At Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, a lap around the installation is 3.2 miles.

This week, more than 1,000 soldiers from Texas and Oklahoma made three laps for the annual Warfighter Spirit's Norwegian Foot March, a timed 18.6-mile ruck march competition with high-ranking military personnel watching and foreign military badge honors on the line.

With thousands of family members, fellow soldiers, Department of Defense personnel, and media in attendance, five Lutheran Church Charities K-9 and Kare 9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma cheered on the competitors, providing emotional care throughout the stress-inducing, 8-hour event, in which airmen carry a 25-pound dry rucksack over the course. The competition is designed to promote  endurance, resilience and joint-force readiness.

Lackland AFB officials anticipated that as many as 400 soldiers would not meet their target time and fail the event, not earning their foreign military badge.

Competitors who fall short are heartbroken after dedicating hundreds of hours to training for the event.

​LCC Kare 9 Comfort Dogs Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX), Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX), and Martha (Bethany - Austin, TX) joined LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Persis (Christ The Redeemer - Tulsa, OK) and Triton (Messiah - Plano, TX) to bring a calm, steady, reassuring presence for competitors, their families, and other military members gathered at the base’s Basic Military Training Pfingston Reception Center.

The LCC contingent, which featured veterans from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force among the handlers, were uniquely experienced to connect with and encourage the military members and their loved ones.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry is an outreach by veterans for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Kare 9 handlers and their dogs are trained to visit military installations, VA hospitals, VFW halls, veteran clinics, Traumatic Brain Injury Care Centers, Yellow Ribbon Ceremonies, and homebound veterans, bringing the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ.  

LCC thanks the teams who cheered on these soldiers:

Nancy Opheim (U.S. Air Force) and JoAnn Kurtz with Elijah Kare 9 (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX)
Karen Gastler and Kim Gastler (U.S. Navy) with Joy Kare 9 (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX)
Jim Shivertaker (U.S. Army) and Ken Wehmeyer (U.S. Army) with Martha Kare 9 (Bethany - Austin, TX)
Lori Knoepfel and Diane Fager with Persis (Christ The Redeemer - Tulsa, OK)
Jerry & Jane Baedke with Triton (Messiah - Plano, TX)

LCC Cares met with volunteers from Illinois, Missouri, and Texas last week to share ideas about expanding human care ministries in their congregations, with thought-provoking discussion centered on hospitality, belonging, and volunteer wellness. The online gathering featured guest speaker Rev. Gerard Boling from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, who shared about what it truly means to create a welcoming and inviting environment within our LCMS congregations.

A key focus of the evening was exploring the “Wheel of Belonging” and how it can help congregations thoughtfully examine the experiences of those outside the church. Together, participants reflected on how physical spaces, interpersonal interactions, communication styles, and congregational culture all contribute to whether someone feels comfortable, safe, and genuinely welcomed. The discussion encouraged leaders to move beyond simple friendliness toward intentional belonging.

Participants also engaged in a hands-on activity centered on the Dimensions of Diversity. This interactive exercise invited attendees to consider the many visible and invisible aspects of identity that shape each person’s experience. By broadening awareness of diversity within our communities, leaders can better foster environments where all individuals feel seen, valued, and respected.
 
In addition, the group explored the use of a basic stress inventory as a practical tool for ministry teams. Understanding how well a volunteer can manage stress is an important part of sustainable service. By recognizing stress levels and capacity, congregations can better support volunteers, prevent burnout, and ensure that ministry remains life-giving rather than overwhelming.
 
The February meeting offered both spiritual encouragement and practical tools for strengthening our ministries. LCC is grateful to Pastor Bolling for his insights and to all who participated in the discussion and activities.
 
Mark your calendars for the next LCC Cares Ministry Network meeting on April 28, when the group will focus on food pantry and community meal ministries. Explore best practices, share stories, and discuss ways to expand your church’s impact as you and LCC serve neighbors in need. Join LCC and ministry partners in continuing the conversation and growing together in faithful service.

The snowfall was an adventurer’s dream — several feet of light, fluffy powder dumped after a late winter storm in the Sierra Nevadas near the California border. Good for skiing and exploring. Also ripe for danger. 

Sadly, a group of backpackers traversing the backcountry around Castle Peak were trapped in a sudden avalanche last week and perished, shocking the nearby mountain town of Truckee and devastating the country as the accident made national news.

Six of the victims were women reveling in nature during a moms’ getaway weekend. Three were trained guides leading them. Nine people confirmed lost — the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. 

In response, a ministry team of Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion personnel deployed to the scene to be present for two candlelight vigils, pray with those mourning, and uplift first responders helping a community in shock. ​

Last week, six LCC K‑9 Comfort Dog teams were called to serve at the funeral of Britney Ann Doyle, a young mother of three from Manhattan, IL. The team — Caleb (Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN), Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL), Jael (Trinity, Hobart, IN), Michael (LCC Staff), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL) — positioned themselves at both ends of the funeral home lobby to gently welcome and support those who came to mourn.

Throughout the evening, mourners shared heartfelt memories of Britney with the handlers — stories that included words like kind, gentle, loving, caring. Many recalled not only her devotion to her daughters but also the deep impact she had on the volleyball players she coached. Her compassion clearly touched every corner of her life.

Noticing the golden retrievers, one mourner smiled through tears and said Britney “would be in her glory with all the goldens.” Another visitor approached Michael Comfort Dog and paused, sharing quietly, “You’re from Lutheran Church Charities. I know it’s not the same, but I was adopted from Lutheran Social Services.” As he knelt to pet Michael, memories resurfaced, overwhelming him with emotion. The handler was able to pray with him in that moment of unexpected vulnerability and connection.

Britney’s daughters received stuffed Comfort Dogs by the handlers. Throughout the night, they clutched the Comfort Dog pups close, holding tight to the warmth and reassurance they symbolized.

The presence of the Comfort Dogs brought moments of peace, steady companionship, and gentle reminders of hope to a grieving community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continues to be a quiet blessing in the places where hearts are heaviest.

With the red carpet rolled out at “Night to Shine” last week, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were on hand to bring their special presence of care, comfort, and joy.

Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lincoln, NE), Keren (Immanuel Ellsworth, KS), Nicodemus (The Rock Seward, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Fremont, NE) and their teams were glowing with excitement — still are — at the celebration sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, NE.
 
But the star of the night was Jesus, the Shining Light, whom the gathering celebrated as King under the theme verse Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

It was a powerful reflection of God’s love in action. With 238 honored guests on hand, crowns were placed. Limos arrived. Smiles stretched wide across the room. But what made Night to Shine truly extraordinary was the truth that every king and queen is a VIP — not just to us, but to God.

To shine is to visibly reflect the character, presence, and glory of God through a life surrendered to Christ, so that others are drawn to Him.
 
On this unforgettable night, God shined brightly — in ways only He can. His light filled every corner of the room, and darkness never stood a chance. Even when the enemy tried, God’s joy, peace, and purpose prevailed.
 
As part of the worldwide Night to Shine movement through the Tim Tebow Foundation, Trinity joined hundreds of churches across the globe honoring individuals with special needs. What unfolded was not simply a prom — it was a living testimony of dignity, joy, and community.
 
Hundreds of thousands around the world experience this celebration each year, made possible by the love and dedication of incredible volunteers. It is a reminder that when the Body of Christ comes together to serve, lives are transformed.
 
In Fremont, the evening was about being seen, celebrated, and crowned as royalty for the 238 honored guests.
 
From red carpet entrances and professional photos to hair styling, nail stations, shoe shines, dancing, and thoughtfully created low-stimulation spaces, every detail communicated value.

Confidence blossomed. Laughter filled the air. Light‑up shoes flashed across the dance floor. Painted nails were proudly displayed.

As one parent shared: “Watching my daughter SHINE was priceless.”
 
Moments like these affirmed what we know to be true: celebration has the power to uplift, restore confidence, and speak identity over a life. And the K-9 Comfort Dogs were happy to join the fun.

Night to Shine transforms those who serve just as deeply as those being honored.

With more than 400 volunteers giving their time — decorating, setting up, styling hair, serving in respite rooms, dancing as buddies, cleaning, praying, and cheering — generosity overflowed in every direction.
 
One returning buddy shared: “It is the most special night of the year for me… No other night compares to this!”
 
Buddies formed genuine friendships. Laughter was shared. Stories were exchanged. Many volunteers left saying they felt more blessed than the guests themselves.
 
Serving became a gift.

More than 100 family members gathered in the Respite Rooms to experience rest, reassurance, and connection. Parents were able to relax and breathe deeply, knowing their loved ones were safe, celebrated, and thriving on the dance floor.
 
For other families, Night to Shine is a reminder that they are supported, valued, and never walking alone.
 
Throughout the event, Eden, Glory, Keren, Nicodemus, and Phinehas loved sharing snuggles, smiles, and tail wags throughout the evening.
 
Guests found calm in gentle pets and quiet moments. Anxiety softened. Smiles returned. Volunteers witnessed hugs, prayers, and positive conversations unfolding in real time. Many described it as a glimpse of heaven here on earth.
 
Even the smallest interactions carried eternal significance.
 
Night to Shine at Trinity will be more than a one‑evening celebration.

It will linger as a powerful reminder of the joy, dignity, and purpose discovered when a community unites to serve.
 
From honored guests to buddies, from families to behind‑the‑scenes volunteers, every heart in the room was impacted.
 
The crowns, the music, the decorations — they were beautiful. But the true shine was Jesus.
 
When we choose to reflect His light in our homes, churches, schools, and community, lives change — including our own. Because when God shows up, nothing can stop what He is doing.
 
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of community businesses, church partners, professional service providers, volunteer teams, and the hundreds who gave their time and talents to make this night possible.
 
An evening to honor, celebrate, and value individuals with special needs and their families. An incredible night filled with love.  
 
And when God shines… the light reaches far beyond a single night.

Funeral home directors are no stranger to sorrow and grief, and they and their families need to be comforted and supported.

This week, Melanie Curtis, director of Haase - Lockwood Funeral Home in Wisconsin, reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Ministry for comfort dog teams to come and support her own family. Last week, Curtis’s father passed away. 

Curtis knew the LCC Comfort Dogs from times she had requested teams show up for the families during hard times of loss. She noticed how much the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry helped and cared for others.

Her mother, Heidi, also knew about the comfort dogs and is a ministry supporter.

In January, when Melanie was sharing a prayer request with LCC about her father nearing the end of his earthly journey, she mentioned how much LCC’s care meant to her mom.

This week, four K-9 Comfort Dogs were present with the Curtis family during a time of mourning. Bethesda Comfort Dog (St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods, IL), Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Brookfield, WI),  Shadrach Comfort Dog (Prince of Peace Palatine), and Tobias Comfort Dog (Lord of Glory Grayslake, IL) met with the family at Haase – Lockwood for prayer, pets, and warm encouragement.

Upon seeing Comfort Dog Charity’s team, Heidi Curtis hugged team members tightly and expressed her deep appreciation. Although virtual strangers, the moment was touching and warm. 

“Our presence felt like a warm blanket or good cup of coffee,” one of Charity’s handlers recalled, saying that they became like adopted family. The team left coloring books and stuffie toys for the family’s nephews.

Tobias’s team met with Melanie’s sister Shannon and her two children, who knew Comfort Dog Adeena from their high school days in Hampshire, IL. Michael Curtis’s cousin Kathy also knew the K-9 Comfort Dogs from working at a school in Hoffman Estates.

That’s the impact of the Comfort Dog Ministry — the presence of the dogs and their handlers becomes like a familiar friend.

The family also will receive a Heart of Mercy & Compassion through the HMC team at Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin.

When LCC Ministry Partner volunteers get together to train, it’s no small gathering.

Last week, more than 210 volunteers from 55 church affiliates in 21 states joined a Zoom meeting to learn from one another and Lutheran Church Charities as they support the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with hearts to connect with people who are hurting and experiencing trauma or loss.

K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Partners work alongside handlers and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs as they serve their communities and beyond, by providing human care and compassion to those they meet. 

The goal of the Zoom training is for LCC to equip these valuable members of the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team as they go out and serve in their communities every day.

In addition to preparation from LCC staff, those that attended the training session had the opportunity to meet and learn from other Ministry Partners from across the country.

LCC celebrates and give thanks to the volunteers who joined for the session.

Salem, IN, teacher and coach John Heavin was a man whose mere presence uplifted people around him. He shared wisdom. He encouraged others. He quietly made a difference with his kind, steady manner that let his students and school community know that he cared deeply for them.

Last week, Heavin passed away suddenly from an illness, shocking the small town in southern Indiana.

“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this loss, and we are lifting his family up in prayer and surrounding them with love during this incredibly difficult time,” supporters wrote on a Facebook page tribute. “John’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the example he set of what it means to be a truly good human.”

The school of 400 students asked LCC to bring K-9 Comfort Dogs to the campus on Thursday to offer compassionate care to the senior class and others. Responding right away were Comfort Dogs Eternity (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), who traveled to be there and encourage hurting students, teachers, and administrators.

John Heavin taught government and economics at Salem High School and was a coach of the school’s athletics teams. Before that, he taught at the community’s middle school. 

He was known as a teacher and coach who impacted students through his words, actions, and the way he lived.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene spent nearly the entire school day on campus greeting students who were upset and struggling, plus teachers who were mourning their lost colleague.

Some standout moments:

• As Eternity Comfort Dog and team made their way around greeting students early in the day, Eternity moved toward a girl who had come in visibly upset and had hugged the counselor. Without hesitation, Eternity went right up to her and quietly snuggled in as the girl sat there crying. They sat together and snuggled for quite a while before the student left for her next class.

The next period, she came back and sat down with Eternity again, sharing that Eternity had made a “real impression” on her because she knew she was upset and knew exactly what she needed. Throughout the day, she came back every period to find us. Each time, she talked a little more and smiled a little more.
 
As our visit was ending, the girl told us that school would still be difficult, but seeing the dogs today made it so much better. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most powerful ministry moments happen quietly.

• The school’s teachers had planned a lunch together. With Mr. Heavin’s death, they changed it to include all his favorite foods — a wonderful way to honor him and walk through grief together. Jared Comfort Dog and team had a long conversation with one teacher who was not only a coworker but a longtime friend of Mr. Heavin. The students loved him so much, he shared. Even the students that might not be expected to grieve him were visiting with the dogs and expressing their feelings with one another. The teacher also observed that the dogs helped to dissolve cliques among the students as they all seem to treat one another with kindness and openness. He said the dogs were a significant blessing for the staff and students.
  
  
• Magdalene Comfort Dog and team met a student who had Mr. Heavin in 8th grade and had gotten the nickname Spider-Man because of the way he sat in his chair. The student had very good memories of Mr. Heavin’s class and loved him. He stayed with Magdalene for quite some time. 
  
  So many students came back numerous times. It was a difficult day for sure, but the teachers and counselors said the dogs did way more than they could. One counselor watched for the kids who left and went off by themselves to follow-up with them.

 

• Eternity Comfort Dog and team sat with a student who came back multiple times during the day. Just before school let out, he wanted to share with us about his relationship with Mr. Heavin, who had taught him in middle school, plus 11th and 12th grade. He was, by far, his favorite teacher. His sudden death was difficult to understand, and he said he wasn’t sure when life would feel “normal” again.
  
  As the conversation continued, he told us that in January the seniors had voted on superlatives for the teachers. Just a week prior, Mr. Heavin was voted as the “school dad,” which speaks of the pillar of a man he was to the community.

 
The Comfort Dogs also will be available to the Heavin family. John’s wife teaches at the elementary school, and they have two daughters in college.