A COMMUNITY SHATTERED, A MINISTRY PRESENT: LCC Walks with Chatham Through Grief

When Tragedy Strikes Without Warning

“What happens when that horrible tragedy happens unexpectedly in your community? That’s what happened for us,” Barbara Wendorf, member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, IL shared solemnly. “By afternoon, four beloved members of our community were gone. We needed a team of people to help us”

On April 28, tragedy struck the close-knit town of Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School camp. The devastation was immediate and heartbreaking: four young girls lost their lives, and six others were left injured. The incident shook not only the families directly affected but also the broader Chatham community—children, educators, first responders, and local organizations alike.

In the wake of this unimaginable event, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) quickly mobilized its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams, answering the call to bring presence, peace, and the comfort of Christ to a grieving town.

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A Glimpse into the Ministry in Action

The short video highlighting LCC’s presence in Chatham offers a glimpse into the quiet yet powerful work of Comfort Dogs at schools, vigils, and with first responders. Watch as children gently embrace the dogs, people write messages on Hearts of Mercy, and a grieving town begins to heal—together.

Presence at the Point of Pain

Just days after the tragedy, nine LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams returned to Chatham. Their mission was simple yet profound: to BE THERE.

At the request of YNOT Outdoors and the Chatham School District, Comfort Dogs and their handlers visited Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and YNOT Day Camp. Each school bore the weight of collective grief, and each child carried a story of fear, confusion, and sorrow.

Alison, the daughter-in-law of the camp owner, reflected:
“The dogs were wonderful! Many kids and staff loved on them. You could see the nerves and hesitation on many of their faces, but they lit up when they saw the dogs.”

Comfort Dogs Esther, Jael, Jordan, Michael, Noah, Rachel, Tabby, Zion, and Kare-9 Britta (with Veteran Dale) sat beside the children, laid their heads in trembling laps, and silently communicated: “You are not alone.”

A Vigil of Sorrow—and Strength

That same week, the community came together in two powerful vigils to honor the lives lost and find healing together. LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion crosses and hearts stood as beacons of remembrance at both events, bearing Scripture and space for handwritten messages of love, grief, and hope.

“It’s amazing,” shared a local church member. “The pens were there. The Bibles were there. The crosses stood. And the young people knew exactly what to do. They saw the scripture and they wrote. Some aren’t ready to pray yet, but those wooden crosses are a step toward healing.”

The first vigil saw young people weep openly, clinging to parents and teachers. A young girl who had witnessed the tragedy firsthand stood silently by the crosses, processing unspeakable pain. LCC team members gently offered presence and the assurance of God’s enduring love.

Bianca, a grieving mother, spoke through tears:
“My daughter was best friends with Rylee. They had plans to go to the University of Iowa together. Rylee’s mom will be so happy to receive the cross and heart.”

The second vigil took place at Glenwood High School’s football field, drawing hundreds. There, messages covered the Hearts of Mercy, and tears fell alongside flowers, candles, and stuffed animals. Students embraced tightly, whispering prayers, sharing memories, and holding space for each other’s grief.

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Words from the Field: Reflections of Hope

In the aftermath of such sorrow, each Comfort Dog team carried home memories etched with emotion. When asked to describe the vigil in one word, here’s what they said:

• Presence – “Seeing the faces of people when they saw the dogs—it brought relief, encouragement. We repeated the words, ‘We are here for you,’ again and again. Isn’t that what Jesus says to us?” – Mary
• Peace – “Our ministry helped bring peace to this community just by showing up. Love is an action word. LCC loved well last night.” – Kami
• Comfort – “We saw grief release. A smile here, a hug there. The dogs helped bring that.” – Ruth
• With – “We were there with those hurting: with presence, prayer, comfort, and love.” – Roxy
• Precious – “It was a reminder of how precious life is—and how quickly it can change.” – Joyce
• Bind – “This community is binding together in grief. Our dogs helped strengthen those bonds.” – Sheryl
• Community – “Not just Chatham, but our LCC family and ministry partners, too. This was COMMUNITY in action.” – Lynn
• Togetherness – “This town came out in strength—not just for the lost, but the injured and the responders.” – Dan
• Responsive – “When we hear of need, we respond. A smile, a tear, a hand on the shoulder. It’s always worth it.” – Jim
  

These words echo the heartbeat of LCC’s mission: to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering.

A Healing Gift for First Responders

In the days following the vigils, signed Hearts of Mercy were delivered to first responders in Chatham. Each one bore words of gratitude and encouragement—visible reminders that their courage and compassion had not gone unnoticed.

Accompanied by Comfort Dogs, the visits offered brief moments of peace for the men and women who had witnessed the horror firsthand. One firefighter’s 18-year-old son, also on the scene that day, was visibly shaken. The ministry teams offered not just kind words, but connection, prayer, and presence.

“Just being there brought a smile, a tear, a moment of comfort,” said Chuck. “The response we kept hearing: ‘Thank you for coming. Thank you for being here.’”

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The Power of Showing Up

In the days since the tragedy, something extraordinary has taken root in Chatham. Through tears and prayers, grief and remembrance, the community has found strength—not only in each other but also in the tangible ministry of presence. Dogs lying beside children. Crosses bearing Scripture. Hands joined in prayer.

As one handler put it:
“Several people thanked us for being there. Love is an action word—and LCC loved well.”

Be Part of the Healing

The healing in Chatham has only just begun. As a community rebuilds its heart, you can be part of the continued support:

• Pray for the children, families, and first responders impacted by this tragedy.
• Give to support LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion as they continue to serve in Chatham and beyond.
• Share this story and video with your community to raise awareness of the healing power of presence.
• Invite LCC ministries to your congregation, school, or community to be equipped to respond when tragedy strikes.

Visit LutheranChurchCharities.org to learn more and join us in this mission of mercy.