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On Monday, February 22, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin) and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) and their K-9 Ministry teams were honored to comfort the family and friends of Bronson, age 3, who passed away last week. St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Janesville, Wisconsin presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to Bronson’s family. "Half the Heart, Twice the Fight" was the motto Bronson lived by. Bronson was born with a congenital heart defect. On February 15, Bronson was welcomed into our Lord's healing arms. Many gathered at his visitation to share memories of Bronson. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams present loved listening to stories of Bronson from his big sister. They learned he loved Super Heroes and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Bronson touched the lives of many in his three short years, and he will be missed for a lifetime to come. Dear Lord, We pray for Bronson's family. There is no way to remove their pain. We trust you and your promise that while this child's life on earth is done, his life beyond has just begun. We pray for Bronson's family as they released him into your arms that they are surrounded by the comfort of your presence. We ask that you would fill them with a deep sense of your peace and grace. We pray that your love carries them through their darkest days. We pray that this hurting family is filled with pleasant and joyful memories of Bronson. May each day bring a brighter hope for the future. May they grow closer to you through this experience. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 LCC received the following request from Pastor Jim Buckman, Faith Lutheran Church, Lake Forest, Illinois. Pastor Buckman is also Lt. Col., Illinois Air National Guard, Chaplain.
A member of the Illinois Air National Guard and a vital member of the Illinois vaccination team is in need of financial assistance. This single mother of three never hesitates to raise her hand to serve when called. She has a heart for service and volunteering and has just experienced the sudden death of her father. She returned from deployment in Washington, DC for the Inauguration and was immediately deployed again to aid with vaccination distribution and administration efforts in Illinois. UPDATE: This dedicated airman has returned from her vaccination team deployed and is now unemployed due to her job no longer being available. As a single mother of three, she urgently needs financial assistance with daily living expenses for her family. Please prayerfully consider helping this family in need and keep them in your prayers during their difficult time. Jim Buckman Lt. Col., Illinois Air National Guard, Chaplain Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church Lake Forest, Illinois
On Saturday, February 20, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) with his law enforcement handlers Beth and Gary Cummings, and Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland) with her law enforcement handlers Patrick Donnelly and ministry partner Ric Durham attended the C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) Maryland Chapter 1st Year Survivor's Event in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The LCC K-9 Police Ministry teams spent time with the families of fallen police officers to serve and bring comfort and the presence and love of Christ to them. The event included many activities for the families, including a ceremony to present flags to the families. The families also heard a wonderful message on "Resiliency" from U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. David Dodd. The officers of these families made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and now their families are also making a sacrifice of going forward without their loved ones. Please remember these families in your prayers for God's comforting presence and strength. We continue to pray for the safety, protection, and wisdom of all who serve in law enforcement. On Saturday, February 20, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) and her law enforcement handler, Corporate Terri Albright, visited Call Comm 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Center in Calumet Park, Illinois. The top-notch, kind and compassionate individuals who work at this state-of-the-art emergency communication center are very busy dispatching for several municipal departments in the area. They were grateful for the sweet moments spent with Julia. Here's their feedback: I'd like to thank you and your team of Julia, Terri, and Carol; they were fantastic. I was impressed by how professional they were. They showed genuine interest in our people and center. They were informative of Julia, your mission, accessibility, and they showed true compassion for this tough industry that we have dedicated our lives to. Julia's visit was such a nice distraction for our dispatch group. We hope to be able to utilize your services in the future for another visit or for crisis response if able. UPDATED: March 3, 2021 254 Texas Counties Impacted 1 Million Texans Still on Boil Water Orders  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!” Northern Illinois District to Fill a Truck with Requested Food for Texas Please Let Your Congregations Know About This Opportunity to Send Much Needed Food to Those In Need In Texas   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 DRAdmin@lutheranchurchcharities.org. 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.
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. Posted: February 22, 2021  6 Days with 144 Hours of Freezing Temperatures 69 Deaths – Hundreds Flee Homes Burst Pipes, No Electricity, No Food or Clean Water, Widespread Devastation Over $18 Billion in Damage So Far “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) 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.  Dollar Per Dollar ALL donations for Disaster Response – Texas go directly to helping individuals and families! 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 Grocery Shelves are Empty – No Food or Water Available!  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. Damage Repairs in High Demand – Plumbers Needed – Supplies Limited
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 DRAdmin@lutheranchurchcharities.org. 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.
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!  Tim Hetzner President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS. Your Donations Needed to Support St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Outreach Ministry to Ethiopian Refugees  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.  LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Deliver 32 Mercy Hearts to Healthcare Workers “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 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. Bringing Comfort & Love to Nurses at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry  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.  Front: Todd Caliva, CEO, with Joy Comfort Dog L-R: Vivian Nkansah, Chief Staffing Officer, Sherry Camacho, Chief Nursing Officer, Gurvir Sani and Harpreet Sharma, Assistant Chief Nursing Officers  “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!
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