 A special thank you to St. Paul Lutheran Church on Canfield Ave., Norwood Park, Illinois, and member Jeff Boberg, an LCC volunteer who delivered a table to an elderly couple in need.
The couple are professional blues musicians. In 2020, due to COVID-19, they lost all their gigs and experienced financial hardship.  Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, is in extreme civil unrest following the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moïse, on July 7. According to AP News, "Haiti’s economic, political and social woes have deepened recently, with gang violence spiking in Port-au-Prince, inflation spiraling, and food and fuel becoming scarcer in a country where 60% of the population makes less than $2 a day."  In addition, there's been a significant uptick in coronavirus cases and deaths, bringing the total to 19,347 confirmed cases and 487 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University Covid-19 tracker. Health experts agree these are probably vast undercounts. Haiti is one of a small number of countries globally that has yet to roll out a coronavirus vaccination campaign — and the only country in the Americas. It is difficult for medical and other supplies to enter the country. Haiti’s airports are closed to commercial traffic. Because of your donations, LCC has been able to send money to Haiti to purchase food and Hygiene Stations. We received the following update from Lophane Laurent in Haiti:
The need is still great and your donations are desperately needed to help families in Haiti.
 114 Homeowner Assessments Completed 80 Total Properties Scheduled – 73 Completed On Sunday, June 20, a confirmed EF-3 tornado, straight-line winds of at least 70mph, and catastrophic storms raged through Northern Illinois, causing extensive damage in Woodridge, Naperville, and Downers Grove, as well as Burr Ridge and Darien. To date, the Village of Woodridge reports 400 homes damaged and 29 destroyed and Naperville had 231 homes damaged and 19 destroyed.
Lutheran Church Charities has been present and serving the hard-hit communities of Woodridge, Naperville, and Downers Grove. As of today, we have met with 114 homeowners to assess their property damage. We have identified 80 total sites that we can assist with. To do this more effectively, over the past two weeks, Pastor Ed Brashier, LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Shepherds Heart Ministry Director, and Gary Decker, assisted our teams with their 65’ boom lift and mini-bobcat. Different Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. team members volunteer daily and have completed 73 sites. We will continue to serve in our district until we are done with all of the requests. Woodridge Mayor Cunningham Thanks L.E.R.T. Volunteers  Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, daily shares the addresses of those served with the Village representatives so they can schedule wood, brush, and debris pick-up. She received this encouraging note from the Mayor of the Village of Woodridge on Saturday to share with all of the volunteers serving: Please share with your incredible L.E.R.T. TEAM: Oh my! The number of residents you have served is absolutely incredible! I can’t fully express with words how much love and gratitude our community holds in our hearts for L.E.R.T. and all our amazing volunteers! My kindest and best regards, always! Mayor Gina Cunningham Helping Neighbors with Extensive Damage to Uninhabitable Homes  This week the LCC and Southern District lift teams worked together for two days on three neighbors' homes that were left uninhabitable and with major tree damage from the tornado. Becky, a young woman, was in the home recovering from open-heart surgery. Her roof was lifted off the home and several trees caused other damage. Her neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. K., who are elderly and disabled, could not get to any shelter and held hands and prayed that God would keep them safe. Both sustained some minor injuries and were hospitalized. Their nephew came from Alaska to help with the insurance, repairs to the home, and tree damage. My Uncle sends his sincere thanks and blessings to you all. And I’ll be honest, I’ve never been much into religion, but what you all are doing is a real miracle and being angels on earth to those in need. Thank you so very much! Nephew of Woodridge Elderly Residents This is why we do what we do. Chainsaw work becomes a means to share the gospel message with our actions and words when the situation arises. Serving Grandparents Raising Young Grandchildren LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. volunteers spent two days helping this family of grandparents raising young grandchildren clear their yard of multiple downed and dangerously leaning trees. They were so thankful to be able to have their yard made safe again and to have had it done at no cost to them. They had received an estimate of $45,000 to do this and knew it was something they could never afford to do. They felt “we were truly a blessing sent by God to help them.”
 The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the families affected by the tornado and storms in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Northern Illinois to help during the long recovery process. Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need. LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Bring Comfort and |
| LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana) made many new friends last week! Jared and his team visited the children participating in the Turnstone Center and the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, All Abilities Camp. The children and the team had a wonderful time together. The camp provides opportunities for youth ages 8-18 with and without disabilities (physical, visual, developmental, etc.) to participate in sports and recreation activities. Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, LORD. (Psalm 4:6) | |
During the week of July 10 through July 16, 2021, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Candace (LCC Staff), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee – Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois) were honored to spend time at C.O.P.S. Kids Camp.
The camp supports children, ages 6-14 years of age, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Many of the children return to camp each year and look forward to the unconditional love, comfort, and compassion provided by LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.
In addition, campers at C.O.P.S. Kids Camp have the opportunity to attend grief counseling sessions specifically designed for their needs and participate in activities such as swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, canoeing, ropes courses, and campfire skits.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, 165 Police Officers have died in the line of duty in 2021 alone. Please keep the families, especially the children, who often struggle with enormous grief and loss and are left behind, in your thoughts and prayers.
The camp supports children, ages 6-14 years of age, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Many of the children return to camp each year and look forward to the unconditional love, comfort, and compassion provided by LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.
In addition, campers at C.O.P.S. Kids Camp have the opportunity to attend grief counseling sessions specifically designed for their needs and participate in activities such as swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, canoeing, ropes courses, and campfire skits.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, 165 Police Officers have died in the line of duty in 2021 alone. Please keep the families, especially the children, who often struggle with enormous grief and loss and are left behind, in your thoughts and prayers.
| On Tuesday, July 13, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Abraham (Trinity - Hicksville, New York), veteran John and Abraham's handler attended the Town of Oyster Bay Salute to Veterans event. Over 300 people were in attendance to honor some outstanding veterans in the community and then enjoy a performance by Lee Greenwood. Abraham walked through the event, greeting many of those in attendance. Some remembered him from the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. He even made some new equestrian friends. |  |
LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Bring Comfort and a Healing Presence During Recovery Efforts For Collapse of Condominium Tower
After the horrific partial collapse of the 12-story wing of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited in by Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, LCMS District President for the Florida-Georgia District, and Rev. Dennis Bartels, Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School in North Miami, who has served this community for 35 years.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams arrived in Surfiside on Tuesday, July 6, to serve first responders and their families who are working around the clock doing search and rescue, and now recovery, for the people who are still unaccounted for, as well as family members who have lost loved ones.
First responders include emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, firefighters, police officers, city, state, and federal personnel. They are all working tirelessly with the destruction of the Champlain Towers. In addition, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs served all in that area who are working selflessly or are affected by this tragic event.
First responders include emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, firefighters, police officers, city, state, and federal personnel. They are all working tirelessly with the destruction of the Champlain Towers. In addition, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs served all in that area who are working selflessly or are affected by this tragic event.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hope (Faith – Marietta, Georgia), Jewel (Christ Our Savior – Loudon, Tennessee), Lizzie (Trinity – Savannah, Georgia), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin), Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd – Seneca, South Carolina), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) and Zoara (Island Lutheran – Hilton Head, South Carolina), along with their ministry teams, brought comfort and hope to all who are grieving.
On Wednesday, July 7, to start their day, the teams gathered at Holy Cross in North Miami to greet students as they arrived. They shared smiles and hugs with God’s little kiddos.
On Wednesday, July 7, to start their day, the teams gathered at Holy Cross in North Miami to greet students as they arrived. They shared smiles and hugs with God’s little kiddos.
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Later that day, the teams delivered hearts and markers to the memorial site in Surfside, Florida sent by LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. One will be placed for everyone who has not survived this horrific tragedy. Visitors to the memorial site can sign and leave condolence messages.
The children from Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School signed the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for those who died in the horrific collapse.
The children from Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School signed the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for those who died in the horrific collapse.
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Watch the short video below to see how LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion is serving Surfside, Florida.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams were present at the memorial site to share love and compassion to help everyone who stopped by to process the grief they are experiencing.
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The teams were blessed to spend time with the brave and dedicated fire rescuers who have been working long shifts in pretty extreme conditions to find the missing loved ones.
Many of these courageous men and women have been missing their families. The team shared some LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffies with them to take to their children.
One of the firefighters placed the Comfort Dog stuffie he was saving to give to his daughter in his boot, as his hands were filled with his personal protective equipment at the end of his shift. Seth Comfort Dog sensed this firefighter needed some comfort and attention and gently leaned into the firefighter letting him know he was loved.
Many of these courageous men and women have been missing their families. The team shared some LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffies with them to take to their children.
One of the firefighters placed the Comfort Dog stuffie he was saving to give to his daughter in his boot, as his hands were filled with his personal protective equipment at the end of his shift. Seth Comfort Dog sensed this firefighter needed some comfort and attention and gently leaned into the firefighter letting him know he was loved.
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We received the following note of appreciation from a Lieutenant from Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue A-Shift, Station 64:
Hello,
I am a Lieutenant Firefighter/paramedic with PBG Fire Rescue with the assignment on 7/7-7/8 throughout the night of finding victims in this horrible tragedy.
I met Peace, golden retriever, at Surfside, right after recovering victims from the pile approximately around noon on 7/8 and prior to leaving the site, awaiting the bus for transport. I felt a sense of happiness overwhelm me with meeting Peace as well as the other comfort dogs that were there. All the people that were associated with the dogs were very kind, and a warm feeling came over me. After searching on that pile and recovering victims, it leaves a sense of sadness, fear, and somberness in your heart. It makes me wonder about the families that were directly affected by the losses of their loved ones.
You are a group of kind people, and dogs were definitely a good thing to see right afterwards and gave me a happy feeling that, believe it or not, is all I needed to elevate my mood and sad feeling at that time. I want you to know that your job is not unnoticed, and your mission is definitely worth it. Me and my crew of 3 all feel the same. Thank you for giving me the stuffed little brown dog. The woman that was holding the dog left a good memory in my heart.
Please keep it up.❤️
Thank you kindly,
Lieutenant, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue A-Shift, Station 64
On Friday, July 9, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to Trinity Christian Academy in Miami Gardens to meet the children participating in their Freedom Schools Summer Daycamp.
At Trinity Christian Academy, students learn about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him every day. The students welcomed us with their version of the Hallelujah Chorus. Tom Moore, handler and caregiver for Mary Comfort Dog from Brookfield, Wisconsin, read to the students. The students were able to meet and interact with the Comfort Dogs. We were thrilled to have this time with them. May God bless these wonderful students, their families, the school, and their administration and teachers.
CLICK HERE to watch Trinity Christian Academy Hallelujah Chorus.
Trinity Christian Academy offers the Step Up For Students Scholarship, a private school scholarship for K-12 schoolchildren offering lower-income Florida families education choices so they can find the best learning environment for this child. 98% of the students at Trinity Christian Academy benefit from the scholarship.
On Saturday, July 10, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present during shift change to give comfort and encouragement to the fire rescuers who continue to recover the loved ones still buried in the rubble.
CLICK HERE to watch Trinity Christian Academy Hallelujah Chorus.
Trinity Christian Academy offers the Step Up For Students Scholarship, a private school scholarship for K-12 schoolchildren offering lower-income Florida families education choices so they can find the best learning environment for this child. 98% of the students at Trinity Christian Academy benefit from the scholarship.
On Saturday, July 10, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present during shift change to give comfort and encouragement to the fire rescuers who continue to recover the loved ones still buried in the rubble.
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When Judy, her husband Steve, and Jewel Comfort Dog left their church Christ of Savior, Loudon, Tennessee, for Miami, the women of the congregation had sent three prayer shawls with Judy to give out.
CLICK HERE to read how receiving a Prayer Shawl deeply touched a woman they met at the Memorial Wall.
On Sunday, July 11, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended services and Sunday School classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami. The LCC K-9 Ministry has been blessed to work with Rev. Dennis Bartels and his congregation. We thank them for inviting and helping us as the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams served in the community of Surfside and with the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers.
The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6 6
CLICK HERE to read how receiving a Prayer Shawl deeply touched a woman they met at the Memorial Wall.
On Sunday, July 11, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended services and Sunday School classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami. The LCC K-9 Ministry has been blessed to work with Rev. Dennis Bartels and his congregation. We thank them for inviting and helping us as the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams served in the community of Surfside and with the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers.
The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6 6
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Rev. Dennis Bartels and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami members continue the mission of placing the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers at the Surfside memorial wall. Nine more Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers were placed yesterday in honor of the loved ones recovered and identified. Thank you Holy Cross for continuing the mission.
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We received the following note of appreciation from a Holy Cross member:
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the Surfside, Florida community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they mourn their loved ones and friends perished in the Champlain Towers South collapse.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the Surfside, Florida community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they mourn their loved ones and friends perished in the Champlain Towers South collapse.
107 Homeowner Assessments Completed
74 Total Properties Scheduled – 57 Completed
74 Total Properties Scheduled – 57 Completed
On Sunday, June 20, a confirmed EF-3 tornado and catastrophic storms raged through Northern Illinois, causing extensive damage in Woodridge, Naperville, and Downers Grove, as well as Burr Ridge and Darien. Straight-line winds of at least 70mph tore through other communities. According to the final reports given this week, the Village of Woodridge had 400 homes damaged and 29 destroyed, and Naperville had 231 homes damaged and 19 destroyed. These are many families' lives changed forever.
Lutheran Church Charities continues to serve the hard-hit communities of Woodridge, Naperville, and Downers Grove. As of today, we have met with 107 homeowners to assess their property damage. We have identified 74 total sites that we can assist with. To do this more effectively, LCC has invited Pastor Ed Brashier, LCMS Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Shepherds Heart Ministry Director, to assist our teams with his 65’ boom lift and mini-bobcat. This will allow us to help more homeowners daily with chainsaw lift work to broken and damaged trees. Different Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. team members volunteer daily and have completed 57 sites. We will continue to serve in our district until we are done with all of the requests.
Assisting Neighbors By Removing Multiple Damaged Trees
LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams assisted two neighbors on one of the hardest-hit streets in Woodridge. Joe is living in his damaged home, and Steve’s is uninhabitable. Both had several broken trees that needed to be felled and removed using the boom lift. Joe kept telling us that he couldn’t believe that we would offer to do this for free, were are so professional, and that we were a blessing to him and his neighbors.
LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams assisted two neighbors on one of the hardest-hit streets in Woodridge. Joe is living in his damaged home, and Steve’s is uninhabitable. Both had several broken trees that needed to be felled and removed using the boom lift. Joe kept telling us that he couldn’t believe that we would offer to do this for free, were are so professional, and that we were a blessing to him and his neighbors.
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Helping Neighbors with Damaged Tree Across Their Properties Plus Others
We assisted another set of neighbors in Woodridge. One tree from an elderly woman’s yard was leaning precariously into the neighbor’s yard. This family had the leaner and several other trees with damaged limbs and a large broken evergreen to remove. It was a very difficult and technical job to do for the boom lift team in order to avoid causing further damage to a garage, fencing, and power lines. They were very appreciative of the hard work and kindness shown to them for the day and a half we spent at their homes.
We assisted another set of neighbors in Woodridge. One tree from an elderly woman’s yard was leaning precariously into the neighbor’s yard. This family had the leaner and several other trees with damaged limbs and a large broken evergreen to remove. It was a very difficult and technical job to do for the boom lift team in order to avoid causing further damage to a garage, fencing, and power lines. They were very appreciative of the hard work and kindness shown to them for the day and a half we spent at their homes.
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LCC received the following thank you notes from those we have served sharing appreciation for the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams:
Thank you, and God Bless you at Lutheran Church Charities, especially Deaconess Kathy O’Day and her great team, who were there in response to all of us affected by the tornado that ripped through our Woodridge community. Their professionalism and cheerful work will forever be remembered in my prayers. They truly are an example to all of the goodwill in doing God’s work.”
Sandy, a resident of Woodridge
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the work you do in Jesus’ name. Disasters one after another has presented themselves, and you have met each with the “Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ.” Most recently, our son and his family experienced a tornado in Woodridge. Your presence and prayer for our family were so meaningful and deeply appreciated by all of us. And that you took the time to call us to let Jeff and I know how they were doing! We cannot thank you enough. May God continue to bless you and keep you in His care.
Fondly,
Jeff & Kathy
They are an amazing group of angels!! Helped me with our trees and helped restore my faith in humanity. And left us with a beautiful reminder of their kindness.
Thank you!!!!
Anita
LCC Disaster Response extends a heartfelt thank you to LiftWorks in St. Charles, Illinois, for loaning us at no charge a TM64 Nifty boom lift for three days while they were repairing ours. We appreciate your generosity so that we can continue serving those affected by the tornadoes.
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the families affected by the tornado and storms in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Northern Illinois to help during the long recovery process.
Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the families affected by the tornado and storms in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Northern Illinois to help during the long recovery process.
Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
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