On May 29, 2024, a series of tornados, some confirmed as EF4, roared through Northwest Arkansas, causing widespread damage to Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale. Over 70 homes and buildings were destroyed, and thousands of trees were uprooted, broken, or damaged. 

LCMS Disaster Response and Mid-South District Disaster Response Coordinator Janet Simko requested the assistance of trained LERT volunteers and equipment to assist in cleanup work on behalf of the 5 affected local LCMS churches. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hosted LERT volunteers, providing sleeping space, showers, and nourishing homecooked meals. 

FGLER's "new" Bobcat MT100 mini-track loader was brought the 1,000 miles from Florida. Over 30 hours were put on the loader over two weeks, saving countless hours of back-breaking and tiring manual labor hauling several hundred tons of limbs and logs.

FGLER Directors Joel Mathews and Jim Rice provided skilled chainsaw and loader operation. While the trip up and back was long, and the work hot and exhausting, both shared how rewarding and fulfilling the experience was, being able to help those who could not help themselves and sharing the love of Christ.

On March 25, 2024, Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response, Inc. was awarded Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

To extend its mission outreach, education and social ministry, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod works with independent Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) that agree to ensure their programs are in harmony with the doctrine and practice of the LCMS.

Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) are 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations that are independent of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, but they operate ministry programs that foster the mission and ministry of the church. 

RSO organizations reach out in mercy and love to meet the needs of those who are suffering, poor, sick or lonely. They address human, social, economic, educational and spiritual needs.

Hurricane Idalia struck North Florida and Southern Georgia August 30. While it was determined that a large, organized response would not be done, that did not mean there was no response. Between August 30 and October 14 FGLER volunteers helped by:

• Cleanup Days: 8

• Assessment Days: 3

• Total Jobs on List: 8

• Jobs completed: 7 (1 job was already done by others)

• Tarp Job: 1

• Tree Jobs: 7 (Completed: 6)

• Total Number Volunteers: 13

• LERT-trained Volunteers: 6

• Total Volunteer Hours: 224.75

• Tree Job Hours: 208.75

• Assessment Hours: 8

• Tarping Hours: 2

• Skid Steer Hours: 28.1

• Number of Trees: 27

• LCMS Member Jobs: 6

• Church Properties: 2 (Good Shepherd/Chiefland and Messiah/Valdosta)

• Personal Properties: 5

Thanks to LCMS Disaster Response, and donor churches and individuals, FGLER was able to repair our Bobcat MT85 AND purchase a brand new Bobcat MT100. These 2 machines greatly increase our capacity to assist with storm debris cleanup.

Contact us if you would like to be one of our Bobcat Operator!

info@fgler.org

 While it Little Rock, our Bobcat MT85 broke down, with a major repair needed. *UPDATE* THANK YOU!!!!  We have received multiple donations and grants from LCMS Disaster Response, the FLGA and SELC Districts.  

Repairs are complete on the MT85. 

We picked up our new Bobcat MT100 skid steer!

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!!!!

May 2023. At the request of LCMS Disaster Response and the LCMS Mid-South District, FGLER team members responded with the Bobcat MT85 for tree and debris cleanup.