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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.
 When her site was completed, the LERT team presented her with a quilt and a signed tree slice with a cross. She insisted on praying a blessing over each team member to show her appreciation. LERT volunteers spent two days helping clear many downed trees from a several acreage property of a husband and wife who are Omaha police officers. The tornado leveled their two-story home and garage, as well as rolled their trailer and pickup truck. They were overwhelmed with and greatly appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community, volunteers, and fellow officers. he destruction and trauma experienced by many residents are widespread, but the spirit of community and faith is providing much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process. It is a blessing to listen to their stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we serve 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.  Monday, May 6, marked the first anniversary of the Allen Premium Outlets Mall shooting that took the precious lives of the Cho family, Kyu, Cindy, and their 3-year-old son James; sisters, 11-year-old Daniela Mendoza and 8-year-old Sofia Mendoza; Christian LaCour, 20; and Aishwarya Thatikonda, 27; and Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32. Seven others were injured. The community of Allen was left shaken by this tragedy and continues to feel the trauma of that day. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Pastor Will Kemp, Tangible Grace Lutheran Church, Allen, Texas, returned to be there for the community one year later. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Pax & Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas), Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma), and Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) did not hesitate to say, "Here am I, send me" when they received the request to return to Allen on this first anniversary. The Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Triton, Persis, Phoebe, Pax, and Martha began visiting with Allen High School students and staff Monday morning as they remembered and shared that day. Persis, Phoebe, Pax, Triton, and Martha also brought calmness to the morning as the students prepared to take their finals. Comfort Dogs Martha, Pax, and Phoebe then joined the students, staff, and parents of Daniela and Sofia at Cheri Cox Elementary School as they remembered and celebrated the lives of sisters Daniela and Sofia Mendoza with the dedication and groundbreaking of the Mendoza Memorial Garden. One of the handlers shared, "At the remembrance ceremony and groundbreaking, they released butterflies, and a butterfly struck me on one of the student's hands. The student was a close friend of one of Mendoza's sisters and was part of the groundbreaking ceremony. The butterfly stayed on her hand and was in no hurry to fly away. This sweet young girl was mesmerized by it. At the same time, while it had been sprinkling a bit, a tiny break in the clouds appeared, allowing some light to shine through. To me, that was a powerful God moment during a very emotional and difficult time for everyone in attendance." The Comfort Dogs and handlers also spent time with staff and the community at the Allen Premium Outlet Mall. The mall established a memorial for the eight victims killed. The eight wind chimes at the top of the memorial represent the eight lives lost in May. Later that day, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team spent time with the 911 dispatchers and officers of the Allen Texas Police Department, who responded quickly and professionally to the call that day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Comfort Dogs and handlers to reconnect, appreciate, and support these dedicated first responders. The team ended the day by joining the Allen community at the Remembrance Ceremony at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. It was a beautiful ceremony honoring the lives lost and coming together as a community. We continue to pray and support the community of Allen, Texas, as they continue to move forward from the trauma of this shooting just one year ago. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
 Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were invited to Charlotte, North Carolina, by Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Pastor Steven Newberg of Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte in response to the shooting on Monday, April 29, that killed four law enforcement officers: Officer Joshua Eyer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, North Carolina Department of Corrections; and Thomas Weeks, U.S. Marshals Deputy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Faith (St. Stephens - Hickory, North Carolina), Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, South Carolina), and Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and their handlers spent the week visiting with countless law enforcement personal, 911 dispatchers, EMS workers, firefighters, military personal, and their families. The teams also set up an LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion memorial to honor the victims. They gifted several departments an LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion to show their love and appreciation.  The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were customized and shipped quickly to Charlotte last week when LCC learned of the shooting. Kyra Carbone, Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, North Carolina), received the hearts, packed them up, and headed to Charlotte for the evening candlelight vigil. The hearts were presented there, and many signed them, offering sincere support and appreciation for the officers and compassion to the families in their loss. The messages of comfort, just like the candles at the vigil, provided light in a dark time. The next day, the HMCs were taken to the “Fallen Officer Memorial Statue,” adjacent to the police headquarters in Charlotte -- a fitting place to remember the four officers who lost their lives boldly serving the Charlotte community. The four crosses and hearts displayed here will allow the community more time to engage with the hearts and crosses, offering notes of love and gratitude.  On Friday, May 3, the teams were honored to be present at the funeral of Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Teams were all deeply touched to witness the procession of law enforcement with the bagpipes, drumming, and American flag flying high above. It was incredible to witness the support of the law enforcement community coming together from all over the country for their fallen brother and his family. Each first responder God put in our path exemplifies the teachings of Christ, showing compassion, mercy, and sacrificial love to those in need. Behind their outward strength lies the weight of immense responsibility and the toll of constant exposure to trauma. The demands of their profession and the relentless stress take a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Their sacrifice is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well. We recognize the importance of supporting their mental health and offering them the same care and compassion they so willingly give to others. As we offer our gratitude to first responders, please lift them up in prayer, seeking protection and peace for their weary souls. May the Lord's guiding hand continue to sustain and protect them. We want to thank our wonderful LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handlers for all their efforts in Charlotte. They had a full schedule but showed up to each first responder with an open heart full of love and compassion. We also thank Paul Soost for his outstanding leadership on this deployment. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors. Thank you for allowing us to say, "Here I am, send me," and be there for Charlotte. "I wanted to send an email simply restating our overwhelming gratitude for your team and organization. You responded to our community without hesitation and were a comforting, calming presence for us all week/weekend. We cannot thank you enough for what each of you and your dogs do in tragic times such as these. We have had SO many people talk about the impact you made on them. Please share this with each team that dedicated their time to us at CMPD this past week. Thank you, and God bless you!" Lt. Amy Wheaton Learning and Wellness Service Group Peer Support Administrator Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department  Last week, students, parents, staff, and the community of Mount Horeb Middle School were traumatized by an active shooter threat to their school. The terror, uncertainty, and shock of this incident left a lasting impact on this community. On Monday, the students and staff returned to school for the first time since that threat. Teachers, administration, students, and parents arrived on Monday, still carrying with them the emotions and trauma of that day. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Grace, Hannah (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's Lutheran - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) were there Monday to be with the students and staff, to walk alongside them and give them a safe place of comfort, love, and support. Teachers and students wrapped their arms around the Comfort Dogs and held them close, absorbing their comfort, love, and warmth. Students and staff would bury their faces in the Comfort Dogs' soft fur when needed, wiping their tears away. Samson's handler shared, "As Samson and I followed a class throughout the day, through homeroom, study hall, social studies, math, science, physical education, and Spanish classes, you could see and feel the positive impact on both students and staff from the comfort and compassion we sought to share. We received a warm welcome, and by the end of the day, these wonderful kids and their teachers expressed sincere gratitude for joining them as they moved from class to class. I was particularly touched that Samson and I could be a part of the students planting flowers outside the high school during Spanish class, an idea the teacher had to help with her own and her students' healing." One of Charity's handlers shared this moment, "The most impactful part of my day was just being present when two 6th-grade boys unloaded the details of what they saw and heard to each other. They would reach out to pet or just put their hand on Charity while talking. I was trying to think of something to say to them when I just got the feeling to BE." The best part was when a boy yelled out, 'Hey! These cards have Bible verses we can look up!'" Mary Comfort Dog's team reflected on the day, "Being part of this day revealed how God put us in this school to share His peace and bring some relief and comfort from the stress and fear-filled experience the teachers, staff, and students went through. As the students petted the dogs, they visibly relaxed. Several teachers shed tears as they petted the dogs and released their bottled-up emotions." On Monday, when Dora Comfort Dog and her handler were in the teacher's planning room, a teacher came in and sat on the floor next to them. She sought Dora's fur's soft, warm touch beneath her fingers. As the teacher was petting Dora, she began to cry. Dora's handler was there to listen, comfort, and love this teacher who was carrying so much pain and loss. She was the teacher of the 14-year-old who was killed as a potential threat to the school. God places us where we need to be, directing us to the people who need us to share His love, hope, and comfort. "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isaiah 40:1 We continue to pray to God for the Mount Horeb community as they move forward from this tragedy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), and her dedicated handlers and ministry partners have established a blessed working relationship with the Columbus Hospital in Columbus, Nebraska, since January 2024. Comfort Dog Eden's team has six members who went through the volunteer training program at Columbus Hospital to make these important visits. The team can visit, see, comfort, and support the Senior Behavioral Department, the Infusion Department, and the second floor for patient visits. Eden and her team also visit the child daycare facility, which mainly offers care for the hospital employees. We love to see the joy and smiles on the children's faces when they see Eden. Those visits to the child daycare also comfort their parents, knowing they had a sweet visit with Eden Comfort Dog and her team. Last week, the hospital hosted Eden and her teams at an event called "Paws for Patient Experience." Eden's team spent two days set up in the admissions area, greeting nurses, employees, and newly arriving patients to the facility. A note was shared with the team written by the lead clerk of the registration department. It stated, "Thank you, Eden, for being a calming presence and putting a smile on our faces. It is amazing how an animal can bring joy to everyone! Eden and her buddies can visit our waiting room anytime." LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eden's team is grateful to God for opening the doors to visit with the patients and the dedicated and excellent staff at Columbus Hospital. We thank the nurses for all they do each day to care for their patients and families.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington) was again invited to be the Inland Northwest Honor Flight’s official comfort dog. We most recently were able to join the April 2024 flight from Spokane, Washington, to Washington DC, for a whirlwind 38-hour trip to honor four Korean War veterans and 85 Vietnam War veterans, including two women. Isaac Comfort Dog and handlers were asked to be a part of this team to serve, greet, and ultimately comfort these service men and women as they cope with remembering their losses and, many times, subsequent PTSD that remains from serving in these wars. Several veterans were able to share their stories of triumph and loss and, many times, the disrespect that they experienced while serving our country. One of the Marines shared with Isaac and his handlers about the many lives he saved and yet too many comrades he lost during the war, and Isaac was able to walk with him as he found the names of his most beloved friends on the wall. He later shared (within hours) that this experience had profoundly changed him and given him peace. So many tears were shed as several veterans felt loved and appreciated for their service for the first time. Isaac is indeed an integral part of these trips, and we are so honored to be able to serve these heroes of our nation in this capacity. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) and Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland) and their handlers joined Isaac at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  Lutheran Church Charities held a Basic LCMS LERT chainsaw operation and safety classroom instruction at Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, on May 3. This class was co-led by LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors and LCC advanced team leaders Marty Johnson and Ed Boerman. On Saturday, May 4, thirty basic and advanced chainsaw-certified LCC staff and LERT team members worked as chainsaw and heavy equipment operators and draggers to clear downed and dead trees, limbs, and brush from the camp. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Executive Director, expressed his sincere thanks for all of the work completed to prepare the property for campers. The eighteen first-time chainsaw operators received individual instruction and guidance from advanced team leaders as they began to safely practice felling and bucking trees and limbs, as well as serving with chainsaw team members. LERT chainsaw volunteers from the following Illinois, Indiana, and North Carolina churches were in attendance: Illinois Christ the Rock, Rockford Good Shepherd, Frankfurt Heartland, Normal Immanuel, Batavia Immanuel, Belvidere Lord of Life, Elburn Prince of Peace, Palatine St. John's, Union St. John, Wheaton St. Paul, Rockford Trinity, Lisle Trinity, Roselle Indiana Christ Lutheran, Valparaiso North Carolina Eternal Shepherd, Seneca  |
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