Midwestern K& Southeastern US storms from May 15-16, 2025
May 15-16, 2025 significant storms wrecked havoc across Midwestern and Southeastern United States. These storms spawned 60 reported tornadoes. One of which hit Concordia Seminary in St Louis. LERT volunteers quickly jumped into action to clear dangerous and downed trees across campus so they the seminary could reschedule their commencement exercises for the following day. Our LERT volunteers jumped into action and made the property safe and accessible to move forward with commencement. Over the next week, LERT teams cleared over 150 trees from the property.
The following was shared by Concordia Seminary:
In the immediate aftermath, students, staff and volunteers worked side by side to clear debris, reopen walkways and prepare the campus for the rescheduled celebration. Support also came from beyond the campus. Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT), in partnership with LCMS Disaster Response, quickly mobilized to assist in the cleanup. These teams are part of a national network organized by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to train and deploy volunteers in response to disasters across the country.
“We do this because we’re blessed, and we believe we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We really take that to heart,” said Kris Schuldt, leader of the LERT team on campus. “We serve out of joy and gratitude, and we travel across the country to help wherever we’re needed.”
As the cleanup efforts continue in these next days and weeks, the Seminary community is deeply grateful for the LERT teams, for one another and for the clear evidence of God’s provision in challenging times.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV)
In Christ,
Rev. Trae Fistler
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