Last weekend’s community recovery outreach event in Spartanburg, SC, had something for everyone. ​

Jerome and Evelyn were grateful for their new shoes — two pairs with sturdy soles that weren’t falling apart and felt good on their feet. 

Hazel, a mere 106 years old, and her granddaughter Martha were touched by the warm smiles of strangers in their community, and the hot meal for lunch was a blessing. 

Teresa, who has been living in a camper in front of a house that was damaged almost 2 years ago and eventually torn down, took home toiletries, towels, first aid supplies, and a quilt. She’ll share her items with her adult children who moved out during the ordeal. But they'll be back together again — she is now in the queue for a rebuilt home. 

“The real help — the real gift — that LCC and others gave today was not just the things that were handed out, but a reminder [to residents] that they still exist, a reminder that we’re still here for them, a reminder that we’re still tracking their cases. That they’re not forgotten” said Lilia Millner of the Spartanburg County Emergency Management Department. 

At the Saturday event, Lutheran Church Charities staff and volunteers were among more than 80 helping hands who served hundreds of families still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which barreled through the Carolinas 21 months ago and left a wake of damaged homes, uprooted trees, and disrupted lives. 

Nearly 40 churches and a dozen Lutheran organizations — including LERT crews from multiple states — joined Spartanburg County personnel and national agencies United Way, American Red Cross, and others to meet some of the need of the community with spiritual care, emotional support, and a sense of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Last weekend, another plane full of United States heroes and veterans traveled from Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, WI, to Dulles International Airport, near Washington, D.C., as part of the latest Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.   

And eight LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from four states were there to see them off and welcome them home, cheering on the former service members in both locations in appreciation of their courage, bravery, and dedication. 

This time, 53 veterans were on board for the trip, including 8 women, one Korean War vet, and one who served in World War II. Of the eight female service members, four were nurses and were recognized by the Nurse Honor Guard in Washington. 

The Comfort Dogs and their handlers created a warm, meaningful atmosphere with many of the service members reaching out for pets and hugs. 

“We had an amazing morning greeting the Stars and Stripes veterans as they arrived here in Virginia,” one handler with Amos Comfort Dog said. “I continue to be amazed at just how many veterans they are able to send here each year! What a privilege your teams have to live and serve among so many heroes.”

Another handler shared that Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3 rang true. 

“‘In humility, value others above yourselves.’ We witnessed those words in action,” the handler said. “As I shook hands with a Vietnam War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, he thanked me for being there before I could thank him. The Purple Heart means that our freedom came at a very personal cost and his humility spoke volumes about the character of those who have served our nation so selflessly.”

The encounter and entire experience is often humbling for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers. To be reminded that the nation’s service members wear their sacrifices quietly evokes deep feelings of gratitude.  

LCC expresses thanks for K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, WI), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), who honored veterans at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport, as well as Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior’s Way – Ashburn, VA) and Kezia (Emmanuel – Baltimore, MD), which served at Dulles Airport in Virginia. 

Alongside their handlers, these dogs offered comfort, calm, and heartfelt connection during a day filled with emotion and reflection.

Nine LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from four states in the West Coast Region gathered last weekend at Camp Lutherhaven, a Christian outdoor education camp that sits on Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho.  

More than 80 top dogs, handlers, caregivers, and ministry partners from California, Nevada, Washington, and Idaho came together to worship, train, and equip each other in sharing Jesus’s love and compassion.  

The teams enjoyed campfire worship led by Daniel Baker, Youth, Family, and Worship Director for Christ the King – Coeur d’Alene, ID. “We all took the time to admire the beauty of God’s creation while singing His praises and cherishing the time together,” said LCC Training Coordinator Becky Kolzow, who traveled to Idaho for the gathering with trainer Sophia Apodaca.
 
The weekend included real-world training opportunities in the community. Handlers, ministry partners, and Comfort Dogs traveled to downtown Coeur d’Alene to share the joy of Jesus with residents and visitors from around the world. 

One gentleman from England was excited to learn about the Comfort Dog Ministry. The handlers also had the opportunity to support with a woman who was grieving the loss of her dog. Throughout the day, the teams made many meaningful new connections.

LCC is grateful for these teams and their willingness to show up and share God’s light to those who are hurting and in need.   

Teams attending the gathering included K-9 Comfort Dogs Fisher (Christ The King – Coeur d’ Alene, ID), Genesis (Good Shepherd – Turlock, CA), Isaac (Redeemer –Spokane, WA), Lois and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA), Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, CA), Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, NV), and Sharon (St. Luke’s – Federal Way, WA). 

Also at the gathering were future LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from First Lutheran – Yuba City, CA; Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA; St. John – Napa, CA, Redeemer; and Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV.

With LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from up and down the West Coast on hand to celebrate, Christ The King was filled with love, excitement, and lots of Golden glitter. 

Seven K-9 Comfort Dogs from three states traveled to surround Fisher, her team, and the whole congregation: Genesis(Good Shepherd – Turlock, CA), Isaac (Redeemer – Spokane, WA), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA), Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, CA), Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, NV), Sharon (St. Luke’s – Federal Way, WA), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV). 

The LCC ministry is supported by and active with volunteers who live to follow Jesus, be changed by Jesus and commit to the mission of Jesus every day. The team from Christ the King has committed time, energy, and love to be a part of the mission of sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. 
 
The Comfort Dog Ministry team from Christ the King includes their Top Dog Miriam Deuel, handlers, ministry partners, and caregivers, who will be busy in and beyond their community engaging people with an open heart as they share the love, hope, and comfort of Jesus.  Fisher is double-vested and also will serve as a Kare-9 Military Comfort Dog. 
 
LCC celebrates the Christ the King team from Coeur d’ Alene and welcomes them to the Lutheran Church Charities family. We cannot wait to see the plans God has for them. 
 
Handlers/Caregivers
Paul Crabtree
Dan Deuel (Pastor)
David Deuel
Miriam Deuel (Top Dog)
Debbie Hart
Greg Hart (United States Marine Veteran)
Darcy Myers
Dave Myers
Jim Preston
Drew Santibanez
 
Ministry Partners
Anne Bryan
Cindy Clabby
Michael Clabby
Patty Crabtree
Autumn Deuel
Bob Logan
Janet Logan
Teresa Lundin
Colleen Preston
 

It was a day for those who serve, care, and help — at 30,000 feet.

Flight attendants with United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport experienced comfort, relief, and peace during a special International Flight Attendant Day visit from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams. 

International Flight Attendant Day recognizes the dedication, compassion, and resilience of airline employees who serve travelers every day.

Last Friday, United Airlines hubs around the country celebrated their flight attendants, but the O’Hare hub received an extra boost from LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL), Samson (Zion – Marengo, IL), Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL), and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL). Together, they presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to express thanksgiving for the role they play in millions of people’s lives. 

Additionally, the Comfort Dogs lingered a while to make sure moments of wellness, stress relief, and encouragement were felt. Flight attendants and airport staff work in fast-paced, often emotionally demanding environments, and appreciation for their work honors their dedication.

Last week, LCC Disaster Response LERT chainsaw assistance was requested for a home in Kankakee still damaged from the March 10th tornado that struck several towns in Illinois and Indiana. The homeowners are an elderly and disabled couple in their 90s who didn’t know they could receive free assistance in clearing the many downed and damaged trees from their large property. Their daughter met the LERT volunteers at her parents’ home and expressed her deep appreciation for their professionalism, Christian care, and communication with her and her parents.

LCC Disaster Response thanks the following LERT volunteers for their willingness to serve:
​
Lord of Life – LaFox, IL – Jim Anderson, Andy Haaf, Kevin Krage
Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL – Jim Beckley
St. John – Wheaton, IL – Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Rich Wren
St. Paul – Bourbonnais, IL – Mark Razny
St. Peter – Gilberts, IL – Steven Sporleder
Trinity – Lisle, IL – Ed Schwartz

Steven Decker, an engineer with the Chicago Fire Department, was only three months away from retirement when he died 2 weeks ago while performing training duties with Engine Company 71 on the north side of the city. 

He was beloved and respected by the company and known for his joy and faith. 

Last week, Lutheran Church Charities staff visited the stationhouse and attended his funeral at St. Paul Lutheran Canfield in Chicago, presenting an end-of-watch Heart of Mercy & Compassion for the company to sign and display. 

Many first responders joined the Decker family, friends, neighbors, and church family for the service to show support. Decker had been baptized and confirmed at the church. 

During the service, the church played one of his favorite hymns, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” as well as the sound of bagpipes and “Taps” filling the space.

LCC was joined by local chaplain Pastor Henry Biar of St. Paul Lutheran – Skokie, IL, who rides along and provides spiritual care for the police department in his community.  ​

Twenty-one months ago, Hurricane Helene roared ashore along the Big Bend region of Florida at 140 mph — Category 4 — and, over two days, cut a swath of devastation across eight states, spawning tornadoes, triggering landslides, and swamping communities across the southeast and Appalachia.  

The storm destroyed tens of thousands of homes and businesses, inflicted $78 billion in damage, and took the lives of 252 people, making it the deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

Almost two years later, thousands of people are still reeling from the destruction, living in temporary shelters, homes cratered in disrepair, families uprooted, surviving with minimal essentials. 

Spartanburg, SC, is one of those places. Overlooked compared to other hard-hit regions, the town of 38,000 continues to rebuild and assist residents trying to recover. 

“While neighboring areas have received attention and recovery assistance, Spartanburg has been among the forgotten communities that has had little resources to help them restore their homes and rebuild their lives,” said Deac. Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response. “These individuals and families are still looking for wholeness and tangible help.”

This week, a team of more than 50 Lutheran Church Charities staff and volunteers and volunteers with Lutheran Servants For Christ will be there, deploying to upstate South Carolina to co-lead a major coordinated humanitarian relief event called Helene Recovery and Preparedness Day, a multi-agency resource distribution that will offer spiritual and material support for survivors. 
 
For LCC, the mission is a re-engagement, having sent Cares teams to serve with affiliate churches in North Carolina multiple times and LCC LERT crews to work disaster sites for more than a dozen weeks since the September 2024 storm hit.

“One of our key characteristics as a ministry is presence,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “We are called to BE THERE, and our supporters and volunteers are alongside LCC this week to see the need, serve where were welcomed, and stay for ongoing encouragement and help.”

This weekend’s effort will include all four of LCC’s primary ministry areas with helping hands trained in Spiritual First Aid™ from LCC Cares, Disaster Response, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries, including Comfort Dogs Faith (St. Stephens – Hickory, NC), Seth (Eternal Shepherd – Seneca, SC), and Zoara (Crosswaters Ministries/Island Lutheran – Hilton Head, SC).

LCC is partnering with the LCMS’s Southeastern District, Lutheran Servants For Christ, Samaritan’s Feet, the Spartanburg Emergency Operations Center, and other local agencies in the mission event with about 300 to 500 individuals — approximately 250 families — expected to receive assistance, including food, clothing, shoes, weather radios, heaters/cooling fans, emergency go bags, and more.  

For weeks, LCC affiliate churches, supporters, and donors have contributed funding and practical resources. This week, those items were sorted, labeled, and packed up for the 745-mile trip.

At the event on Saturday, volunteers will walk local residents around each station, listening to their stories, praying with them, and helping carry supplies to their cars.   

The event will be massive in scope: 

• Samaritan’s Feet will give more than 250 pairs of shoes in kids and adult sizes to registered families. 
• Marriott has gifted thousands of washcloths, towels, mats, blankets, and sheets. 
• Resurrection Lutheran in Spartanburg will pass out 400 donated quilts. 
• Lutheran Church Extension Fund is donating go-bags. 
• LCC and local groups will distribute hundreds of children’s books. 
• Orphan Grain Train is providing T-shirts, underwear, and socks. 
• LCC and Northern Illinois District LERT teams filled and are giving 180 backpacks for kids. 
• Families also are invited to pick up flood buckets and mold cleaner. 
• Heaters and cooling fans purchased by LCC and Lutheran Servants For Christ donors will be delivered to households who need them by the South Carolina Office of Resilience. 

​On Commissioning Day at St. Paul, the church’s narthex and fellowship hall were filled with excitement of being sent into the community to share Christ’s love and mercy. 

But Always helped offer comfort to people in the congregation too. 

“While we are thrilled to be going outside the walls of our church, we also got to witness the incredible power Always’ presence brings at home,” said Always Top Dog Nikki Kubowicz.

One woman sat petting and crying with Always for quite a while, processing the grief of her first Mother’s Day without her mom.

“Always opened the door for us to talk with her about her mom and the joy she is now experiencing in heaven,” Nikki shared. “Our team is excited to begin seeing more of those God moments as we follow God’s call to service.” 

LCC is praying for Always and her team as they officially begin their ministry work together.