On May 16, 2025, a devastating tornado struck the St. Louis area and left substantial destruction in its wake. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in North St. Louis stepped up immediately following the storms to serve their community and offer encouragement to neighbors whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO), CPH’s charitable arm, brought Christ-centered resources into the community to bring the comfort of the Gospel as cleanup efforts began.
The Hope of the Gospel
Led by Pastor Gerard Bolling, the members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church jumped into action and began cleaning up the chaos the tornado left behind. They also came together to pray with community members to show them compassion and the love of our Savior during these dark times.
Pastor Bolling shared,
“I think, at this moment, God is calling us to step up. We need to care for our people—not just their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well. We need to be there for them in those moments.”
Bethlehem has long focused on building bridges in the community, particularly between the Lutheran and Black communities. People in the community have been grateful to see Bethlehem members out on the streets helping with the disaster relief effort, but it does not come as a surprise, as the church’s roots in community service go deep.
CGO also has a long history of providing materials that share the comforting message of the Gospel with those experiencing the tragedies of natural disasters. Following the tornado, CPH team members delivered 2,000 Bibles, devotionals, and children’s books to assist Bethlehem in sharing the hope of the Gospel. In addition, CPH employees generously contributed $2,500 to aid Bethlehem’s relief efforts.
The Work Continues
Pastor Bolling emphasized that the work doesn’t end with Bethlehem’s initial cleanup efforts or CGO’s donation of Christ-centered resources. There are many more ways for everyone to get involved.
“Some tasks require specific skills, like moving boxes or cooking, while others don’t require any skill at all, like writing a thoughtful note or handing out basic hygiene items. Whatever your skillset, you’ll find a way to volunteer.”
Bethlehem has provided ways to volunteer and donate financially on their website. The church is also planning to feed three meals a day to 400 people in their school building and is currently figuring out a way to get air conditioning into the gymnasium so they can provide short-term housing, as many people have been displaced. Food and water are also being handed out to community members affected by the storm.
“There is no real ‘short term’ to any reconstruction of homes and lives, and the needs are so great,” Pastor Bolling said. “While we maintain our regular church functions—Word and Sacrament ministry, Bible studies—we also serve children and families right here in the community, sharing the love of Jesus and offering hope.”
Share hope in Jesus with disaster-stricken communities like these by donating to CGO’s Disaster Relief Fund.
