Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response

05/04/2026

April was National Volunteer Month, and we are incredibly grateful for the hands and hearts that make the mission of Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response possible!

From clearing debris and running equipment, to organizing supplies, training teams, and offering a steady presence in times of crisis—our volunteers show up with compassion, skill, and servant hearts.

Because of volunteers, hope is delivered, communities are restored, and Christ’s love is made visible in the moments people need it most.

Thank you for your time, your strength, and your willingness to serve. We can’t do this work without you!

05/02/2026

Today was our final day in Spartanburg. During Hurricane Helene, Bob and Denise had well over 30 large trees come down, knocking out power, falling on out buildings, blocking his driveway (5 trees), and falling across a creek running through his property. Most of the trees have been taken care, except for the ones that fell across the creek or on the far side of it. This has caused flooding, resulting from the water being blocked.

Our Team took out at least 12 large trees from the creek area; all but a couple had to be pulled out or across it. The Lutheran Servants for Christ tractor and FGLER MT100 were kept busy all day pulling and hauling. Hard job, and only about one-third of the trees taken care of, but Bob and Denise were very appreciative of the work done.

05/02/2026

Some of the LSC team were with us this week in Spartanburg, SC. They did a much-needed rebuild on a wheelchair ramp. Not everything LERT teams do is chainsaw work!

05/01/2026

It rained this morning, even though no rain was forecast for today, but we didn't let that stop us! The FGLER team worked a huge job site, one that had already been cleared and bulldozed of dozens of fallen trees. There were still some dead, dying, or hung leaners that needed to come down. We took down close to 20 trees, many of them caught in another tree (hung). Quite a challenge on wet slopes!

05/01/2026

A good example of how LERT teams can keep active outside of a disaster!

04/30/2026

A couple more shots from today's FGLER job.

04/30/2026

Day 3 Spartanburg, SC: It was supposed to rain today, but we were blessed with cool temps and sunny skies! We split into two teams today, with the FGLER team taking on a job at Marie's house. Helene had taken down at least 8 Leland Cypress trees in her backyard. Some were laying down, covering at least one-third of the yard; others had fallen again another tree; one was still standing but leaning towards power lines.

It was a team effort, 4 cutters keeping a tractor and Bobcat MT100 going full speed all day hauling branches and logs out to the street. We had to rope over 4 of the trees, as they were hung up in another tree. But in the end, the yard was reclaimed! Marie shared with us the impact this has made upon her life.

04/30/2026

After last Friday's tornados in Wisconsin, LERT teams quickly sprung into action. A local TV news reporter shared the impact LERT has made on the community. We make a difference in people's lives in a real way, touching people with the love of Christ. (Note the reporter's vest.)

'A lot of angels here': Ringle residents overwhelmed by tornado cleanup support

04/29/2026

Spartanburg 2026 Day 2: After a rainy start we were finally able get some work done. One team was sent to clear many cut up trees left by another group (they had cut dozens of trees but had to leave them in place because their skid steer threw a track and the couldn't get back to them). David, Chris and Brian worked all day moving a LOT of wood with Sally the Lutheran Servants for Christ tractor.

The rest of us were able to help clear a couple tree in Shelly's yard. They had bought and moved into the house for a couple months before her husband died, then Helene hit shortly thereafter. While some trees were taken care of by others, she still had a large hanger threatening her property. It was a challenge to bring it down.

The uprooted tree lay suspended across a gully and abandoned pioneer road and lodge in the top of a sweet gum tree. We couldn't just drop it and chunk it out, as it would fall on her fence. We were able to get a rope up in it, redirect the rope so we could pull it with a Bobcat, cut down a couple smaller trees that were in the way and drop it. Oh, cutting it from the stump required standing on a steep slope in front of the root ball! Bill cut a side wedge, plunge cut the back cut and left a trigger tab, then climbed up to safety. A fully extended pole saw was used to cut the trigger tab and the signal given to pull with the Bobcat. The tree swung out and came down as planned. All safe, no damage.

04/28/2026

FGLER and Lutheran Servants for Christ volunteers are in Spartanburg, SC, assisting in the continued cleanup work from Hurricane Helene (2024). For Day 1 we spent the day helping Danny, clearing about 46 downed trees (mostly white oaks) and recovering much of his yard. He even brought out his old LULL mega-lift to stand up some footballs and move some big logs!

04/28/2026

Glad to be able to help out!