Lutheran Church Charities continues to work with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman, Julie Tucker, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry, Texas District with their recovery efforts from the Texas Winter Storm.
 
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Lutheran Church Charities was able to send funds for immediate needs to the Texas District to assist the churches, pastors, church workers, lay staff, and congregation members with significant structural damage and loss of belongings due to burst pipes. Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman sent his appreciation to Tim Hetzner, President/CEO, “Thank you so much for navigating obstacles and blessing our relief work in Texas. Lutheran Church Charities is bringing Jesus’ love and hope to many!”

Your Donations Helped a Preschool Director
One of the affected church worker families is from Memorial Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Damaris. The preschool director’s husband’s small business had a major pipe burst that flooded his office, caved in the ceiling, ruined office computers, equipment, and furniture. This is on top of health and business struggles due to COVID-19.

Senior Pastor John Davis thanks Lutheran Church Charities for providing financial assistance for this family to begin their recovery process. He stated, “Thank you so much for the generosity of LCC and for the larger LCC community. This is such a blessing for this family, as their trials and stresses have been great. To release this financial concern and even more, to give them a larger picture of how much they are loved and supported, is truly a gift from God!”

The family wrote a note of thanks to LCC stating, “The water mitigation specialist from ServPro estimated that the water was pouring into the office from the busted pipes in the ceiling for approximately 4 hours before we arrived. In my shock, I could only think to text our Memorial pastor, who I knew had dealt with flooding before. I was standing in several inches of water, asking Pastor, “What do I do first?” I was hoping for some guidance… and, as He always does, God provided more. Memorial staff and friends showed up to help, relieved some stress, and made it feel more manageable. Then we were blessed to have LCC become part of this team of care and compassion. We are so grateful!”

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hillside, Illinois – Put Your Hands Together Emergency Food Assistance Program is diverting its resources to send a semi-truck of food and supplies to the LCMS Texas District for emergency relief during their hardship of recovering from the devastating winter storm. Their mission is to “Glorify God and Impact the Community,” and they are honored to be able to serve Him on a national level with Lutheran Church Charities.
 
If you are in Northern Illinois and would like to help fill a truck with requested food only for the Texas District, please CLICK HERE to see the specific needs, drop-off dates, and locations.

“This winter storm could cost Texas more money than any disaster in state history. All 254 counties will have been impacted in some way by the freeze,” said Lee Loftis, director of government affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. One million Texans are still on boil water orders and 30 water systems are still not operational.

Damage Repairs in High Demand – Plumbers Needed – Supplies Limited!

The most significant need is for plumbers to make repairs and plumbing supplies, which are now almost impossible to acquire in the state. The state has estimated the average cost of repairs to burst pipes in a home is approximately $15,000 or more. Although some of this will be covered by insurance, FEMA, or state grants, the high deductibles will make it challenging to fund repairs.

If you are a licensed plumber, have critical plumbing supplies you can bring, and can volunteer to go to Texas to help with recovery efforts, please email [email protected].
 
Texas District President, Rev. Michael Newman, has reached out to LCC to help during this statewide crisis. In addition to financial assistance, they are requesting plumbing materials to help repair homes, schools, and churches.
 
CLICK HERE for a detailed list of needed supplies.

• Copper Pipe & Fittings
• PVC Pipe & Fittings
• PEX Tubing & Fittings
• Iron Pipe Ball Valves

 
If you wish to donate any of these materials, they can be dropped off at LCC headquarters and we will get them there. Please call 866-455-6466 to make drop-off arrangements.

Lutheran Church Charities will be working through our Texas K-9 Ministry affiliate churches and District Disaster Response Coordinators to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC Texas Disaster Response Fund to help individuals, families, and churches now and during the long recovery process.

The Texas Winter Storm that had six days of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, has caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, churches, schools, and other structures throughout the entire state. The storm happened in an area of the country that is not prepared to handle such widespread winter storm devastation.

Lutheran Church Charities has reached out to Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman, Julie Tucker, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry, Texas District. Julie states many churches, pastors, church workers, lay staff, and congregation members have significant structural damage and loss of belongings due to burst pipes. Many of these families cannot or will not be able to live in their homes for some time. The Texas District is just beginning the assessment process, but it is overwhelming, as the damage is statewide

Julie Tucker states this storm has greatly affected the food chain supply as the several-day power outages have meant a loss of food for families, stores, and food pantries. The State Department of Homeland Security estimates that it could take 2-3 months for food supplies to be restored throughout the state to return to normal. For vulnerable populations, this is devastating.
 
The water is not drinkable in most of the state without boiling it first due to the water plants also being affected by the freezing and burst pipe issues.

If you are a licensed plumber, have critical plumbing supplies you can bring, and can volunteer to go to Texas to help with recovery efforts, please email [email protected].

Texas District President, Rev. Michael Newman, has reached out to LCC to help during this statewide crisis. In addition to financial assistance, they are requesting plumbing materials to help repair homes, schools, and churches.
 
CLICK HERE for a detailed list of needed supplies.
 

• Copper Pipe & Fittings
• PVC Pipe & Fittings
• PEX Tubing & Fittings
• Iron Pipe Ball Valves

 
If you wish to donate any of these materials, they can be dropped off at LCC headquarters and we will get them there. Please call 866-455-6466 to make drop-off arrangements.

Lutheran Church Charities will be working through our Texas K-9 Ministry affiliate churches and District Disaster Response Coordinators to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC Texas Disaster Response Fund to help individuals, families, and churches now and during the long recovery process.

Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
 
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is surrounded by a sea of missional opportunities. Lutheran Church Charities was contacted by Sandi Grupe, Director of Christian Education (DCE), for financial assistance. They share the love of Jesus with a vulnerable group during these challenging times.
 
Near to its place of worship, a community of Ethiopian refugees has become a significant part of the church’s outreach to immigrants from across the globe. This, through a Gospel-focused ministry, has birthed within their apartment complex.
 
Through Bible study, prayer, English class, tutoring, and fellowship, many—including those from Muslim backgrounds—are experiencing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, this Ethiopian community is serving the spiritual needs of their neighborhood in an ongoing way.

With the recent catastrophic weather events impacting Texas, many need assistance. The cascading effects from an event of this magnitude negatively impact the vulnerable in both visible and invisible ways. From lost pay and jobs to property damage, the challenges become life-altering.
 
Thank you for partnering with LCC and St. Paul Lutheran Church in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable during this time. Your support directly impacts the ministry of the Gospel by strengthening those who are spiritually serving their community as they strive to recover.
 
Please prayerfully consider donating to help St. Paul’s outreach ministry to Ethiopian refugees.

During the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, we have witnessed the incredible efforts of nurses, doctors, and all front-line hospital staff heroes enduring long hours, tremendous stress, and selfless dedication to caring for their patients. Since April 2020, LCC K-9 Ministry teams have been thanking and comforting nurses during all shifts who are working in COVID units through LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry® Virtual Visits.

In January, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) received an invite from HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake in Webster, Texas, for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Joy to participate in their Heart Health Awareness Month promotion. Joy Comfort Dog and her handlers from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, have been making outdoor visits to the hospital campus during the pandemic to provide love and comfort to nurses during shift changes. The hospital wanted to include Joy and her team in this nationally recognized month of heart disease awareness.

Partnering with Joy Comfort Dog’s ministry team at Gloria Dei, LCC sent thirty-two Mercy Hearts through the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry to present to nurses to recognize their excellent and continuous care they provide to patients.
 
On Thursday, January 28, two large Mercy Hearts signed by Joy, her handlers, and Gloria Dei staff were presented to nurses as part of the photo op promotion for HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake’s Wear Red for Heart Disease Awareness campaign “We have Joy in our Hearts.” These will be displayed at the two hospital chapels.

On Sunday, February 7, Gloria Dei members rallied around the task of signing thirty Mercy Hearts with heartfelt messages of encouragement and appreciation for the compassion and sacrifice of these dedicated health care professionals.

On Monday, February 8, thirty Mercy Hearts were presented by Joy Comfort Dog and her handlers to Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, the chief administrative team, and nurses.
 
These hearts will be displayed at each nurse station as a daily presence reminding them that they are loved, appreciated, and lifted in prayer by caring Christians, especially during these difficult times.

“Thank you for the hearts!! We are so blessed to have Joy and team as part of our team at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake!” – Sherry Camacho, Chief Nursing Officer, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
 
“We are blessed!” – Lisa Welty, HCA Houston Healthcare
 
"We appreciate you more than you will ever know! To hear a physician say how Joy helps her stress and nurses say it just fills my spirit. ❤ Thank you!” – Nursing Director
 
“Thanks for everything y’all do for us!” – Sonia Irby, HCA Houston Healthcare

The Mercy Hearts and hugs from Joy Comfort Dog were extra special for the hearts they touched that day. The LCC K-9 Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion are blessed that we can continue to serve those who take care of others!
 
LCC never charges those we serve. Please help us continue to Make A Difference!

On January 25, a 500 feet wide, 150 mph EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 9.5 miles through Fultondale, Alabama, leaving a path of destruction that killed and injured residents as well as destroyed homes, schools, and businesses. This tornado was located just a few miles from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, where Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, serves. They are now one of the churches in this community that have committed to serving the disaster-affected residents for the long road of recovery they are currently facing.

Pastor Ed Brashier expresses his gratitude to Lutheran Church Charities, and its donors for the financial assistance received that is being used to help provide assistance for several families from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and community members that suffered a loss of their homes, belongings, and livelihoods. This financial assistance will help families with hotel costs, rent, and security deposits as they seek alternative housing to repair or rebuild their lives and homes.

 
The Franks, a family of four, are one of the members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church that experienced tornado damage to homes and autos. They had major damage to their roof and back rooms of their home. They are anticipating at least 4 months of living in a hotel while their home is being repaired. They also lost three cars, which are needed for work, and are now facing about $8,000 in deductibles for the loss of their home and autos. This is one of the many financial burdens that most tornado-affected families are now experiencing.
 
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving their disaster-affected congregation, school, and community members in the name of Jesus Christ, through this long-term recovery process. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Good Shepherd support these families as they recover from this devastating disaster.