Several local teams and District Disaster Relief Committees (DDRCs) from other districts worked with Jan in Madison, Tennessee, immediately after the tornado before Christmas to help many homeowners. The week after Christmas, DDRCs Jan Simko, Pastor Ed Brashier, and Pastor Trae Fistler, with his Faith in Action Disaster Response team, finished work on many sites.

Steve Chester from St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois, was also invited to join them for this final week. Steve brought in his bobcat to move multiple very large and downed trees and worked tirelessly from December 26 to December 31. He was very glad to be able to assist with his heavy equipment.
 
Homeowners expressed their deep appreciation for the team's efforts, which allowed them to clear their properties and avoid costly professional services. Through their work, the LERT volunteers also shared the love of Christ with those they served, making a meaningful impact on the community.
 
Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Hannah (LCC Staff), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog In Training  Lazarus and their handlers knew they needed to be there for the students and staff at St. John's Lutheran School in Lombard, Illinois, after the sudden death of their 8th grade teacher Mr. Golz.

On Monday, the Comfort Dogs spent time with the classes offering the students the same unconditional love, gentleness, and care that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eve did before her passing last year. 
 
The students filled the Heart of Mercy & Compassion made in memory of Mr. Golz with messages of love for this kind and inspiring teacher. Mr. Golz was a beloved teacher at St John's Lutheran School.  He took the students to Walcamp each year to learn more about the outdoors to help them grow in their faith in the Lord.
 
On Tuesday,  LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were also present to comfort and provide a safe and quiet place for Mr. Golz’  wife, children, family, students and friends at his visitation.  We ask God to watch over and comfort his wife and two young children who will forever miss his loving presence in their lives.

The Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) community is deeply saddened by the passing of Terry Styka, a devoted volunteer who selflessly served in various ministries. Despite battling cancer for over five years, Terry remained committed to helping others and was especially passionate about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

To honor his memory, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma and Hannah (LCC Staff), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois), Brutus (LCC Squad), Michael and Nigel (LCC Staff) provided comfort and support to Terry's loved ones and friends during his visitation and funeral on Sunday, January 7th, and Monday, January 8th.

Terry's unwavering dedication to LCC and his commitment to serving others will always be remembered and cherished.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team from Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Katie and Phinehas, was present last night at two candlelight vigils, bringing love and comfort to the community gathered to support each other.
 
Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of Perry Chamber of Commerce, to bring additional LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, as well as LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, to the shocked and hurting community that this horrific event has greatly impacted.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Eden (Peace – Columbus, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and their dedicated handlers, will arrive in Perry on Sunday to be present and BE THERE with those who are grieving, bringing them comfort, love, friendship, hope, and prayer.

Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
 
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!

Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Gary Kessler, Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) Missionary to Belize, and Rev. Dr. Allan Buss, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District President, to remove multiple dead and storm-damaged trees from properties in Belize: Concordia Mission House grounds in Belmopan, a local partner church in Orange Walk and at the Belize Zoo in La Democracia.
 
The storm occurred many months ago, but none of the organizations could afford to hire crews to do the cleanup. They are all very happy to finally have their properties made safe for visitors.
 
The following Northern Illinois District Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) members volunteered for this mission trip to Belize and will be serving January 24 – 30:
 
•   Larry Zagorski, Max Metz - Lord of Life, LaFox
•   Marty Johnson and Anna Piro - St. John, Wheaton
•   Pete and Christel Springmire - Immanuel, DeKalb
 
The teams will be taking their own chainsaws, ropes, rigging, and personal protection equipment. Once in Belize, they will also be renting a tractor with a grapple and lift to use for the week.
 
The Northern Illinois District Missions and Lutheran Church Charities, through donations, have committed to fund this team’s trip expenses, which are estimated to be approximately $8,000. Gary Kessler and Rev. Dr. Allan Buss appreciate LCC’s disaster response team's commitment to serve in Belize and the opportunity to help support this endeavor.
 
Please prayerfully consider donating to help fund LERT mission trip to Belize to serve those in need.