Helping a Couple Who Survived in Home that was Directly Hit by the Tornado Many of the neighborhoods we assessed in North Little Rock are completely devastated. Mr. and Mrs. C. had a beautiful house overlooking the lake. Most of these homes on the lake took a direct hit from the tornado. Their home and cars were destroyed, and most of their belongings are damaged or gone. Mr. C. told us his story of survival as the tornado ravaged their home. He had just walked into the kitchen with groceries when he heard the sirens going off and could see swirling wind heading towards him. He shared that he yelled for his wife to run downstairs, but before either one of them could make it to the stairs, it hit. He was flung across the room and into a wall, and his wife was buried in wood and insulation as the roof was lifted off. He states it was over very quickly, and he just kept yelling for his wife and had to unbury her from the debris. They are both very traumatized and heartbroken. They are overwhelmed with all that has happened, what they have lost, and what to do to start their long recovery. LCC and other L.E.R.T. volunteers have been assisting them with tree and debris removal and retrieving some of their items from their home and workshop. Mr. C. comes to their home every day to see what he can find and protect it from looters. Mrs. C. cannot bring herself to return as she is so devastated. He appreciates the opportunity to share his story, listen to his concerns, offer hope and encouragement, and lend a shoulder to cry on. It is a blessing to be present with the love of Christ during this difficult time. In ten days, we now have worked at six homes on this same lake. All are neighbors and greatly appreciate our willingness to spend several days to help clear their properties of many, many trees. L.E.R.T. volunteers serving this neighborhood have also taken much time to listen to their stories and share the mercy and love of Christ with them. Serving a Family with Four Young Children Who Took Shelter in Bathroom Mr. and Mrs. W., with their four children (ages 6 months, 3, 7, and 12), took shelter in the bathroom as the tornado sirens wailed. Their Jacksonville neighborhood took a direct hit. At least twelve very large pine and oak trees fell on their property. Unfortunately, a large oak tree fell through the center of their home, missing the family by only a foot. According to his father and uncle, whom we met at the house during the assessment, Mrs. C. and the two oldest children are severely traumatized after the storm and are unwilling to come back to the house at this time. Mr. C. is extremely grateful for all of our assistance. They cannot believe that we are willing to remove the fallen trees on their property at no cost for people they have never met before, as well as provide them with household items, groceries, and diapers. Assisting Four Neighbors in Jacksonville with Damaged Property L.E.R.T. volunteers also worked at four neighbors in Jacksonville that had several large evergreens uproot and fall in their yards as well as through one of the homes. They were very thankful for our willing assistance. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCMS and LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the long recovery process.
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS. Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Our Savior Lutheran Church & School in Louisville, Kentucky, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mercy, to serve the shocked and hurting community that has been greatly impacted by a tragic mass shooting that occurred on Monday, April 10, at the Old National Bank, killing five and injuring eight. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana), and Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky) and their handlers were present last week to listen to those who are grieving, bringing them comfort, love, friendship, hope, and prayer. They visited Louisville Metropolitan Police Department District 4 to bring comfort and unconditional love to the officers who have been through a lot over the past week. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams also returned to Old National Bank where they set up LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. They were present with those who were visiting the memorial and writing messages on the hearts. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were present at a community-wide prayer vigil taking place at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Please join LCC as we continue to pray for the Louisville community during this incredibly difficult time and for all of the first responders who heroically responded to a very difficult scene. LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.
Monday, April 17 was the first day back in school from spring break for the students at Leverette Elementary School in Toledo, Ohio. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), and Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana) with their handlers met with the siblings of the teen who died. They are in the second, fourth, and fifth grades. The youngest was shy but receptive to Jared and sat with him for over 15 minutes. Her brother in fourth grade was accompanied by his teacher and didn't get down on the mat with Jared and Claudia but was smiling and answering questions. The two older boys sat down and hugged and petted Jared. After about 30 minutes, their teacher asked if they wanted to return to the classroom, but both wanted to stay with Jared. The second-grade sister returned with one of her cousins and two other classmates. They all loved Jared and talked about the pets they have at home. The counselor and therapists told us they saw a big difference in the children's demeanor. They needed to be kids and not answer serious questions about their feelings. They saw a lighting of the moods and felt a sense of calmness and more normal behaviors after visiting with the dogs. The teachers, counselors, and therapists thanked us and praised the dogs for helping the kids feel more like kids again.
On a recent Wednesday, a 2nd-grade student in Mrs. Lundy's class at Troy Heritage Trail Elementary School in Joliet, Illinois, sits on a carpet softly reading "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" to Nigel's ear and gently petting his head. The story doesn't matter as much as Nigel's comforting presence and the ability to "listen" without judgment and interruptions. LCC Kare 9® Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) with his veteran handler Gene Weisbecker (U.S. Navy) and Nigel (LCC Staff) with his veteran handler Jim Morrison (U.S. Army) have been visiting the school monthly for over two years to help 1st and 2nd-grade students with their reading skills. Teacher Melissa Lundy started the program four years ago when she taught first grade. She brought it to second-graders when she transferred grade levels this year. During COVID, the students read to the dogs virtually. "I saw a huge increase in anxiety over reading in the students," says Melissa. "The biggest benefit of having the Comfort Dogs is that reluctant readers and those who struggle reading feel safe and comfortable when they are with the dogs. All their anxiety and nervousness go away. They read at their own pace, and if they make a mistake, the dogs don't know. They don't judge." Brutus and Nigel rotate between classrooms throughout the day, and the students take turns reading and snuggling up to them. In Mrs. Russell's room, the students read hand-written notes to Brutus about their favorite parts of him visiting their classroom. Emily wrote: "I enjoy petting Brutus because he's so fluffy and he loves hugs. When I hug him, it feels like fluffy heaven. When I read to him, it makes me feel like I really accomplished something. Brutus makes me happy!!!" Some students shared that it almost looks like the dogs might be smiling when they are reading to them. The dogs are a huge motivator. Melissa sees a significant improvement in the students reading developmental skills. And on the days they visit, all the students come to school. "We have perfect attendance," says Melissa. The teachers send home pictures of the kids with the dogs, and often they are the topic of the conversation at the dinner table. The kids are eager to share their day with the comfort dogs and what they learned about them from the handlers. Helping the students with their reading skills is the primary goal of having the comfort dogs at school, but they also help with the kids' socio-emotional learning. Those kids who don't have pets learn how to approach and interact with them and that you can get affection from an animal.
Comfort Dogs in school - something that seems so small but makes such a big difference.
Financial Assistance Needed for Thirty-Five Families Displaced by Condo Fire in Palatine, Illinois4/18/2023
Update: June 6, 2023 We are continuing to raise donations to help the families affected by a large fire that occurred at Windhaven Condominium Complex in the Village of Palatine, Illinois, on Sunday, March 19. This devastating fire displaced thirty-five families from 24 units. Each of these families lost their home, belongings, and vehicles. Several of these families are still living in a hotel due to difficulty in securing affordable housing. Lutheran Church Charities has partnered with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Partners for Our Community (POC) to provide security deposits and rental assistance for eleven displaced families thus far. Each of these families could not have moved out of the hotel and into a new apartment without generous donors. We hope to continue to assist a few more families as requested. Cristina Correa, Community Engagement Coordinator, expressed her appreciation for our support. “We are excited that families are finding apartments in the area and that you have so willingly partnered with us to provide for these residents' housing needs. Many thanks for all your help.” On Sunday, March 19, a large fire occurred at Windhaven Condominium Complex in the Village of Palatine, Illinois. This devastating fire has displaced thirty-five families from 24 units. Each of these families have lost their home, belongings, and vehicles. Currently, they are all temporarily staying in hotels or with family until more permanent housing arrangements can be arranged. The damage was extensive, so this will be a long rebuild and recovery period.
UPDATE (June 14, 2023) Chemotherapy is nearly halfway done. My white cell counts keep going dangerously low, to the point that hospitalization is now necessary. The strict chemo diet is expensive, especially when we are down an income. I find myself blessed that I can still be an active behind-the-scenes person with Youth Council, even if I don’t have the ability to be hands-on for the activities. I trust that God has me in His heart. Thank you for your support and your generous gifts to my family. Danika LCC received a request for assistance for a congregation member family from Pastor Marty Marks of Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb, Illinois. Danika is an incredibly strong woman of faith. Through the challenges of the past weeks, she has continued to lead the youth group at Immanuel, including organizing and directing the Easter breakfast for our congregation. Recently she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Due to her diagnosis and the risks associated with it, she had to close the in-home daycare she had been running for ten years. She’s looking for other ways to bring in money for her household because the financial needs of her family of four are too great for her husband’s income alone. But she needs to find income that can be made from home and on flexible hours because she doesn’t want to miss a moment with her children. Danika sits on our church council as the Chairwoman of our youth board, and her husband, Keith, is a member of the board of elders. No matter the challenge, they are at almost every worship service, and on the rare occasions they do not attend in person, they are engaged in online worship. The entire congregation is on this journey with them, and their heroism and strength of faith are an inspiration to us all. If you are looking for ways to help Danika and her family in this tough time, please prayerfully consider donating towards their new car fund. They only have one working car and have been having issues with its reliability. They had planned on replacing it just as Danika got her diagnosis, but they have needed to divert those funds to everyday needs like food, diapers, clothing for the kids, and medical bills. Thank you for your assistance and partnership in serving God's beloved who are hurting. Rev. Marty Marks Pastor for Campus Ministry and Church Administration Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois If you are so moved, please prayerfully consider donating to help this family in need.
Hundreds of thousands of people in southern Turkey and northern Syria continue to be displaced and in need of basic supplies following a series of devastating earthquakes and aftershocks in February. To help people who are struggling with rebuilding their lives, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has partnered with Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) to bring emergency assistance along with the message of comfort and hope found in Jesus Christ. Through generous donations from supporters of both organizations, this partnership has already provided basic necessities to nearly 12,000 people during February and March.
“For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Psalm 22:24 On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks hit Turkey and the surrounding regions. Exactly two weeks later, on February 20, a 6.3 magnitude quake shook the same area, bringing further destruction, additional deaths, and more injuries. According to Reuters, as of March 13, the death toll in Turkey has risen to 48,448. The combined death toll, including those killed in Syria, has climbed to more than 54,000. The earthquake and subsequent powerful tremors injured more than 115,000 in Turkey, leaving millions sheltering in tents or seeking to move to other cities. Every day people are tasked with looking for food and necessities to survive. Rev. Chris Singer, Lutheran Church Charities President & CEO, has been working with President Kurt Buchholz of Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) on ways to bring assistance and the hope found in Jesus Christ to people in Turkey and Syria who are directly impacted by this catastrophic disaster. “I am excited to work with President Kurt Buchholz and the great ministry of LHM. In the face of such dire and large scale need we find our help will be better together,” shares Rev. Singer. “Much of the news has highlighted that people in this devastation feel forgotten. But we know that the Lord is attentive to their cries of suffering (Psalm 22:24). LCC can bring them mercy, compassion, and assurance with your help. Let’s bring hope together!” Your Financial Donations Can Assist Lives Directly Impacted! Lutheran Hour Ministries is incorporating a holistic approach to sharing God’s love by attending to people’s physical and emotional needs as well as their spiritual needs. They are currently gathering emergency supplies to be sent to a partner church in Turkey for distribution to people affected by the earthquakes. Often the recipients of holistic efforts like this desire to learn more about God through Christians moved to reach out in love.
Join LCC in praying for our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria, as well as for the safety of the dedicated first responders, to remain strong in faith during these difficult times. LCC never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.
Note: LCC is not collecting items to ship, only financial donations to cover the cost of shipping and the purchase of additional needed supplies. |
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