A Legacy of Compassion: LCC’s Continued Outreach in Louisiana

Last weekend, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) had the privilege of attending the LCMS Southern District Convention in Slidell, Louisiana. Representing LCC were Denise Snider, Director of Human Care, and Sarah Sekki, Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. This trip was not only an opportunity to reconnect with the Southern District, but also to highlight the powerful ways our ministries bring mercy and compassion to those in need.

Earlier this year, in response to the tragic New Orleans terrorist attack, LCC deployed a team to Louisiana. This included members of our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), K9 Comfort Dog, and Care Team ministries. The time spent in Louisiana proved to be impactful, forging lasting ministry relationships. In fact, one of the local pastors invited us to the convention, giving us the opportunity to introduce all four of our main ministries to the Southern District.

Introducing Our Four Ministries: Unique Bridges to Mercy

Each of LCC’s ministries is a unique "Bridge" to outreach, reaching people in ways that allow us to show the mercy and compassion of Jesus. These ministries are being considered by the Southern District as valuable resources for local churches, each ministry being customized based on the church’s specific skills and the needs of the surrounding community. We are committed to working with churches to help them build the ministry that best serves their needs.

A Meaningful Memorial: Remembering the Lost and Honoring the Grieving

In addition to the convention, God had more plans for our team during this trip. We had the opportunity to meet with the curator of the Louisiana State Museum, who is currently displaying the NOLA memorial site. This site, featuring all 14 LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and Crosses, serves as a memorial for those lost in the January terrorist attack. The curator shared that visitors often stop to pay their respects, leaving comforting messages for grieving families. The placard at the exhibit specifically mentions Lutheran Church Charities, noting that "volunteers from LCC brought and installed these fourteen white crosses."

It was a humbling honor to be mentioned in this powerful display, especially since the crosses were crafted by Eric Wendelbo and his HMC team at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We witnessed the ongoing impact of this memorial as dozens of people stopped to reflect and honor the victims.

Delivering Comfort: Ministering to Families in the Wake of Tragedy

On this trip, we were also able to deliver a Heart to a family facing unimaginable loss. Hubert Guthreaux III was one of the victims of the January terrorist attack, and tragically, just six weeks later, his family lost both of Hubert’s grandparents in a car accident. Understanding the significance of the memorial site and the comfort it brought to this family, we knew that they would be uplifted by receiving a Heart in memory of their parents. The funeral home graciously agreed to deliver the Heart to the Guthreaux family in their southwest Louisiana community, where friends and neighbors are grieving alongside them.

Honoring Heroes: Offering Support to a Fallen Officer’s Family

Lastly, just days before we arrived at the convention, Sergeant Grant Candies of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty. In response, we were able to offer a Heart and Cross to the sheriff’s office, providing support to the department as they mourn the loss of a beloved officer. Sergeant Candies was described as “the kind of deputy every agency hopes to have,” and his funeral will take place in the coming days. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Through these opportunities, we are continually reminded of the power of mercy, compassion, and the comforting presence of Christ in times of grief. Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to serve those in need and honor those who have given their lives for others.

Faith is one of 63 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs who are dual-vested, trading her traditional blue LCC K-9 vest for her camouflage one when she goes out for ministry visits with her handlers Mace and Quinlan who are veterans. Started in 2014, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry is carried out by veterans for veterans, serving current and past military members and their families. Faith and other Kare 9s regularly spend time in VFW centers, VA hospitals, Traumatic Brain Injury Care centers, clinics, expos, and military ceremonies and activities. At each stop, the mission is the same — to spread the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ.

At VTC, Faith’s impact is quiet, yet profound. Many veterans, struggling with PTSD, addiction, and the weight of their past, find comfort in her presence. Whether it’s a simple pat on her head or a quiet moment of companionship, Faith offers something words often cannot—a sense of peace.

“Everything was new, and I was kind of nervous with anticipatory excitement,” one veteran recalled about his first VTC experience. “Faith helped me focus on what was happening right then and there, instead of being scattered. She helped me center myself and just be in the moment.”

Faith’s presence has become so meaningful that veterans often ask, “Where is Faith?” if she is absent. Her ability to bring light into the courtroom is undeniable. One participant shared, “Faith really brings a light with her when she comes into the courthouse.”

Bryan, a veteran who spent over a decade homeless and battling addiction, found hope and transformation through VTC and the Comfort Dog’s ministry. From the moment he met Faith and her handlers, his journey took a turn toward healing. Through their encouragement, Bryan joined St. Stephens’ Warriors of Our Faith (WOOF) team where he found camaraderie and purpose. Despite his initial fears of judgment, he took a bold step and attended Sunday service at St. Stephens. “I was welcomed with open arms and became a member of the St. Stephens family,” he shared.

Meeting Pastors David and Shea further deepened Bryan’s journey. “They spoke to me as if we had known each other for years and assured me they were there whenever I needed them.” Now, after nearly two years of sobriety, Bryan’s life is unrecognizable from his days on the streets. “None of this would have been possible without the love and support from St. Stephens, their Bible study, and Faith Comfort Dog. Because of them and God, I am truly a better man.”

From the depths of hardship to the light of faith and healing, Bryan’s journey is a testament to the power of love, community, and God’s grace.

The Veterans Treatment Court is unique—it’s not just about legal proceedings but about healing. Unlike traditional courtrooms, VTC fosters camaraderie, mutual respect, and personal growth. Veterans facing struggles are met with compassion and given the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

Faith’s work begins before the court session even starts. Veterans arrive early, undergoing drug tests and preparing for hearings. During this time, Faith and her handlers, Melissa and John, move through the waiting area, offering comfort. A simple wag of Faith’s tail or a quiet moment of companionship helps ease the tension and anxiety that so many veterans carry.

The impact of this ministry extends beyond the courtroom. A Friday night Bible study, launched the Friday of Labor Day weekend 2024, has become an essential part of many veterans’ recovery journeys. This spiritual outlet has been so meaningful that the court system now recognizes it as a voluntary but highly encouraged class for VTC participants. The support of probation officers, court clerks, and law enforcement has also been invaluable, with many engaging with Faith during court breaks.

The Veterans Treatment Court and its extended community, supported by Faith Comfort Dog, is a powerful reminder of what it means to truly be there for someone. Through kindness, spiritual support, and the unconditional love of a comfort dog, veterans are finding a way to heal, rebuild, and thrive. In this unique setting, veterans are not just treated as cases; they are seen as individuals worthy of respect, compassion, and a chance at redemption.

The presence of Faith Comfort Dog has created a ripple effect of kindness and transformation. Veterans who graduate from the VTC often return to mentor new participants, offering the same support they once received. Some have gone on to become counselors, helping others overcome the struggles they themselves once faced.

Faith’s veteran handler, John, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “The judge knows everybody personally and checks in every two weeks,” he explains. “It’s rigorous, but it’s also full of support. Many participants say they’ve never had this kind of help before.”

For ministry partner Ralph, the calling to help veterans has become a way of life. “If somebody wants to go to church, I’m going to take them. I don’t care what their story is,” he says. From giving rides to helping find housing, Ralph has stepped in where help is needed most. “I was the last person I thought would be good at this, but it’s been a bigger blessing for me than for anybody I’ve prayed for or helped.”

“St. Stephens is my heart. This is where I belong. This is family,” shares a veteran who found not just a place of worship at the church but a family, recalling how the community welcomed her with open arms.

For Kirk Hymes, Lutheran Church Extension Fund District Vice President Southeastern District, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Lay Deacon at St. Stephens, ministry is about making connections—often in the most unexpected ways. “Isn’t it amazing that this is all the result of one little golden retriever named Faith? These are veterans who may have gotten out of their lane and into some trouble,” Kirk shares. “But through Bible study, they’re finding something familiar—strong bonds, leadership, and the kind of brotherhood they had in the service.”

“This is a place to come and learn. This is a place to come in and just have a good time and be able to be around other veterans,” they reflected. In each of these spaces, faith and community make all the difference.

What started as an outreach has grown into a powerful community of veterans discovering that they are stronger together—and even stronger in the Word of God.

LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog ministry is built on presence, love, and action. The work of Faith Comfort Dog and her dedicated team from St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Hickory N.C., is making a lasting impact in the lives of the veterans who bravely served our country.

As the team continues to serve, their mission remains clear: to offer unwavering support, comfort, PRESENCE and HOPE to those who need it most. With Faith Comfort Dog, the ministry is helping to rewrite the stories of these veterans, offering them not just a moment of comfort in court, but a new beginning in life.

If you feel called to support this ministry, we invite you to take the next step. Because of your generous donations to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, lives are being transformed. Thank you for making a difference!

Last week, Deaconess Kathy O'Day, Director of Disaster Response for Lutheran Church Charities (LCC), deployed to California, part of The Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, to assist Jason Johnson, LCC's California Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, in planning how local churches can support communities impacted by the recent wildfires.

During their visit, they met with key leaders including Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, District President, Pacific Southwest District; Pastor Chris Schaar from Historic First Lutheran Church in Pasadena; Pastor Lew Upchurch from Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica; and Pastor Tim Klinkenberg from St. John Lutheran Church in Orange.

Historic First Lutheran Church, located at the heart of the Altadena fire zone, is currently supporting 18 families who have lost their homes, along with six more families displaced due to smoke damage. Pastor Schaar is providing temporary housing and financial support to those affected, but he recognizes that this will be a long-term recovery effort requiring ongoing assistance as families work to relocate and rebuild.

As part of the response, Deaconess O'Day and Johnson spent time at the Disaster Recovery Center in Altadena, offering spiritual and emotional care to survivors. Johnson, along with several volunteers trained in Spiritual First Aid, will continue offering care at the Disaster Resource Hub in the Palisades this week. They also met with community leaders who are part of long-term recovery teams focused on rebuilding the affected areas.

In addition, Deaconess O'Day and Johnson visited Mt. Calvary Lutheran School, where Jr. High Honors Students, led by teacher Joey Siekman, are organizing a fundraiser to deliver LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and care packages to five local fire departments that assisted in fighting the wildfires.

The pastors and community leaders they met with expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support that Lutheran Church Charities is providing in the wake of this devastating disaster.

As recovery efforts continue, your support is crucial. Consider donating to Lutheran Church Charities Southern California Fire Response fund to help those affected by the wildfires. Together, we can make a lasting impact in rebuilding lives and communities.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has built a meaningful relationship with the students and staff at North Newton JR/SR High School in Morocco, IN, through visits over the past couple of years. In November 2023, the Comfort Dogs were called to provide support after a sophomore's tragic death by suicide. Heartbreakingly, the ministry was recently asked to return following the loss of another student, Grant, who also died by suicide. Both students shared many friends and would have been juniors this year.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bethany (Trinity - Danville, Illinois), Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana), and Michael (LCC Staff), along with their dedicated handlers and ministry partners, responded swiftly to this call, offering comfort and presence to a grieving community. The dogs, with their gentle demeanor and unconditional love, created a space where students and staff could begin processing their loss.

The journey of grief is not one that anyone should walk alone. We are grateful to Jesus for sending these LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams to be present in the midst of sorrow, offering a source of comfort and strength.

Please join us in praying for Grant's family, friends, teachers, and classmates. May they experience the peace and love of Christ as they navigate this difficult time.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11 )

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was invited by the principal of Pontiac Township High School in Pontiac, IL, to offer comfort and support to students and staff following the recent death of beloved Spanish teacher, Ms. Brenda Martinez. Ms. Martinez was deeply committed to her students, ensuring they felt seen, heard, and valued in her classroom.

In the aftermath of her passing, students and staff processed their grief in different ways. One student shared that, although she thought she was done crying, waves of emotion continued to hit her throughout the day. Spending time with Honey Comfort Dog in training, and Michael Comfort Dog helped her process her feelings. Another person mentioned that the grief was especially poignant, as it was Ms. Martinez’s 39th birthday the day before her passing, making the loss even more challenging for everyone.

In a heartfelt tribute, students wrote messages on the classroom boards, expressing their gratitude for Ms. Martinez, how much they would miss her, and how much of an impact she had on their lives as both a teacher and a person.

The presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Michael (LCC staff), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Glory, Gethsemene, Honey, and Shamgar, along with their handlers and ministry partners, provided a sense of peace and support to those grieving the loss of such a cherished teacher. It was truly a gift to be there for the students and staff during this difficult time.

"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58: 7-9)

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Michael  (LCC Staff) and LCC Comfort Dogs in Training Gethsemane, Glory, and Honey attended the United Airlines Flight Attendant Safety Fair at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. 

The handlers and Comfort Dogs had the opportunity to connect with flight attendants, pilots, and administrative staff. Many pilots and flight attendants expressed their gratitude, sharing that their jobs prevent them from having dogs, making the chance to cuddle with the Comfort Dogs especially meaningful. Others who do have pets but were away from them cherished the time spent with the dogs. One pilot, preparing for a long and challenging flight, said that spending time with the comfort dogs truly made his day.
 
The importance of being present with the flight attendants, pilots, and staff of United Airlines was clear to the teams. These dedicated individuals bear significant responsibility each day, ensuring the safety and security of passengers aboard their flights. Witnessing their faces light up with smiles and their shoulders relax, finding comfort and peace in the moment, highlighted the value of these visits and the care and compassion provided by the handlers and ministry partners.
 
We lift up in prayer the flight attendants and pilots for God’s strength, wisdom, and patience as they navigate the challenges of their job. We ask for God’s protection, both in the air and on the ground. We pray they find joy in their work and a sense of purpose in serving others.
 
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8)

Held at Zion Lutheran School in Brighton, CO, the vigil drew hundreds of mourners, including classmates from various high schools, teachers, and coaches, all gathering to honor Zane's memory.

Zane was only 16 years old, but he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He valued his faith, family, friends, neighbors, education, sports, and the great outdoors. Many of his classmates and friends donned camouflage attire as a gesture to honor him, symbolizing their respect and admiration for the young man who touched their lives in so many meaningful ways.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus, alongside their dedicated team, provided a calming presence that truly made a difference. Attendees expressed their gratitude, sharing sentiments like, “Dogs make everything better” and “I feel better after petting the dogs.”

The team members shared their experiences while working at Grace Lutheran:

"We poured our hearts into the work because we wanted to help in any way we could. We painted 40 or more outside classroom doors, 4 bathrooms, cafeteria walls, narthex, and walls between classrooms. We bought plants to put out in front of the church, hoping to make the congregation bring back smiles on their faces."
 
"Witnessing older students mentor younger ones and hearing the children's joyful songs during chapel was a beautiful experience. Each moment was infused with prayer, reminding everyone of God's guiding presence in our efforts. The experience left everyone with full hearts, a renewed sense of purpose, and a shared belief in the transformative impact of serving others through Christ's teachings."

The team was grateful for the opportunity to serve both the church and the school. As they watched the team at work, the students frequently expressed their gratitude and grew increasingly optimistic, witnessing the transformation unfold right before their eyes each day.
 
Lutheran Church Charities extends sincere thanks to the following LERT and SFA volunteers and congregations from Illinois for their unwavering service, heartfelt prayers, and steadfast support. Your commitment makes a profound difference and brings hope to those suffering and in need.
 
Cross, Yorkville - Linda Arnold, Pastor Erik Gauss, Carrie Howard, Barb and Gary Lewison, Mike Moe, John Sleezer
 
Trinity, Lisle - Ed and Jan Boerman, Dale and Beth Durfey, Linda Fergusen, Jim and Veronica Reuter, Ed Schwartz, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Wayne and Sandy Witek, Kent Worrell

In early February, David and Paige received life-changing news from the doctors monitoring David’s recovery: his progress had been so extraordinary that they were able to return home to Mt. Carmel, Illinois. This joyful moment was celebrated with immense gratitude by the Hospitality House Care Team at Faith Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, IL, who had been by their side through this difficult journey.
 
Throughout the family's stay at the Hospitality House, the care team provided not just support, but a source of unwavering stability during a season of uncertainty and hardship. But they were not alone in this mission. More than 20 churches came together, offering their hands in service, their resources in funding, and their hearts in behind-the-scenes support, lifting up the family when they needed it most. During this time, new and lasting friendships were formed—friendships built on the unshakable foundation of Christ’s love.

On Sunday, February 23, Faith Carpentersville held a special lunch to honor David, Paige, and their family, and to pray over them as they prepared to return home. The Human Care Team presented Dave with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion, signed by the medical team who supported him in both the hospital and during his rehabilitation. The heart is a powerful reminder of the love and care he received from the medical team.
 
We want to offer our deepest, most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has prayed over Dave and Paige, to the Faith Carpentersville Hospitality House Team, to those who provided transportation to and from the hospital, and to everyone who helped meet the family’s many needs. Dave and Paige are overwhelmed with gratitude, and in their own words, they couldn’t have made it through this journey without your incredible support. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and for showing the love of Christ in such powerful, transformative ways.