Ebola Fears

With a second health worker being diagnosed with Ebola in Dallas many people have been asking about what can be done to prevent Ebola. Since Ebola is only transmitted by direct contact with an effected person and/or his body fluids,most of us are not at a very high risk of being exposed to the disease at this time.


The Mayo Clinic has published the following information about Ebola Prevention.

Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with the viruses. The following precautions can help prevent infection and spread of Ebola and Marburg.

• Avoid areas of known outbreaks. Before traveling to Africa, find out about current epidemics by checking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
• Wash your hands frequently. As with other infectious diseases, one of the most important preventive measures is frequent hand-washing. Use soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid bush meat. In developing countries, avoid buying or eating the wild animals, including nonhuman primates, sold in local markets.
• Avoid contact with infected people. In particular, caregivers should avoid contact with the person's body fluids and tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. People with Ebola or Marburg are most contagious in the later stages of the disease.
• Follow infection-control procedures. If you're a health care worker, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye shields. Keep infected people isolated from others. Dispose of needles and sterilize other instruments.
• Don't handle remains. The bodies of people who have died of Ebola or Marburg disease are still contagious. Specially organized and trained teams should bury the remains, using appropriate safety equipment.

LCMS Worship Director Shares the Importance of the Gospel after Disasters

The Rev. Will Weedon shares the importance of sharing God's Word and His love to people in the aftermath of disaster. "When you go through a time of suffering, never doubt that God loves you," Weedon says in the video. "The Church is there to proclaim that. It's a message that I think, at that moment, people will cling to with everything they've got if we just hold it forth to them." Learn more about LCMS Disaster 

Fall Storms

The Storms that blew through our area last Thursday left tree limbs down and people without electricity for several days. The Disaster Care Ministry put our LERT Chainsaw Certification work.

Over the last few days we have assist four families in the remove of downed trees and/or tree limbs from there yards. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance with tree limbs or any other damage from the storms please contact me at disastercare@bslc.net .

LCMS Disaster Response: Providing Physical and Spiritual Care

LCMS President Thanks Disaster Response Supporters

Report on 2014 International Disaster Response Conference

Disaster Care Ministry

Report On Standing with Mercy in

Times of Disaster

The 2014 Lutheran International Disaster Response Conference

Concordia Theological Seminary- Fort Wayne, Indiana

September 23-26 2014

The International Disaster Conference was a great opportunity for those of us in the Disaster Community to Network, Learn and Focus on God's Mercy in the midst of Disaster This years focus was “Standing on Mercy in Times of Disaster.” Throughout the conference, we gathered together to learn and discuss how to care for one another in the midst of crisis and how to live under the cross of Christ while extending the hope He offers to those in despair.



We began with an Opening Chapel Service.



Our first session was “ Relief Efforts in Lebanon.” Mr Eric Gates, regional Director, African and Middle Eastern , Lutheran Hour Ministries and Mr. Fadi Khairallah, Director of Middle Eastern Lutheran Ministry shared a case study of how LHM is reaching out to help refugies fleeing from ISIS in Iraq and Syria into Lebanon. See http://lhmlebanon.wordpress.com to see more.



Our next session, lead by Rev. William Weedon, was “Worship in Times of Tragedy.” His focus was that it is truly meet right and Salutary that we at all times (even in disaster) and in all places (even in the rubble left behind) give thanks to You, Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We looked at Isaiah 51:3, Romans 8, Habakkuk 3and Hymns 395 and 516 in LSB. We need God's Word when we are in times of crisis.



Day two kicked of with “2014 lean Earthquake and City on Fire: A Case Study” presented by Rev Cristian Rautenberg, President, Lutheran Confessional Church in Chile, and Rev. Alejandro Lopez. They shared how as they changed focus from simple social work to work with Gospel and Mercy, they experienced a “Boom” in Growth. They spoke about how from 2010 to the present they prepared for disaster in better ways, Employ a ministry of presents and working with Lutheran Hour Ministries toprovide Bible and religious materials along side the physical aid.



We Next attended a wonderful Chapel Service led by Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya.
The next Session was “Theology of Suffering : Martin Luther: Preacher of the Cross” presented by Rev. John Pless. Rev Pless spoke on the “Why” question. The mercy we receive through our salvation turns our lives toward those in need of mercy. To care for them is to care for Christ.



Next Rev Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response spoke on “Mercy as a Witness in Our Life Together.” He shared with us many of the resources available to help use share God's mercy as we respond to disaster.



Next Rev James Cerdenola, President, Lutheran Church in the Philippiness, Rev Nicolas Ranara and Rev Xavier Palattao presented an cas study on the Philippines. They discussed how the International Lutheran Church had assisted after the sunami and how God's mercy continues to be shown to victims of the storm.



Wednesday night was the Disaster Response Conference Banquet. The Key Note Speaker was Rev. Timothy Yeadon, President, LCMS New England District. He spoke on the LCMS responses after the Sandy Hook Shootings and the Boston Marathon Bombing.



On Thursday we began the day with Rev. Matthew Harrison, President, The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod speaking to us on “the Theology of Mercy.” "Virtually every aspect of the Faith drives us out of ourselves to our neighbor," stated Pastor Harrison as he unpacks the theology for mercy.
We then enjoyed a very uplifting Chapel service with Rev Cristian Rautenberg,, President of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile providing the Hominy.



Rev. Ross Johnson then made a presentation on the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and disaster Response. He spoke on the role of the church in times of disaster. How it is important for us to care for the pastor and the congregation before we reach out to the community. Rev Johnson about what LCMS is doing in times of disaster including Lutheran Emergency Response Teams.



Rev. Johnsons Presentation was followed up by a case study on Hurricane Sandy presentrd by Vicar Tom Cusanelli, Hurricane Sandy Recovery Coordinator, LCMS Atlantic District. Vicar Cusanelli spoke about the Lutheran Presents that exist in the Rockaways today as a direct result of the ongoing LCMS Mercy work after Sandy. It is nice to know that the flood buckets sent from Texas had a small part in this remarkable story.



We next listened to “Self-Care for Church Workers in a time of Crisis.” Emphasizing the challenge of training with prayer and Scripture to greet crisis in a Christian way, Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs of Concordia Seminary reminds us, "Bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to bear in disasters is part of the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do." David, Paul, and others in Scripture addressed God in their times of darkness and trouble, and we share their same confidence in our Lord's grace, help, and faithfulness.



Rev. Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher Dean of Pastoral Education at the LCMS Fort Wayne Theoligical Seminary inspired us with his talk “Sharing the Gospel in a Time of Suffering” Some people may tell disaster victims that they somehow deserve their crisis, Fickenscher said. But we shouldn't assign guilt where God's Word doesn't, he continued. While Jesus doesn't always give us all the information, He is really there and working things to His glory and our good. During suffering, we cannot promise what God does not promise, but we can stick with His Word on the matter. His word and promise are far stronger.
On Friday Rev Rob Johnson Took the group through an Introduction to the new LERT Manual and Rev. Michael Meyer Lead a panel discussion before officially closing the conference.
In addition to all the great sesions at the conference I had plenty of time to network withother participants. I was able to talk to Becky Peterson and Rev Makelin from Pilger. They shared with me that they have just set up their temporary church and are working with an architect on disigning their new Facilities. Rev Makelin and his wife have just moved into their new home.They are hoping we might come back next spring to help rebuild the community.



I spoke with the folks envolved with the Lutheran Amateur Radio Support Network. I learned some useful information the Disaster Care Ministry may want to consider.



I network with a number of other friends in the LCMS. The Conference was a valueable experience.



Blessings,



David Ricks
Chairman, Disaster Care Ministry
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, LC-MS
Arlington, TX

L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Training

On Friday and Saturday the Disaster Care Ministry at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church put on a Chainsaw Training seminar. The Training was led by Rev. Ed Br Brashier, the Executive Director of Shepard's Heart Disaster Care Ministry.

We had twenty people in attendance from seven area congregations. We had three hours of classroom training on Friday evening, followed by a morning of hands on training on Saturday. Those who completed the training received L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Certification.

Special Thanks to LCMS Disaster Response for Providing funds for Rev. Brashier to travel from Alabama to put on the training.

Arkansas Disaster Relief Servant Event

Disaster Relief Servant Event                          Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28

Peace Lutheran in Conway, Arkansas and Lamb of God in Flower Mound will be hosting a servant event in the Mayflower & Vilonia areas of Arkansas. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with rebuilding tasks that include framing, roofing, painting, siding, fence building, etc.  Cleanup is complete. Housing/accommodations will be made available at Peace Lutheran Church. Age 16 and up is preferred. To register for this event please visit the LOG website and click on the Servant Event graphic.  Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 23^rd.

 

For more information please contact Steve Fruendt at disasterresponse@log.org

Include Your Pets in Your Disaster Plan

The best way to protect your household from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it's not safe for you to stay behind then it's not safe to leave pets behind either. Take action now so you know how to best care for your furry friends when the unexpected occurs.

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.)


Contact hotels and motels outside your local area to check their policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if "no pet" policies can be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with your disaster supplies.


Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.


Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.


Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster.

Putting Together a Family Disaster Kit

September is National Preparedness Month. 

When disaster strikes, there is usually little time to assemble the items you need. This is why you should put together a family disaster kit.  Items you may need in your disaster kit will vary in different areas; however, you will want to include the following:
1.) A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water (one gallon per day per person)
2.) A change of clothing and footwear per person
3.) One blanket or sleeping bag per person
4.) A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines in original containers
5.) Emergency tools
6.) A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
7.) A flashlight with extra batteries
8.) An extra set of car keys
9.) A credit card or cash
10.) Special items needed for infants, the elderly or disabled members of your family
11.) Rubber gloves
12.) Any perscription medication
13.) Sanitation supplies

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the 
shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. Psalm 57:1

Reuniting You Family

September is Preparedness Month. If a disaster strikes your community, you should  have a plan to reunite your family.

Pick two places to meet: 1) a place outside your home for an emergency like a fire, and 2) a place outside your neighborhood, in case you can not return home. Pick a friend or relative outside your area as your "family check-in contact" in the event your family get separated, Make sure everyone has that phone number,

It is not to late to sign up for LERT Chainsaw training at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX. If you are interested in attending contact David Ricks at disastercare@bslc.net. The training will be from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday Sept 12 with one hour, hands on, small group training scheduled for Saturday morning (you will sign up for your time slot Friday night).

Pilger Update

The Disaster Care Ministry Sent a team to Pilger in early July to assist in cleaning up after the twin Tornadoes that devastated the town. This week Sherri, one of the team members returned to Nebraska on vacation. She stopped off at Pilger to deliver candlesticks and a check for an Alter Bible (or whatever else they might need) to St John's Lutheran Church.

As of this time they are still waiting for their temporary church building. One is being built specifically for their use. St John's has received enough money to rebuild the church building, however it will take at least a year to rebuild the church. They were pouring concrete for the parsonage the day Sherri Dropped by. Below are some of the photos  Sherri shared.

Pouring concrete for parsanage Basement

Salvaged Middle School entrance

Pilger Day 4

We completed day four of our work in pilger. It was about the same as yesterday.We continued to remove small debris from what use to be residential lots. Sherri and I were again supervising the work group, Dan was driving the trash vehicle and Joy was doing data entry for the staff. We enjoyed working with Becky Peterson and the rest of her staff. We were blessed to be able to serve the people of Pilger, NE.

Disaster Response in Pilger Day 3

Today our team was split up. Dan drove the 4 wheeler that toed the garbage tailor. Joy reorganized the tool storage and did some data entry for the Emergency Management folks and Sherri and I lead a clean up team.

Disaster Response in Pilger NE, Day 2

Today began day two of our work in Pilger, NE. The day began with a heavy fog. We almost missed Pilger from the Highway because of the fog.

We started out cleaning wood and Styrofoam out of a farmers field.Just of the field we were working in was a giant pile (mountain) of derbies.

We completed this task around 10:30 and moved to cleaning some yards of houses in town. At 11:15 Sherri and I left the group to fix lunch. We grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and Chicken breast for all the volunteers. Lunch was served at 12:15.      

After Lunch we attended worship at the site were St Paul's use to stand. The worship, although a little hot, was very enjoyable. After worshipwe mingled with the locals and other volunteers.

Disaster Response in Pilger NE, Day !

We just completed the first day of work at Pilger. We Cleaned small debris from around the Middle School and St Paul Lutheran Church. We met some new friends from Illinois, Iowa, and of coarse Nebraska. We had the opportunity to talk with several people who survived the storm.

We spoke with Pastor Makelin about the Church and the resilience of the congregation. Becky and the whole Emergency Management Team did a great job of feeding us lunch..

Here are a few pictures from Today

The Area we worked in Prior to any clean up

Same Area toward the end of the day today.

The Bell tower is all that was left of the church building and parsonage

Star the comfort dod Met us at lunch!

Cleaning Debries

At lunch

At work in Pilger

We are working in Pilger, NE today.

Heading for Pilger

This Morning a small group from the Disaster Care Ministry at Beautiful Savior Lutheran in Arlington, TX are headed to Pilger Nebraska to assist in clean up. It has been just over two weeks since twin tornadoes devastated the  the town. As time allows I will post about our trip.

Hurricane Arthur Made Landfall This Evening Near Cape Lookout

Hurricane Arthur made brief  landfall this evening near Cape Lookout, NC as a Category 2 Hurricane. Arthur Currently has sustained winds of 100 mph.This is the first Category 2 storm to make landfall in the U.S. since Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Arthur is expected to bring strong winds, torrential  rains and extensive flooding to the Outer Banks.

Please keep those in Arthur's path in your prayers.

From the National Hurricane Center:

Arthur has been Upgraded to a Hurricane

Arthur has officially been upgraded to a hurricane. The outer rain bands are already reaching the southern portion of North Carolina. It is expected to make brief landfall as a category 2  hurricane before skirting the east coast, dumping a lot of rain on the eastern sea board this holiday weekend. Please keep those in Arthur's path in your prayers.

From the National Hurricane Center

First Named Storm in the Atlantic for This Hurricane Season

The Tropical Depression of the coast of Florida has been upgraded to the first named storm in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to Slowly drift northwest over night before turning north on Wednesday. By Thursday it could strengthen to a category 1 Hurricane and  could approach the North Carolina Coastline. Arthur could create a wet 4th of July along the East Coast.

The Disaster Care Ministry is planning a Trip to Pilger, Nebraska to Assist in Tornado Clean up

The Disaster Care Ministry is planning to travel to Pilger, Nebraska to assist with clean-up after the devastating twin tornadoes ripped through the town. We will be leaving on July 3rd and returning July 8th. If you are interested in joining us on this trip or would like more details please e-mail disastercare@bslc.net .


There are great needs for farmers who lost their homes, barns, crops, equipment, and cattle. An incredible amount of debris was scattered throughout the fields. There is now an urgent need to walk the fields - especially the corn fields, to clean out the debris before the corn grows too high. Volunteers are desperately needed to walk the fields and clean up the debris before the crops grow much more. It will be dangerous to harvest the crops later if the debris is still in the fields as it will destroy the harvesting equipment.

Holy Cow Smokers at Lamb of God are selling their smokers Pit

The Holy Cow Smokers at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound have outgrown their Smokers pit. They are buying a bigger smoker and would like to sell the current one to another church ministry. Below are the details. Please pass this along if you know of anyone who might be interested.

Used, Custom Built, East Texas Smoker Company Extra Large Capacity Reverse Flow Smoker. LOADED with all the extras! Custom built in December 2012. Only used for 18 months. $16,000.

Contact Steve @ 817-946-6735 or pfruendt@yahoo.com

Trailer:

• 6’ 11” x 14-ft tandem axle trailer.
• 2000-lb. jack
• Trailer Brakes
• 3500-lb trailer axles and springs
• Newly purchased 15-inch tires and wheels.
• Spare tire and carrier
• Comes with title.

Smoker:

• Reverse smoker design uses three plates to transfer smoke and heat.
• 10-ft, 350-gallon tank, 1/4 inch thick steel, 30 inches in height.
• Large capacity. Approximately 350 pounds in one load!
• Includes hog doors for a whole hog.
• The pit has six fully removable racks for easy cleaning; bottom racks are roughly 30" x 29"; top racks are 30" x 26".
• Locking system on all doors for safety and security.

Insulated Firebox:

• 2-ft long and 2-ft wide by 2-ft tall.

Huge Warming Box:

• 2-ft x 2-ft x 3 ½-ft box built out of ¼-inch steel.
• 4 grated, removable racks
• Able to cook with smoke or without smoke

Large Charcoal Grill:

• 4’x 2’ cooking surface.
• Double doors for easy fire starting and clean-up.
• Charcoal rack may be raised or lowered for temperature control.

Workstation/Bar:

• Stainless steel workstation, bar, and prep area

 Custom Cutting Board:

• 2’ x 3’ x ¾” restaurant grade cutting board.
• Cutting board mounted to 36” full extension drawer sliders. Capacity 500 lb. at full extension. Storage underneath

Sinks and Holding Tanks:

• Custom 24 X 40 X 5” stainless steel sink.
• Faucet with restaurant style pre rinse sprayer.
• Tankless hot water heater
• 14-gallon fresh water holding tank
• 14-gallon grey water holding tank
• Shur-pro 12-volt water pump

12-Volt Electrical System:

• 12-volt deep cycle marine battery with case
• AC/DC inverter to charge battery and run 12-volt systems when plugged into 110-volt

110-Volt Electrical System:

• 50-foot, 12 gauge extension cord.
• 8 – 110 volt outlets

Temperature Control System:

• BBQ Guru Temp Control System
• 3-25 CFM Fans mounted to firebox
• This unit will keep the temperature consistent in your pit without lifting a finger.

 Custom LP Burners:

• Constructed of 3/16-inch plate steel for durability.

 Trailer LP Plumbing:

• 20 PSI High Pressure Regulator
• 20, 30, 40lb tandem propane bottle rack.
• Trailer plumbed with ½-inch black pipe.

5-Drawer Utility Box

• 5 Slide-out drawers for keeping utensils and other necessities
• Lockable for Security

Great CPR training at Beautiful Savior on Saturday

We had a great CPR, AED, and First Aid on Saturday Morning. Thanks to are instructor Michele Gomez-Lafall with Absolute CPR training we are all certified and will know what to do if we need to act.

Here are a few picture,from the training:

Tornado Damage in Pilger, Nebraska

From LCMS Disaster Response

When Pastor Terry Makelin of St. John Lutheran Church in Pilger, Neb., returned home following Monday’s deadly twin tornadoes, he found “pretty much nothing.” “The church building is not there,” he told Issues, Etc. “It was built on a slab. It blew it completely out into the field next door. The only thing standing was the bell tower. The parsonage itself there were two closets that stood, otherwise all the walls came down." In addition to destroying Makelin’s church and home, the storm also damaged the homes of several St. John members. See LCMS Disaster Response photos from Nebraska and listen to an Issues, Etc., interview with Makelin: http://blogs.lcms.org/2014/photos-video-audio-describe-nebraska-tornado. Donate to LCMS Disaster Response at www.lcms.org/disaster. (Photos LCMS Communications/Al Dowbnia)

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