Whether comforting others daily within the communities they serve or reaching out to individuals during times of disaster or crisis, Lutheran Church Charities brings the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

The LCC K-9 Ministry will now bring the same mercy and compassion in supporting the Glendale Heights Police Department, Illinois, as they reach out and serve their community. In many cases, individuals often experience a range of emotions, including anxiety and even fear, while going through cases of abuse or other legal processes.
 
Working with the Glendale Heights Police Department, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin has been placed in the primary role of bringing a calming presence during times of crisis and providing comfort to individuals, groups, and communities impacted by violence, tragedy, or traumatic events. Benjamin Comfort Dog will also be a support to the police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and others who serve the Glendale Heights community.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin will remain an LCC staff-owned dog to maintain a separation of church and state. His scheduling will be handled through the Glendale Heights Police Department in coordination with Lutheran Church Charities. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin will have handlers that are members of the Glendale Heights Police Department and social workers from North East DuPage Family and Youth Services. Two of the handlers are also members of neighboring LCMS congregations.

Prayers and support are needed to help us as we launch this new chapter with the Glendale Heights Police Department.

For the past 21 years, God has done amazing things through LCC. I am grateful to God for the commitment and dedication of the staff, volunteers, donors, and our ministry partners and affiliates. By God’s grace, you are the reason we have been able to grow the ministries that make up LCC today and reach so many with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need!

My role at LCC will change at the end of July, allowing me to focus on my passion for Biblical teaching and Bible study and discipleship through the WORD Bible Study Ministry and to continue writing Daily Devotions. Having the ability to invest the time I have always wanted for this part of the ministry, I look forward to continuing to engage and challenge people with the Mind, Method, Manner, and Ministry of Jesus Christ.
 
I am committed to ensure this transition of leadership goes smoothly as we move into this next chapter together. It has been a joy, a privilege, and the greatest blessing of my life to serve as God has expanded His ministry with LCC. And, I am deeply grateful for the role you have all played in the growth of this ministry.
 
Read the full message here.

SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians

The humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow larger and larger. Many geographical areas in eastern Ukraine are in mere survival mode. Working through LCC staff member for Ukraine relief Rev. Larry Myers, the pastors and laity of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue to put forth outstanding efforts in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel through Word and action.

SELCU pastors continue to distribute humanitarian relief packages to residents in their respective communities. Pastor Yura Timerkan (Bashtanka) writes:
 
“This day was very important and stressful, too expensive for that one kilometer, but at the same time a happy demonstration that God loves us so much that He does such good for us. Thanks to everyone who participated financially, physically, and prayerfully in order to be able to [accomplish the task].”
 
Funds from donor generosity were provided by Lutheran Church Charities.

This past weekend a disabled, elderly woman had a tree fall on her home in Rochelle, Illinois, during the high winds and storms that hit the area. The following L.E.R.T. team members were able to respond quickly to assist in its removal, along with a few neighbors.
 
St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich
Trinity, Lisle – Chris and Kandace Elliott-Collins

Mrs. E. was very thankful for all of the quick and willing assistance in removing the tree and making her home safe again. She also greatly appreciated all of the mercy and compassion shown to her.

The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund so that, when invited, we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

LCC received the following request from Pastor Jamie Holt of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Illinois:

Marcelle and her four children are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, St. Charles. The single mother of four has diligently worked to provide the best for her family. Last year her oldest daughter, 18-year-old Carli, had just graduated high school and was beginning her college education before the unthinkable happened.
 
She was studying and working hard to help her mother make ends meet and help support the household. After falling ill, Carli was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This aggressive cancer required intense, immediate, and continuing treatment. Over the next several months, Carli was subjected to constant medical testing, hospitalizations, and treatments. Her medical needs required Marcelle to leave her job to provide assistance to Carli's daily needs.
 
Carli has been a warrior through this and is bravely battling her disease. In March, Carli received a bone marrow transplant from her sister. This stem cell therapy as part of her treatment plan along with continued chemotherapy provided encouraging results. The cancer was in remission.
 
The specialized treatment and medical care have left the family with devastating debt. With little income, the bills are piling up. The family pleas for financial assistance, which will alleviate some of their stress and help Marcelle focus her energy on caring for her four children. 
 
St. Mark's asks that you prayerfully consider donating to this wonderful family and grant Marcelle's family some financial peace of mind.
 
Thank you for your consideration and may the Lord continue to bless your work for His kingdom!
 
Pastor Jamie Holt
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
St. Charles, Illinois

If you are so moved, please prayerfully consider donating to help Marcelle provide for her four children.

LCC has been working with our mission partner, Mission:Haiti, since March of this year to help set up multiple COVID clinics. Thanks to your generous donations, hundreds of children, pregnant women, and adults have been served.
 
Your support helps save lives and provides opportunities for Lophane and his assistants to share the Gospel with many who are sick and in need.

Additional funds are needed to help set up the next round of three clinics in August. The estimated cost is $7,000 and will pay for the medicine, three Haitian doctors, two nurses, assistants, gas, water, food, and all necessary supplies.
 
Please prayerfully consider a generous donation to support these life-saving clinics as Haiti continues to battle COVID-19. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our Haitian brothers and sisters!

During the month of July, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry spent time with the grieving community of Highland Park, Illinois, sharing God’s light and comfort. In grief, confusion, fear, and pain, we search for the light to lead us out of the darkness that surrounds us. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were a quiet and loving presence for those they met.
 
On July 13, residents of Highland Park and surrounding communities came together for a candlelight vigil to honor the lives of their loved ones, to hold each other close, and to share their grief, pain, and their fear.

During these horrific tragedies, God sends His helpers as a shining light into the darkness. The counselors, firefighters, police, paramedics, nurses, doctors, the store owners, the mothers and neighbors who made ribbons and painted the storefront windows, the ones who delivered food to the first responders, and neighbors who checked on each other to see how they were doing and if they needed anything.
 
He sent the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses to be a loving, comforting presence. This community is strong and united. God’s light, hope, and love will show the way.
 
The LCC K-9 Ministry teams will continue to serve this hurting community as invited.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.