As springtime arrives at Crete High School in Nebraska, the hallways still feel heavy. Not as weighty and grief-filled as earlier this school year but the need to heal remains.

School counselor Jay Quinn knew just who to call — the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.

“Your dogs came to us in an emergency and were a huge part of our immediate relief,” he said. “But we have some on-going healing still happening and wanted the dogs to come back.”

In February, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry sent seven teams to the school after a junior named Tommy unexpectedly passed away, leaving a sense of loss rippling across every classroom. Tommy had grown up here. He was known, involved, loved. For many students, this was the first time they had ever experienced the death of someone their own age. The handlers and dog stepped into the ache.

This time, K-9 Comfort Dogs Glory (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, NE), Keren (Immanuel – Ellsworth, KS), and Meshach (Peace – Grand Island, NE), all of whom served before, showed up again to uplift spirits, encourage, and show love to a hurting community.

The comfort dogs’ presence drew an immediate response.

“Several students literally came running over when they saw that the dogs were back and were full of hugs with the dogs,” a ministry partner with Glory said.

One female student leaned in close to Glory with a whispered message: “You can stay; you can just stay here with me.” The dogs and their teams were offering the kind of hope and courage that students wanted to take home.   

“It was wonderful to see the joy in their faces this time,” a handler for Glory said.

Nearby, Keren and her team also had a wonderful experience to see some of the same students again after the tragedy earlier in the year.

“There was one girl that remembered Keren and sat with her for the entire lunch period,” a Keren handler said. “Another student wanted to know why they couldn't be there every day.”

Many students asked about the other dogs who had visited before.

Crete’s school counselor could see the impact of the K-9 teams’ visit right away.

“There were smiles all around,” Quinn shared. “The students loved the contact with the dogs! Not all kids are willing to share their struggles. But all needed the unconditional love the dogs could bring — to find some positives in their day. LCC provided that.”

The stress of military life is challenging. Combat exposure, long deployments, frequent relocations, family separation. These factors often lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and strain on relationships..

After a suicide death of a military member, the 926th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vagas, NV, has been grappling with high stress and grief, needing the comfort and support of their loved ones.

So they organized a Family Day at a local park and invited LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to join them.

Four Comfort Dogs teams from Nevada and California arrived with wagging tails, furry coats, and smiling faces to uplift the base community and their families:  Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA), Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, NV), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV).  

In a shady spot near some blankets, Zechariah was approached by a young lady named Hannah, who had come by to visit a few times, clearly enjoying the love Zechariah was providing. “She didn’t speak to anyone but just went right up and snuggled with him,” one handler said. Zechariah willingly complied, sensing the joy she felt from his presence. 

Nearby, Salome laid down near a fifth-grade girl who was very quiet and continually pet and hugged on Salome. “She didn’t smile very much, but she seemed very comforted by all the dogs and came back several times,” another handler recalled.

Lois’s team said they enjoyed being with military families. “They were very appreciative that the dogs and were there,” a handler shared. Presence means a lot.

“I saw a lot of God in the eyes of children as they approached the dogs — some afraid, some not,” a handler for Micah said. “They were all so warm and loving towards the dogs.”

The buses rolled in under a heavy sky on Tuesday morning in Kentucky. Spring break had ended, but something far deeper lingered in the hearts of students and staff in the Crittenden County School District, KY.

Grief. Uncertainty. Waiting.

Their school resource officer, Deputy Rick Coyle, a man known not only for his badge but for his heart, lay in critical condition after a tragic shooting. A protector, a mentor, a friend. A husband. A man who had spent decades serving others, first on the streets of Chicago and now in the quiet rhythms of a rural community that had come to love him.

And into that silence, into that waiting, came a different kind of first responder.

Seven LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri, brought their quiet presence, wagging tails, and open hearts.

• Eternity and Magdalene (Cornerstone -  Carmel, IN)
• Tabby and Zion (St. Paul -  Des Peres, MO)
• Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, MO)
• Job (Christ the King - Memphis, TN)
• Rachel (Immanuel - Charleston, IL)
  
  

They came because they were called.

A Community in Need of Peace

Superintendent Tanya Driver knew what her schools would face when students returned.

“I can’t thank you all enough. The day was perfect,” she later shared. “The impact was immeasurable. Not only did the dogs’ presence uplift our students, but also our staff. It provided much needed times of peace and joy during an otherwise difficult week.”

She had reached out in faith—and the answer came in the form of paws on pavement and ministry in motion.

At each of the district’s three schools—the elementary, middle, and high school—the Comfort Dog teams were there before the first bell rang. They greeted students as they stepped off buses, just as they had in other communities shaken by tragedy. A quiet welcome. A soft place to land.

Team in Action

“It was so good to be working as a team,” shared Zion’s handler. “My word is TEAM. From the beginning prayer to our closing prayer, it was a day full of comfort… We were a TEAM to serve.”

That unity mattered.

At the middle school, one moment stood still above the rest—a young boy, the son of the second officer involved in the shooting, unsure if his own father had been harmed. He stayed for a long time, quietly petting Zion.

No words could fix that moment.

But presence could hold it.

“I am grateful that we had our TEAM on site to reach out… especially this boy,” the handler said.

Seen and Valued

In a small community, it can be easy to feel overlooked by the wider world. But on this day, that wasn’t the case.

“As I reflect on the day, I'm vacillating between the words ‘seen’ and ‘valued,’” said Job’s handler. “Many were amazed that we came from several different places… just to bring the dogs for the day. I hope our presence conveyed the loving care that God feels for all of us.”

Seen.
Valued.
Loved.
Not because of anything they had done—but because of who they are in Christ.

A Place to Release
Sometimes grief doesn’t come out all at once. Sometimes it needs space.

Magdalene’s handler witnessed that sacred unfolding in a teacher who returned again and again throughout the day.

“At first, our conversations were light,” she shared. “But as the day went on, they became much deeper.”

The teacher spoke of her students—the ones she had loved and taught for years. The weight she carried for them. The reason she couldn’t step away from her calling.

“She just can’t bring herself to retire… because she worries about ‘her kids’ too much.”

And in that space, surrounded by comfort and grace, something holy happened.

“Today was a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is simply being present… creating space for someone to release what they’ve been carrying.”

The Power of Being Present

“My word is presence,” shared Eternity’s handler.

A quiet student sat with Eternity and Magdalene, gently petting them. What began as small talk slowly revealed deeper struggles—uncertainty, fear, the weight of life beyond school walls.

“In that moment, what she needed most was to be heard… to not feel alone.”

“You are not alone. We are praying for you.”

“It reminded us that we are not always placed where we expect to make an impact,” the handler reflected, “but rather where we are needed most.”

Peace That Passes Understanding

At the elementary school—set apart from the others but not forgotten—Tabby and Noah brought comfort to a different kind of audience.

The children, many too young to fully understand, simply leaned in for love.

But the teachers knew.

And they came.

“Grateful,” Tabby’s handler said. “I believe each one of them took time to be comforted.”

One teacher, Kayla Davis Maxfield, described something deeper than words:

“It was truly a deep, quiet kind of calm… I have never experienced anything quite like it. Tears welled in my eyes… I was so overcome with peace.”

She reflected on God’s design—how these animals bring healing simply by being.

“It made me think about the reminder in Exodus… that the Lord will fight for us, and we only need to be still.”

Stillness in the storm.
Peace in the waiting.
God, present.

Appreciative and Thankful

Rachel’s team summed up the day in two words: appreciative and thankful.

“We were overwhelmed with how everyone… was so appreciative and thankful that we were there. And in return, we were so appreciative and thankful that we could be there.”

It was a mutual exchange of grace.
A community receiving comfort.
A ministry witnessing God at work.

Love That Stays

Deputy Rick Coyle’s story is still being written in the hearts of those he served. A man of integrity. A protector. A servant leader who made people better.

Even now, as his community waits and prays, his impact remains.

And so does the impact of a different kind of ministry—one that shows up, sits down, and stays.

No sermons.
No speeches.
Just presence.
Just love.

Because sometimes, in the face of tragedy, the most powerful testimony is not what we say--
It’s that we came.

Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion presented an inspiring message at the Blessed Is She luncheon on Tuesday, where First Lady Mrs. Sharon Dawn and the CUC community welcomed more than 40 women for an afternoon of faith and fellowship. As the keynote speaker and graduate of Concordia Chicago, Sarah encouraged attendees to live boldly and confidently in Christ’s promises each day.

Drawing from the luncheon’s theme based on Luke 1:45—“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her”—Sarah opened her presentation with a reflection: “Blessed are we, when we believe that God will fulfill His promises to us, and that we let Him lead us in our lives, to bring Him glory. Every day.” Her message emphasized trust in God’s guidance and the importance of surrendering daily life to His will.

At the heart of her talk was a simple yet powerful reminder: “Behind every good deed, is God, in the lead.” Through this perspective, Sarah encouraged women to recognize God’s active presence in their lives and to trust in His power to work through them. The luncheon served as a meaningful time of encouragement, connection, and renewed faith for all in attendance.

The LCC Cares Ministry team highlighted the powerful impact of compassionate outreach through LCC Care Teams during a recent presentation at the LWML Spring Rally at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crown Point, IN.

They shared how Spiritual First Aid training equips volunteers to step into their communities, and beyond, with empathy, presence, and Christ-centered hope, offering care to those facing difficult moments in life.

The message resonated deeply with attendees. Following the presentation, several participants shared that while they are already active in a prayer ministry, they feel called to expand their outreach. They expressed interest in receiving Spiritual First Aid training and collaborating with neighboring congregations to form a unified Care Team to serve their communities more effectively.

In conjunction with the rally, participants also organized a food and diaper drive. Donations collected will support the food pantry at Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL, and the Breakfast with Baby Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, IL, meeting critical, tangible needs for families experiencing hardship.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generosity and servant-hearted spirit shown by all who contributed. Their actions are a meaningful reflection of God’s love in motion.
 
Those interested in learning more about LCC Care Teams or scheduling a presentation for their church or group are encouraged to email [email protected]

At the invitation of Travis Grulke, Michigan DDRC and Rev. Jonathan Mumme, Associate Director of Theology at Hillsdale College, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) conducted a Basic and Intermediate LCMS LERT chainsaw operation and safety training on April 10 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI.

The classroom instruction was led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructor Pete Springmire, who provided comprehensive training on proper chainsaw use, safety procedures, and best practices. Team Leader Joel Powless assisted during the hands-on workday portion of the training.

On Saturday, April 11, seven Michigan LERT team members put their training into action, serving as sawyers and draggers to clear leaning, downed, and dead trees and limbs from the church property. Under the close supervision and guidance of LCC chainsaw instructors, these newly trained sawyers gained practical experience in safely felling and bucking trees.

The event was not only a valuable learning opportunity but also a meaningful act of service. It provided participants with hands-on skill development while fostering fellowship and teamwork in support of the church community.

Responding to Devastation

Eleven LCC LERT volunteers from the South Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Districts served this past week in Edwardsburg, MI—a community heavily impacted by EF3 tornadoes on March 10. Tragically, this storm claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left many families displaced, with homes and properties suffering varying levels of damage.

Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Pastor Paul Doellinger of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cassopolis, MI, to assist the neighboring community with chainsaw work. The church graciously hosted the LERT volunteers. Led by Mark Brueggemann, LCC Regional Crisis Manager (SWD), the team served at six homes during their deployment.

Restoring Property and Hope for an Elderly Widow

One of the team’s most impactful visits was to the home of an elderly widow whose property was covered with fallen trees. Her son, overwhelmed by the destruction of the home he grew up in, walked the team through the damage, repeatedly asking, “Where do I even begin?”

The LERT volunteers stepped in with compassion and determination, working diligently to restore order and safety. Their efforts brought not only physical relief but emotional comfort. At the end of the day, they presented the widow with a slice of one of her trees, carved with a cross and signed by the team. Overjoyed, she shared, “I can’t believe what you accomplished in just one day! Many thanks to all of you!”

While the team could not solve every challenge the family faced, they brought the presence, hope, and love of Jesus to those they served.

Helping Neighbors Rebuild and Feel Safe Again

The team also worked at two neighboring properties. At the first site, although some trees had already been removed by insurance crews, significant debris remained along the fence line. Volunteers cleared downed trees and limbs, restoring safety and accessibility.

Next door, a home had been severely damaged by large trees during the tornado. The homeowners and their four dogs had taken shelter inside during the storm—thankfully escaping injury, though understandably shaken. The property still required extensive chainsaw and pole saw work to remove dangerous hanging limbs and fallen trees.

Both homeowners expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts and care. One even treated the team to pastries from a local bakery—a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. It was truly a day of being a blessing to those in need.

A Grateful Community Response

At another site, the volunteers assisted Mr. B by removing two downed trees near his pond and clearing two trees leaning dangerously over railroad tracks behind his home. As with others, they presented him with a cross-carved slice of wood.

Later, he shared this message on social media:
“I received some much appreciated help from some volunteers from the Lutheran Church today. They cut up and cleared some trees and brush on my property from the tornado. They came from Wisconsin and truly cared for me while here. They even presented me with a plaque they made from my cut wood. God bless them all!”

Serving with Willing Hearts

LCC Disaster Response extends sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers for their faithful and compassionate service:

Illinois

• Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif

Wisconsin

• Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
• Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz
• St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale
  
• St. Paul, Sheboygan Falls – James Fasse, Mark and Jody LaPean, Pete Strains
  
  

Through their hands-on service and heartfelt compassion, these volunteers made a lasting impact—helping not only to clear debris, but to restore hope in a community recovering from tragedy.

The Cares Ministry recently received a letter from a Pastor Ron Rock, Vacancy Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL, asking for help in finding a reliable vehicle for a grandmother in need. 

Interested in Donating a Vehicle?
Your unused or older vehicle—whether it's in great shape or needs a few repairs—could become a life-changing gift for a family in need. To learn more about how to donate, please email: [email protected].

For LERT volunteer and team leader Mark Razny, serving the community doesn’t always require a chainsaw or a muck bucket. Sometimes, all it takes is being there when someone asks.

When he heard that the neighboring community of Crete, IL, had endured a very tragic week, he knew the townspeople needed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — and ready to respond were the teams for Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff).

Crete’s tragic week began on March 23, when a woman allegedly shot an ex-boyfriend and then killed his mother and father in their home. Later that week, a grandfather and his three grandchildren were trapped in a burning home and perished. Three days later, a large family gathering allegedly turned into a domestic dispute and gun battle with three people shot, one of whom died at an area hospital. Two others are still in critical condition.

For a community of 15,000, Crete was rocked by this series of tragic events.

Recognizing the impact on its residents, Crete officials organized a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) last weekend and requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present for help in offering mental health and support services for the community.

Over two days at the Crete Public Library, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers sat with, encouraged, and prayed with residents, children, town officials, and first responders who needed a few moments of quiet, peace, and encouragement.

On Thursday, Caleb and Michael visited with children and Crete residents, bringing smiles and joy. Their soft fur and waggy tails served as a welcome break from the anxiety and hurt felt around town.

On Saturday, Jael joined Caleb and Michael for a second afternoon of presence, cuddles, and friendly pets. Handlers listened to stories and offered support for the trauma that the community was still feeling.

“In a small community, to have three incidents like that in a few days is heavy and heartbreaking,” one handler said. “The people we met were so thankful to have some time to put that out of their minds and connect with a caring person. We were grateful to be able to be present with them.”

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers: 
Hollye Blossom (Jael)
Joe Cunningham (Caleb)
Dan Fulkerson (Michael)
Kristen Kearney (Caleb)
Nancy Lashenik (Jael)

At Marie Montessori at Marsh School, Bella was a beloved student, known for her creativity, kindness, and joy.

A published author as middle schooler, she had a remarkable spirit and was gifted at expressing herself in ways that inspired her classmates.

When she passed away in April, the loss was immense for the entire school community.

“Together, we remember, we grieve, and we honor a life that meant so much to so many,” the school shared on its Facebook page.

To help students process their sorrow and sadness, four LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Illinois and Wisconsin visited the campus in Rockford, IL, to spend time with the 130 seventh- and eighth-graders

Responding to the call to be there for the school’s oldest two grades were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI) and Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), who sat in on an English lesson with seventh-graders and cuddled with eighth-graders between classes.

As only a comfort dog can, the four golden retrievers nuzzled students’ arms and positioned their bodies next to their middle school friends for pets and hugs.

“These seventh-grade boys sat and pet Bethesda for 20 minutes while their teacher read them a story from a book they were studying in English. I was so wonderful to watch the love being shared between them,” shared one handler.   

“The staff was so kind and Bella was very loved by her teachers and classmates. They had lots of wonderful memories of her.”

Bella had recently shared her heart and care for others through a book she wrote called YOUniquely Made about embracing one’s own story.

Her classmates also recalled in 2024 when Bella’s artwork was selected to be the design for a special jersey of the Rockford IceHogs, a local minor league hockey team, which was celebrating a literacy initiative. The school shared the video short the team filmed about her: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1293018398709355

The LCC teams could sense God’s presence and love during their visit, praying for the students, teachers, and staff.

“Through the crisis of the loss of a fellow student, so many sad hearts finding a bit of healing and comfort with the dogs’ help. It was beautiful to witness the love for a fellow student who lived a remarkable life,” another handler said. “These students loved on each other, loved and hugged our dogs, and were loved on by their teachers and support staff.”


LCC joins in the ongoing prayers for peace and comfort for the entire community of Marie Montessori at Marsh School.