At the October 2023 Best Practices in Ministry Conference in Carmel, Indiana, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) were presented to the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) as a gesture of gratitude towards their international partners. The hearts, inscribed with the message "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2), were signed by PLI team members. Since then, PLI International Directors have gifted the hearts to their international partners, with Rev. Dr. Scott Rische noting that the recipients “really enjoy and appreciate the hearts and all of the signatures.”

Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Indiana, and Steve Cygan, Ministry Coordinator for HMC, honored Jim Sims, a Vietnam veteran, by presenting him with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion.
 
This meaningful gift, adorned with the color purple symbolizing courage and bravery, and a white fish representing God's saving grace, was a recognition of Jim's dedicated military service to our country.
 
The inclusion of Jim's favorite Bible verse, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9), added a personal touch to the gesture. Notably, Jim recently embarked on the April Honor Flight from Fort Wayne, further highlighting his remarkable service.

Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, already an LCC affiliate with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara, recently became an affiliate of the HMC! The team deployed to Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier this month to support the community grieving the loss of four police officers.
 
Witnessing the impact of the HMC and recognizing its compatibility with their LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Island Lutheran eagerly finalized their team and embraced this new partnership. Island Lutheran is now poised to expand its outreach efforts and bring comfort to even more individuals in need.
 
Join us in welcoming Island Lutheran to the HMC family!

On April 26, nineteen EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes tore through Nebraska leaving a trail of destruction in many communities. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response had been asked by Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, to provide chainsaw and debris removal assistance with heavy equipment in communities around Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, with Mick Onnen, Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator.
 
The Northern Illinois District volunteer deployment to Nebraska has ended. We were able to serve 32 homeowners with chainsaws, lifts, and heavy equipment, as well as give some blessing buckets and gift cards from local churches. Deaconess Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response (DR), and LCC DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with 27 Northern Illinois District Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, served from April 29 through May 10 with volunteers from several other districts.

Mr. and Mrs. H. rode out the storm in their home and found themselves facing significant damage to their property. The sound of their roof being torn off and trees snapping filled their home with fear and uncertainty. Their barn, crucial for their livelihood as they raised pigs and chickens, was completely destroyed in a matter of seconds.
 
Feeling overwhelmed by the devastation and unsure of how to begin the cleanup process, they were grateful for the support of their fellow Lutherans who came to their aid. They not only received practical help in cleaning up the debris but also experienced the comforting presence of Christ's love within their community.

One of LCC's final work sites was at the home and ranch of Mr. and Mrs. McG. Despite minimal damage to their home, the devastation to their horse stables and barn, along with the multiple downed trees on their property, left them feeling overwhelmed.
 
However, the team's swift and efficient work in making their property safe brought them a newfound sense of hope and relief.
 
Mrs. McG. stated, “All week we have felt overwhelmed and at a loss, but in one day, you have given us hope and lifted our burden.” She gave the team several hugs and thanks for assisting and caring for them during their time of need.

Mr. and Mrs. G. lost their home and had their wooded property severely damaged by the tornado.
 
Despite the loss and damage they faced, Mrs. G. took the time to express her sincere gratitude in a thank you note sent to us for the assistance they received, and the mercy and compassion shown to them.
 
“Thank you so much for coming and serving! We could not feel more uplifted and cared for during this whole ordeal. It was truly an honor to meet you and your team. We came home last night and we will head back for Mother’s Day weekend to get more things arranged. Take care! We are truly thankful for people like you!”

Mick Onnen, the Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator, sent a message of gratitude expressing his thanks to all those who served and supported the disaster response efforts in the district.

Lutheran Church Charities thanks the following LERT volunteers for their willingness to serve:

Illinois
Alleluia, Naperville - Ann Quigley, Rachel Rogers
Good Shepherd, Elgin - David Vollrath
Immanuel, DeKalb - Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee - Carl Fischer, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug and Kelley Hoyt,
Al Navarro
Immanuel, Shobonier - Fran Collier
Lord of Life, Elburn - Mark Holstein, Kevin Krage, Terry and Mary Kramer, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine - Jim Beckley
St. John, Wheaton - Marty Johnson

Wisconsin
 St. Paul's, Janesville - Lark Sanders
 Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls - Roger Kautz
 St. Paul, Grafton - Mark and Beverly Brueggemann

The destruction and trauma experienced by many residents is widespread, but the spirit of community and faith has provided much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process.

It has been a blessing to listen to the survivors' stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we served those in need.
 
Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31.

Last week Maggie, a registered nurse for Advocate Children’s Hospital died very unexpectedly. Her colleagues at Superior Ambulance were devastated by the news. Maggie was beloved by her fellow nurses and the dispatch team at Superior Ambulance. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was asked to be there for Maggie’s colleagues to offer them compassion, comfort, and love as they shouldered the news of her death.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was there for all three shifts of nurses and other emergency medical transport staff who work 12-hour days. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff) and their handlers spent time with the staff at 6:30 am, then LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Benjamin (LCC Staff) and his handler were there to support the 11:00 am shift. At day's end LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Gethsemane, Glory, Olive, and Saul spent time with the 6:30 pm shift, which was the shift Maggie primarily worked.

We pray for Maggie’s colleagues as they continue to miss and grieve their friend. We also ask for God’s continued strength and love for Maggie’s husband and her seven-year-old child. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is thankful to Colleen Butler, Registered Nurse Advocate Children’s Hospital for the request to be there for the staff at Superior Ambulance.