LCMS Disaster Response

07/28/2026

LCMS Disaster Response gives thanks to God for the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson and his thirteen years of faithful service as Director of LCMS Disaster Response.

After prayerful discernment, Pastor Johnson has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fairhope, Alabama, the congregation he served before being called to LCMS Disaster Response. We rejoice with Pastor Johnson and his wife, Mireya, as the Lord leads them back into parish ministry on the Gulf Coast.

During his years of service, Pastor Johnson helped strengthen and expand LCMS Disaster Response into a mature and robust ministry of mercy, pastoral care, congregational support, volunteer training, and disaster preparedness. Under his leadership, the Synod has served countless people in times of crisis and need — after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters — both here in the United States and with our international church partners around the world.

We are grateful for Pastor Johnson’s faithful Lutheran confession, pastoral heart, organizational leadership, and deep commitment to mercy that flows from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through his work with districts, congregations, schools, pastors, church workers, donors, volunteers, Recognized Service Organizations, missionaries, and international partners, many have been strengthened, comforted, equipped, and served in the name of Christ.

LCMS Disaster Response is not the work of one person, but the work of the Church together. As Pastor Johnson transitions to his new call, this ministry will continue with strong continuity, faithful leadership, and deep experience. Tiffany Manor, Michael Meyer, Sandy Bowers, Brian Heller, and the wider team will continue to support districts, congregations, church workers, volunteers, international church partners, and communities as they prepare for and respond to disaster.

We give thanks for the steady support of President Harrison and Synod leadership, and for the many faithful partners throughout the Church who make this ministry possible. LCMS Disaster Response will continue to bring Christ-centered mercy, care, and practical support to those suffering in times of crisis.

Please join us in thanking God for Pastor Johnson’s thirteen years of faithful service and in praying for Ross, Mireya, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and LCMS Disaster Response during this time of transition.

“The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3

06/28/2026

Almighty and most merciful God, our refuge and strength in every trouble, look with compassion upon the people of Venezuela who are grieving, injured, displaced, and afraid after this earthquake. Comfort those who mourn with the sure hope of the resurrection, strengthen rescuers and caregivers in their dangerous and exhausting work, provide food, medicine, shelter, and peace to all in need, and grant Your Church courage and mercy to serve in the name of Christ; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. https://www.lcms.org/give/earthquake

In Venezuela, rescue teams are racing against time after twin earthquakes killed more than 1,400 people and left tens of thousands unaccounted for.

06/28/2026

Following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, LCMS Disaster Response is working closely with our partner church in Venezuela to respond to the greatest needs in the affected communities.

At this time, the most urgent needs are food and essential medicines. To provide timely assistance and support the local economy as it recovers, we will be purchasing the food locally through our trusted church partners.

Your prayers for the people of Venezuela, for our partner church, and for all those affected by this disaster are greatly appreciated.

If you would like to support this response, please consider making a gift to the LCMS Disaster Response Earthquake Fund:
https://www.lcms.org/give/earthquake

Together, we can bring the mercy and compassion of Christ to those who are suffering.

Almighty and most merciful God, our refuge and strength in every trouble, look with compassion upon the people of Venezuela who are grieving, injured, displaced, and afraid after this earthquake. Comfort those who mourn with the sure hope of the resurrection, strengthen rescuers and caregivers in their dangerous and exhausting work, provide food, medicine, shelter, and peace to all in need, and grant Your Church courage and mercy to serve in the name of Christ; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A Gift for Earthquake Disaster Relief

03/13/2026

Today our Oklahoma District LERT team got to proclaim Christ as the reason for all we do on the news as they help people recover from the tornado that hit earlier this week.

Cleanup efforts continue in Beggs after an EF-3 tornado tore through the community, leaving damaged homes and debris scattered across neighborhoods.

01/23/2026

Some great advice for the coming winter storm.

Just a few tips for generator use should you need one in the upcoming days. Never use double male ended extension cord to back feed into your home outlets. It can cause fires in your home and kill linemen. If you aren't powering devices directly with an extension cord, have a generator transfer switch or interlock kit installed. Also, should there be any overhead utility lines on the ground, always treat them as energized. Every utility line, including phone and internet, can carry fatal voltages. Stay away and call the utility company to make them safe.