On July 24th, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel and his veteran handler Jim Morrison had the privilege of being present to bid farewell to the veterans embarking on the remarkable journey of Honor Flight Chicago #116. While all Honor Flights hold a special place in our hearts, this particular event carried two extraordinary aspects that made it truly memorable. Firstly, this flight marked a significant milestone as it transported the 11,000th veteran to our nation's capital, where they would visit various military memorials and sites to pay homage to their sacrifices.
 
Additionally, what made Honor Flight Chicago #116 even more exceptional was the presence of veteran Edward Wall on board. Edward's remarkable service spans across World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, showcasing his unwavering dedication and bravery. Meeting Edward and engaging in heartfelt conversations with him was a profound honor and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
 
The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry has served at the Honor Flight Chicago since 2018, providing comfort and support to veterans at five processing stations in the baggage claim area before their flights. The Comfort Dogs have been a source of solace and companionship for these brave individuals, offering a sense of calm and reassurance during what can be a stressful time. The event resonates with our mission, highlighting the importance of honoring our veterans and their invaluable service to our country. Join us in celebrating the emotional and unforgettable moments of this event as we continue to uphold our commitment to serving those in need with love and care.
 
Honor Flight Chicago recognizes the bravery, determination and patriotism of our nation’s senior war veterans with a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. The trip is only one day, but the experience is life-changing.

Northern Illinois and the South Wisconsin District LERT volunteers partnered to work at two sites in Janesville, Wisconsin. One of the sites required the new Nifty Lift 64 to remove multiple widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops) from four trees. The homeowner had surgery right before the storms, so she could not do any cleanup and was grateful for all of the help, mercy, and compassion shown to her.

On Saturday, 25 LERT volunteers worked at clearing downed and damaged trees and widow makers from Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCSM) Recognized Service Organization (RSO).

The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week.

We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed

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.

Lutheran Church Charities Human Care ministry continues to support Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, and its Restoring Hope food pantry as the Houston metro region recovers from Hurricane Beryl.

Last week, the church’s food pantry distributed food to 270 families, according to Restoring Hope director Lauren McCardell. “We are still seeing a higher than usual amount of people seeking food assistance,” she said. “We are grateful for all the donations, so we can continue to help those who are hurting and in need. We know we serve a God who is faithful.”

The food pantry has low supplies or is out of staple items, including cereal, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, pasta, soup, Hamburger Helper, and other goods. Earlier this month, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of the food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need.

In response, LCC donors and some area grocery stores have contributed $8,800 of food, said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry. Because of impacts and delays, their usual large food shipment will not arrive until the end of summer. Due to long-term power outages, many families have lost their food, and stores have been slow to reopen and restock their shelves. Additionally, many people have lost wages because their workplaces have remained closed without electricity.

“There is still a great need to provide food support to the Houston metro area as they rebuild their lives,” Snider said. “We are grateful to all those who have donated, and we ask for your continued prayers and generous support to help people recover from the hurricane.” 

Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help.

Click the button to learn more about how LCC Human Care is providing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Beryl and other efforts.

We are thrilled to report that one of our Human Care appeals has made a significant impact on a family in need. Through the generosity of our donors, the Nichols family was able to repair their roof, addressing a crucial need in their household. A recent update from the pastor highlights the positive effects of this support on the family.

This approach underscores the importance of sincerity and allowing one's faith to guide the message. By encouraging individuals to write from their heart, recognizing the Holy Spirit's prompting, we can offer messages that reflect God’s love.

At another vigil recently, high school friends wrote messages that bring memories of the friends they lost, speaking of their smile and laugh or an inside joke that takes a personal tone.  It is also common to add Scripture references like were added - Romans 8:18 and Psalm 62:2 – messages that hold great encouragement for a believer.

At memorial sites across the nation, individuals are encouraged to contribute personal messages on the hearts. The HMC placard at the memorial site invites visitors to share memories of the person, offer words of encouragement or a message of hope.  In Rockford, Illinois, earlier this year, a young visitor bowed his head in contemplation as he deliberated over what to inscribe on a Heart of Mercy & Compassion. Similarly, in Charlotte, North Carolina, vigil attendees solemnly penned messages in honor of first responders who had died in the line of duty.

Often, the overflow of heartfelt messages extends to encompass the arms and legs of the cross. This abundance of support surrounding a family is a profound blessing indeed!

Messages of gratitude also fill the hearts when we gift hearts to honor veterans, first responders, church workers, or volunteers. These heartfelt tributes express deep appreciation for their dedicated service and selfless contributions.

By trusting in the Holy Spirit, individuals can offer words of love, hope, and compassion that will be cherished by the family for years to come. Anyone can contribute to this mission by signing or gifting  a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to someone in need. Let us all come together to offer comfort and support during life's most difficult moments.

CLICK HERE to learn more how you can request a Heart of Mercy & Compassion for someone in need.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can go through. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse in Wisconsin is an organization that provides support and love to parents and families who have lost a child.

Recently, at their annual Memorial Walk, families were able to honor their lost children by stopping at signs placed along the route. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was also present, offering comfort and providing support to these  families.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) and their handlers offered a quiet place to collect one's thoughts at the end of the walk.

One boy spent most of the day with the Comfort Dogs and their handlers processing the big emotions of losing his beloved brother. "Our boy loved these dogs! He spent the whole time cuddling them. Thank you for giving him this opportunity! He needed the comfort after he saw his brother sign."

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry grieves with these families and provides emotional and spiritual support to help them through their grief. If you want to support the work of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, consider donating to help them continue to provide comfort to those suffering and  in need.