Your Donation of a Snowblower Delivered to Christ the King, Chicago, Illinois
Your Donations Sent to Asirvadh Ashram Children’s Home in India Through your generous donations, LCC has been sending support to the Asirvadh Ashram Children’s Home in India for 20 years. We recently received this update and pictures from Joan Khalil, President of Asirvadh Children's Home: Hello everyone, It is so very nice to know that you remember our children. The home is going on as strongly as ever. Because of COVID-19, the government has put in place a lot of new rules and restrictions. Some of the children were sent to their relatives. We provided rice, lentils, oil, and so on every ten days to them and got the older ones to come back in because of the exams. Eventually, they all started to come back. We are trying our best and taking care of these children. Believe me, it is not always easy to do this, but I feel it is a privilege to care for them, especially in this situation. Our thanks to the faithful donors for their support for these children. We pray for you always. Serving the Almighty, Joan Khalil President of Asirvadh Children's Home A Special Thank You to LCC Volunteers for Helping with the LCC Flower Gardens A special thank you to the following LCC volunteers who have spent this past week and a half helping with the weeding of the LCC flower gardens: Mike Calato, Sue Kinyon, Kim Lovett, Nancy Smith, Terry Styka, Dede Thut, and Frank Vicari.
Your donation of time and labor has changed the outdoor face of LCC Headquarters. There is still more work to be done as we redesign and redo the landscaping around the building. If you can help, contact Dianna Bonfield at dianna@lutheranchurchcharities.org for more details.
Currently, Ed Boerman, Alan Holm, Marty Johnson, and Pete Springmire are recognized LCMS chainsaw instructors, having completed this same Tim Ard training over the past several years. Therefore, it was their recommendation to have LCC bring him to our district to provide this advanced training to a select group of chainsaw operators to improve our skills, safety, and professionalism when responding to disasters. Participants who were invited to take this advanced training are LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team leaders or those being mentored as future chainsaw team leaders. LCC paid $5,500 to have Tim Ard present this training, and volunteer participant donations have covered $2,950. Everyone who participated in this training felt they learned so much that will improve their chainsaw work proficiency. Some of the skills learned were how to cut good hinges and notches for felling trees, make bore cuts, recognize potential hazards, and how to safely buck limbs. Dave Schlesselman, one of the chainsaw operators who participated in the training last week, stated, “What I learned from Tim last week will make a profound difference in how I work at all future sites. My safety and the safety of those around me will dramatically improve, my productivity will dramatically improve, and my ability to explain the "hows" and "whys" of the approaches we take to team members will be significantly better.” CLICK HERE to watch a video from the training. LCC thanks the following L.E.R.T. chainsaw operators for their participation and willingness to share what they have learned with other team members when deployed for safe and efficient chainsaw storm clean up. Illinois
Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger Immanuel, Belvidere – Mike Buhl Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn Lord of Life, LaFox – Kevin Krage, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski Messiah, Sterling – Jacob Beets Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry – Alan Holm St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Schlesselman St. Peter, Schaumburg – Ken Kiviranta Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman Wisconsin St. Paul, Grafton – Mark Brueggemann LCC also thanks Jan Boerman, Kent Worrell, and Skip and Karen Sorenson from the Trinity Lisle L.E.R.T. team for providing, cooking, and serving a delicious steak dinner for all to enjoy one evening.
9 People Killed, Many Injured 232nd Mass Shooting Reported This Year At 6:45 am on Wednesday, May 26, shooting began at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail yard in San Jose, California, during the morning shift change. At least eight of the nine people reported killed were employees, and many other employees were injured. The shooter, who was also an employee, took his own life as first responders arrived. Victim age ranges are from 29 to 63 years old. In less than 24 hours, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, received an invite for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Pastor Andy Koschmann from Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Los Gatos, California, and Rev. Michael Lange, LCMS District President for California, Nevada, and Hawaii District. Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John – Napa Valley, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrew – Stockton, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), along with their ministry teams, deployed to be present with employees, throughout the community, and first responders who were trying to cope with another mass shooting tragedy. On Friday, May 28, Micah and Rahab Comfort Dogs, with their ministry teams, were present at the vigil at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose. The teams were there to honor the victims of the VTA shooting and support the hurting community. Rahab’s Comfort Dog handler shared this reflection, “Saturday was my first time deploying and the entire day gave clarity to the word “Presence” that I have heard over and over since joining the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. I think being present at the vigil was very much appreciated by those who attended. It opened doors and gave some much-needed comfort.” Several families with young kids, as well as young adults, spent time with Micah and Rahab during the vigil. On Saturday, May 29, the teams set up Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses at a memorial in the VTA courtyard headquarters for staff and families to sign. In addition, Aaron and Micah Comfort Dogs, with their handlers, visited Yerba Buena High School. Adrian Balleza, one of the shooting victims, was a graduate of the high school, and a memorial is laid there in his honor. Aaron and Micah gave lots of love and comfort to the high school staff. On Saturday, May 29, Micah, Rahab, and Rueben Comfort Dogs spent time with the San Jose 911 Call Center dispatchers. One of them said this was the first time she has seen smiles in days. The Comfort Dogs were certainly mood changers for the staff. There was a lady who was afraid of dogs. She observed for quite some time, then eventually stood behind the dogs for a photo and finally got brave enough to pet Reuben. Talk about a smile! During their deployment in California, the LCC K-9 Ministry teams were also present at San Jose Police & Fire Departments, and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Los Gatos, Vasona Park comforting all those who needed it following the tragic shooting.
LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Please keep the San Jose, California community in your prayers. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry recently responded to four emergency site visits to provide love and comfort to all those suffering and in need following tragic events. Bradie Shrum Elementary On Tuesday, June 1, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mercy (Our Savior - Louisville, Kentucky) and her handlers Sherry and Dana enjoyed ministering to the students and staff at Bradie Shrum Elementary in Salem, Indiana. They met with the class that had lost a teacher to cancer and several other 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classes. This was their final day of school for the year, so Mercy’s visit helped bring closure to this school year. While there, Mercy was also able to cheer on the seniors from the high school as they walked the hallways for a final time. Amita Saint Joseph Medical Center On Saturday, May 29, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Reba (LCC Squad) with her veteran handler, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) and her law enforcement handler provided comfort and compassion to the emergency/trauma nurses at Amita Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois. The staff cared for victims of a horrible car accident where there was a 7-year-old fatality, and the 27-year-old mother whom they resuscitated died the next day. The staff was hurting and in need of the presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The EMS/Trauma Nurse Coordinator, who requested this visit, broke down in tears. She said it was horrible to see the suffering and loss of the mother and daughter. It has been a difficult year for them during the pandemic, but this loss has truly affected them even more. Please keep these and all nurses in your thoughts and prayers as they often are faced with tragic situations. Elkhorn Area High School On Thursday, May 27, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), along with their handlers responded immediately to Elkhorn Area High School, Wisconsin after the sudden death of one of their students. The students and staff spent time in the comforting and calming presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 An Elkhorn Area High School staff member said, "Thank you. Everything was wonderful. Thank you SO much for the time and efforts today. The students were so appreciative, and the dogs brought such a calming presence." It was a good day; seeing some kids really open up and talk about the experience with each other as they snuggled with the dog. Even some coming back later on just for comfort.” Patty Kilvinger, Charity's handler In addition to the Comfort Dogs' visit, a Heart of Mercy & Compassion was presented to the students and staff to sign in memory of Jay. Country Trail Elementary School On Tuesday, May 25, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois), Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), and Samson (Zion Lutheran - Marengo, Illinois), along with their handlers were present at Country Trails Elementary School, Elgin, Illinois. They provided much-needed comfort, care and compassion to this hurting group of students and staff after the sudden loss of a Kindergarten student. In addition, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) and Levi Comfort Dog returned on Wednesday, May 26, to be with the Kindergarten class to bring additional comfort to these hurting students and teacher. LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. LCC Thanks Simon Pagenaud Racing and Julius-K9 USA for a Generous Donation to the LCC K-9 Ministry6/1/2021
On Friday, May 28, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and LCC K-9 Ministry teams were invited by Simon Pagenaud to the Indy 500 to receive recognition for their work following the shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis. With a tragedy that hit close to home for the heart of the INDYCAR family, Simon and Julius-K9 provided financial assistance and recognition of the work LCC K-9 Ministries does. In partnership with Julius-K9, Simon Pagenaud, 2019 Indianapolis 500 champion and 2016 INDYCAR Series Champion, presented Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Ministries with a $5,000 donation to their K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Hailey and I are fortunate to have a great partner like Julius-K9 who shares our passion for supporting organizations that make a difference in communities,” said Pagenaud, who participated in the 150th running of the Indy 500 last Sunday. “We learned of the wonderful work that the LCC K-9 Ministries is doing and we’re honored to be able to recognize them for their incredible work. LCC extends a heartfelt thank you to Simon and Julius-K9 for their generous donation that supports LCC’s K-9 Ministry as they deploy in times of crisis and disaster. LCC also congratulates Simon on his 3rd place finish at the Indy 500 during a very close race. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC Staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), and Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis, Indiana), and their ministry teams were present for the event. These teams also served the families, first responders, and the community during the FedEx deployment. While at the Indy 500, they also spent time greeting attendees, especially bringing smiles to a new special friend. While in Indianapolis, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin, Hannah, Jared, Mercy, and Naomi, along with their handlers, made a return visit to the Marion County Coroner’s Office. It was good to see the staff again after the FedEx deployment and see how they are doing. There were many smiles and hugs during the visit.
Your Donations Delivered to Voice of Hope Prison Ministry, Joliet, Illinois On Friday, May 28, LCC delivered your donations for Voice of Hope Prison Ministry, Joliet, Illinois, to Deaconess Lori Wilbert. Lori sent the following update on her work at Stateville: Many thanks for continuing to remember Voice of Hope Behind the Wall ministry at Stateville Prison. The ministry was given permission to proceed even after Stateville closed last March to outside programs due to Covid. Special permission was given by the Assistant Warden of programs last May that allowed me to mail in-class readings and assignments to each of the men in my class. Each week I mail a packet of work to my students in the Houses of Healing class, and the following week a designated staff person picks it up from the cell houses and sends it back. This process has been in place for over a year now. The facility plans to open again to general programming from the community in the coming months. In addition to the class, I also send out devotional materials to six other prisons in Illinois where former students have transferred. The mailings and class are much appreciated by those I serve. Thanks again and God’s Blessing, Deaconess Lori Wilbert Thank you to all of our generous donors who support this important ministry. Your Donations Delivered to Pastor Hesham Shehab, Salam Christian Fellowship, Lombard, Illinois, to Help People in Need from the Muslim Community On Thursday, May 27, your donations were delivered to Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois, to be used in his ministry to help people in need from the Muslim community he introduces Jesus to. Your donations helped cover medical bills for a Christian refugee family (the need has been met), provided rent assistance for a single mom in need, helped purchase Arabic bibles and helped with dental work costs for a new Salam Christian fellowship member. That need is still current due to additional work that had to be done. Please prayerfully consider donating to show mercy and compassion to a fellow Christian in need. LCC Thanks Volunteers for Their Assistance Provided to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, Illinois, Upon Closing This past week LCC finished the assistance they provided Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Des Plaines, Illinois, as it closed.
A special thank you to the following LCC volunteers who came out Tuesday, Thursday, and Memorial Day to load and deliver donations that Good Shepherd shared with other ministries:
Volunteer Apprentice Trainers Needed
For more information about becoming an Apprentice Trainer, please email k9trainers@LutheranChurchCharities.org, call 866-455-6466 ext. 118 or visit our website https://luthcc.org/traink9s.
LCC received the following email from Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia, Michigan, after they presented Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Livonia Police & Fire Chiefs:
“Our Police and Fire Chiefs were humbled and grateful for the honor these lovely crosses symbolized, each noting that they had a reserved place on their office wall for them. These kind professionals in their field are outstanding representatives of the selfless service their departments daily provide for us! We are so proud of and grateful for them! Thank you, Lutheran Church Charities, for providing these high-quality plaques for us to give honor to our community's First Responders!” Christ Our Savior will be presenting an HMC to St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital administrators this week for their outstanding service to the community during the COVID-19 crisis. |
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