information, see lutheranservantsforchrist.org or visit LSC’s Facebook page.

Hilary Tew ( treasurer@lutheranservantsforchrist.org ) serves as treasurer of Lutheran Servants for Christ.

Posted July 1, 2024