Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Team Assists with Tornado Cleanup in Portage, Michigan

Lutheran Church Charities volunteers have joined efforts to assist with cleanup following a devastating tornado that struck Portage, Michigan. Nearly two weeks after the EF-2 tornado caused significant damage, the Disaster Response Team traveled from Illinois to provide aid to those affected. The team’s presence marks a continued commitment to supporting communities in need through disaster response initiatives.

Jerry Kuss, a Portage resident whose home and property were damaged, expressed surprise at the storm’s impact. “I just figured it wouldn’t hit here,” he said, noting that while such events are often seen on television, they are rarely expected to affect one’s own community. The Lutheran Church Charities team, however, arrived to offer tangible support during a time of need.

Kathy O’Day, director of Disaster Response for Lutheran Church Charities, emphasized the team’s mission to bring mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering after a disaster. “We are the hands and feet of Christ,” she explained, highlighting the spiritual and practical dimensions of their work. O’Day, who has volunteered for several years, described her role as a deaconess and a calling to serve.

The team’s efforts include helping residents clean up debris and repair damage. O’Day shared that the emotional toll of disaster is often as profound as the physical destruction. “You hear what happened to them. There’s a lot of loss—belonging, homes, and sometimes life,” she said. “You get to walk alongside that person for a period of time.” This week, she is walking alongside Jerry Kuss, who described the team’s assistance as a “Godsend” and a “blessing.”

O’Day noted that while she has worked in many locations, the personal stories she encounters remain deeply impactful. The Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Team will continue their efforts in Portage over the next two weeks, focusing on cleaning up several properties. Their work reflects a broader commitment to serving those in need, embodying the principle of caring for the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service—values that guide the team’s mission.

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