LCC received a request for assistance from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois. Dear Friends, Salma, a Jordanian immigrant who was baptized at Salam Christian Fellowship, needs financial support for immigration fees. Salma came to the USA a few years ago looking for freedom of faith and someone to help her become Christian after she saw Jesus in a dream in Amman, Jordan. Salma first went to France, but nobody helped her learn more about Jesus. She went back to Jordan, but after a year met a Salam member on Facebook who encouraged her to come to the USA. Salma resigned from her job in Amman and flew to Chicago, trusted Jesus, and never looked back. Salma found a home and a community at Salam. Since she came to America, she has been able to support herself and her orphaned nephew back in her country of origin. However, Salma lost her car in a recent crash and she is under a lot of financial strain. She has replaced her car and, at the same time, needs $4,000 to pay immigration fees that will lead to her citizenship. Please show the love of God to our new sister in Christ and donate generously to this cause. In Christ, Pastor Hesham Shehab Salam Christian Fellowship Lombard, Illinois LCC received the following update from Pastor Doug Warmann of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois, on the young widowed mom of six children that the congregation has been assisting. This past Sunday afternoon, twenty-five members, family, and friends gathered before Trinity's baptismal font to witness the baptism of baby Clayton Isaiah and welcome him to God’s family. Following the baptismal ceremony, Jessica asked to address the group to express her gratitude and appreciation. Without the help that God provided through the Church family after Mark’s death and her work injuries, she, her five children, and her unborn baby would not have made it to this day. Clayton was born in March, after Jessica’s rehab for her work injury and maternity leave, Jessica has been able to return to work. Returning part-time to work was made possible with the help of several Trinity members and 18-year-old Natasha, who provides childcare for Jessica while she is at work. It has been only a little over a year ago, in June, that Mark passed away, and Jessica and the children are still grieving Mark's death. The future is still a financial struggle for the family, but through God’s provision through His family, the Church, she and her family can face each day with hope. Trinity thanks you for helping them to minister to this family in need. Your donations are making a huge difference in the lives of Jessica and her children. On June 25, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abraham & Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) and their team were invited to the Nassau County Legislative Meeting in Mineola, New York. At the meeting, Legislator Rose Walker and Legislator Laura Schaffer, presented the team with a Citation on behalf of the work the comfort dogs have done in the community and specifically the work they did at Lindenhurst Middle School after the stabbing of a student. In addition, tennis balls were presented to the dogs. In turn, the LCC K-9 Ministry team presented Mrs. Walker with an LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion. Legislator Walker has been a great supporter of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and always thinks of them for community events or opportunities to serve in the community. Legislator Walker has always taken the time to put the community first and she is well loved for all of her efforts. She has even self proclaimed herself "grandma" to Abraham and Beloved and always ends her visits with them with "Grandma Rose loves you and is so proud of you". Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Invited to Help Storm-Impacted Communities in Illinois7/4/2023
Due to daily storms, the holiday, and widespread damage, the assessment and planning process is ongoing. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers will deploy to the Southern Illinois District to serve impacted homeowners on Thursday, July 6, through Saturday, July 15. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response 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.
Remembrance and HealingLutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog® Ministry was invited by the City of Highland Park to return to Highland Park, Illinois, on Tuesday, July 4, to be present with the community for the one-year anniversary of the Independence Day Parade mass shooting that occurred on July 4, 2022, roughly fifteen minutes after the parade had started. Seven people were killed and forty-eight others were wounded. Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, James Casner, Assistant LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, and the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were present throughout Highland Park on July 4 for a day of remembrance and healing: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Asher (Faith - Lake Forest, Illinois), Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Michael (LCC Staff), Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois), Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and LCC Comfort Dogs In Training Galilee and Zacchaeus and their handlers. Last year on the same day, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry (HMC) responded to the Independence Day Parade mass shooting in Highland Park, providing support to the shocked and hurting community. "We Are Highland Park" The Fourth of July looked much different in Highland Park this time around as the community remembered those who lost their lives during last year’s parade and the impact they made. Instead of the usual parade, there was a community walk, preceded by a remembrance ceremony at Highland Park City Hall and other commemorations. 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. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. WE REMEMBERRev. Chris Singer, President & CEO of Lutheran Church Charities is pleased to announce the addition of two leadership staff as we continue to reach and serve individuals, families, congregations, and ministries across the United States and Internationally. On July 1, George Acosta joined LCC as Chief Operating Officer, bringing his professional, ministry, and volunteer leadership to the team. George has over thirty-five years of experience in ligation, most recently as principal with Acosta & Associates. Major achievements include serving on the Board of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of DuPage County, being a Founding member of the Cuban Lutheran Fellowship, Executive Director of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, serving on the steering committee of Urban Youth Ministries of Wayside Cross Mission, and establishing the non-profit status of Mary’s Kids supporting inner-city youth in Chicago. Fluent in Spanish, he also served briefly as the Hispanic Ministries Liaison in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Northern Illinois District office, assisting Hispanic pastors and congregations with legal and business advice as needed. George has a true passion for serving the Lord through ministry and mission organizations. He will create and maintain LCC’s internal policies and procedures as well as oversee the operational departments of Communications & Media Relations, Digital Marketing, Media Production & IT, Facilities, Human Resources, and Administration at LCC. George currently resides in St. Charles, Illinois, with his wife of thirty-three years. Together they have six grown children, including a son currently serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. In early August, Denise Snider will join LCC as Director of Human Care. For the past several years, Denise has assisted individuals facing life challenges of housing, funding, training, and other human care needs. She has more than fifteen years of experience recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteer teams within church and non-profit community organizations. She has successfully planned and implemented fundraising events, established strong donor relations, and raised grant funding for human care initiatives. Denise also has eight years of leadership experience in children’s and youth ministry, recruiting and equipping lay leaders, event planning, and organizing mission trips and service projects. Denise will continue to form and maintain strong partnerships with church affiliates and other community organizations to serve the needs of hurting individuals seeking help. Denise and her family are relocating to Illinois from Texas. “Both George and Denise have huge hearts for ministry,” shares Rev. Singer. “I am so excited to see what God has in store for LCC as we continue to move forward in His service.” Lutheran Church Charities' mission is stronger than ever. We appreciate your continued prayers and support as we share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry received an emergency site visit request from Anne Supplee, Secretary with DeLauter Youth Center Board in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Anne was a teacher when the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry responded to Sandy Hook. Now, Anne's community faced its own tragedy and she requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to walk alongside them during this difficult time. Mifflintown, a very small rural community in Central Pennsylvania, witnessed a horrific event on June 17, in which one Pennsylvania State Trooper, Jacques Rougeau Jr., was killed. Lt. James Wagner was critically injured following a series of shootings, one of which was in front of the DeLauter Youth Center in Mifflintown. The event on July 1 welcomed the entire community at the town park to recognize the service of their Pennsylvania State Police and the first responders while providing comfort to them and their families, as well as giving comfort and support to all of Mifflintown's children and adults who were affected by the shooting on June 17. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) and Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland) were invited to share the comfort, love, and compassion that comes from Jesus. During this event, some people wanted to talk about where they were and what they were doing when the calls came in to shelter in place. They spoke about how shaken and confused they were about the events unfolding in their tight-knit, and until then, very safe community. They liked coming together through this community comfort event where they could pray as a community for strength and healing. LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) with the thin blue line for law enforcement were brought by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams. One HMC for Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr., and one for Lt. James Wagner. The HMCs were filled with messages and prayers by the community and will be given to the Pennsylvania State Troopers. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah's (LCC Staff) coloring book page was also included in an art station off to the side where children could be—another tool for the children to process their emotions and find comfort. “I can’t begin to express my gratitude to all of you for what you do. Your organization is truly amazing! Again, thank you to all of you for everything you do!,” shared Anne Supplee Corporal Troy Hendershot, Pennsylvania State Police, who could not attend, was supportive of this event. Dave Ray, Critical Incident Stress Management (licensed psychologist), was present. The town Emergency Medical Services (EMS) work 24-hour shifts and really appreciated knowing that we were there to help bring comfort to so many who are hurting. "At one point, I sat with an older woman who has lived right next door to the park we were at since 1965. Her daughter was with her and said they were at their church for Saturday tea when her son called, warning her and grandma to get inside because there was a shooter in town. The older woman said it reminded her of the air raid drills she had to do as a young girl during WWI. As we talked, I noticed their strength and the joy in their eyes. They had a peace that only comes from their faith in God.” Jodi, handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos After the event, LCC K-9 Ministry teams visited Troop G Virginia State Police, where Trooper Rougeau was assigned. The teams arrived at shift change and were able to greet and offer thanks to the departing and arriving officers. This is a small Troop of 3-4 troopers serving 8-hour shifts. They shared what Trooper Rougeau was like; a humble and very productive officer who made a difference in the community through sheer focus and determination. The K-9 Ministry teams went to Harshbarger's Sub and Malt restaurant for dinner and brought the HMC for the staff to sign. People were barricaded inside the restaurant behind overturned tables while state troopers lined up to protect them from the shooting outside. The team walked down to the memorial that Mr. David Gray had built on his property where Trooper Rougeau was killed. When he saw LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams there, he drove over to talk to them and shared with them his plans to replace it with a permanent granite memorial. He shared that the shootout sounded more chaotic than anything he had experienced in Vietnam. He was so grateful for the troopers' actions in saving his life that he has been bringing them food regularly. "It especially struck me tonight how tragic this event was to this quiet sleepy village. I was reminded of the verse where God says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ He is there, present in the lives of the Mifflintown residents. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams of Amos and Kezia are thankful they could be part of the healing process." Ric, handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia LCC K-9 Ministry is thankful for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, from State College, Pennsylvania, who traveled to Mifflintown to share in God's healing. We keep the Pennsylvania State Troopers, their families, and the Mifflintown community in our prayers as they continue to heal. LCC received a request for assistance from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois. Dear Friends, Salam's truck needs major repairs that cost $2,000. The truck has been serving the community for three years by hauling furniture to refugees and new immigrants. At Salam, we have an incarnational ministry where we get involved in the lives of people by showing them the love of Christ in action as we witness to them and share Christ crucified and resurrected. Please donate to God's mission generously to this "Heaven on Wheels" project. In Christ, Pastor Hesham Shehab Salam Christian Fellowship Lombard, Illinois On Friday, June 30, dedicated Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers helped remove damaged and fallen trees from the property of St. John Lutheran Church in Burlington, Illinois. It was a very hot and humid day, but all joyfully served. Heartfelt thanks are extended to these L.E.R.T. volunteers from the following churches: Immanuel DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire Immanuel Dundee – Terry Fuelling St. John Burlington – Pastor Don Balgeman, Congregation Chair Sue Soderland St. John Sycamore – Steve Brown Trinity Lisle – Mike Kostecki |
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