When a tornado tore through Washington, Illinois in 2013, Dick “Doc” Schellin read about it in a Lutheran Church Charities newsletter. It hit close to home, just a couple hours from where he grew up in Des Plaines. But what stayed with him wasn’t just the damage. It was the question: Who shows up to help?

Living in Fort Worth at the time, Dick began inquiring about disaster response resources within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Texas. His outreach led him to a certified chainsaw trainer, prompting a small group from St. Paul to organize for training.

What started with a few phone calls has grown over the last decade into a dedicated team. Today our Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) is a trained volunteer network providing mercy-based disaster relief. Beyond clearing debris and assisting with chainsaw work, the team helps homeowners and congregations navigate the long road to recovery.

“There are many ways to be the hands and feet of God,” Dick says. “But when disaster strikes, you need boots on the ground.”

Ready to Respond

First deployed after the 2015 Mother’s Day tornado in Van, Texas, LERT has since served communities across Texas and neighboring states. They provide both practical and spiritual support—distributing Bibles, sharing conversations, and making prayer a cornerstone of every response. “You’re helping people who have lost everything and expecting nothing in return,” Dick says. “That is where the true reward is.”

It reflects lives lived generously, giving time and effort to serve others in their moment of need. That same spirit shapes how LERT prepares its volunteers. Training equips them not just with skills, but with purpose. From basic response to chainsaw certification, teams are ready to serve safely and effectively while keeping the focus on ministry. It’s what sets LERT apart: care for both body and soul.

That mindset continues to guide Dick today. Even as major deployments have slowed in recent years and a stroke has limited his ability to do hands-on work, his commitment hasn’t changed. Every week, he writes prayers for those impacted by disasters.

“Recovery is a long process, usually years,” he says. “Long after the news cameras leave, people are still there, working hard to rebuild. I don’t want them, or their children, to be forgotten.”

Closer to home, the team remains active across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, addressing local needs while staying prepared for the next call. Because in disaster relief, there is always a “next call.”

Answering the Call

When that moment comes, we need people willing to step in, whether for a day or a week, to serve with compassion and purpose. Men and women of all backgrounds are welcome. No prior experience is required, only a willingness to learn and serve.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a tangible difference when it matters most, this is your opportunity. To join the ministry, contact Dick Schellin for details on upcoming training sessions. When disaster strikes, mercy needs a way in—and you can be part of that response.