On second deployment to Texas Hill Country, LCC ministry teams bring care, comfort  More than three weeks have passed since the tragic Texas Hill Country flooding took at least 135 lives along the Guadalupe River basin, decimating multiple communities and bringing heartbreak to hundreds of families. Lutheran Church Charities responded with its second deployment to the region in July with six LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from four states. Partnering with Hosanna Lutheran Kerrville and flood relief coordinator Hope Timmer, the teams met and prayed with residents at a Saturday night memorial in Kerrville and Sunday afternoon community gathering in Hunt. The groups also visited with FEMA Disaster Response Center staff, city and county law enforcement officers, and workers at a mental health facility. The trauma of the catastrophic flood continues to hit hard. As the K-9 Comfort Dog teams greeted a group of teenagers at Hosanna, one youth admitted he hadn’t fully processed the emotions of what had happened. “But the dogs make us feel safe,” he said. Residents shared story after story of finding bodies and the lingering heaviness of grief. “Everybody knows somebody,” one woman told the LCC contingent. “It’s all interconnected.” Another said: “My house is okay; I am not.” Ministering on LCC’s second deployment were: Gabriel Comfort Dog (Messiah - Houston, TX) with handlers Janet and Charles Cook Keren Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Ellsworth, KS) with handlers Mike and Linda Rust Olive Comfort Dog (St. Paul - Fort Worth, TX) with handlers LuAnn Kelly and Laura Lewallen Persis Comfort Dog (Christ Redeemer - Tulsa, OK) with handlers Eric Wendelbo, Lori Knoepfel, and Diane Fager Thomas Comfort Dog (St. Paul - Concordia, MO) with handlers Beth Kruse and Andrea Schmidt Triton Comfort Dog (Messiah - Plano, TX) with handlers Marti Matz and Amy Plenger Point person Kelly Shivertaker (Bethany - Austin, TX) Ministry partner Ken Wehmeyer (Bethany - Austin, TX) After arriving on Friday afternoon, the K-9 teams had a full schedule on Saturday, making a stop at the FEMA Disaster Relief Center in Kerrville. On Saturday evening, as the stifling heat and humidity started to wane, they fanned out among residents gathered at the city’s memorial wall. They experienced numerous encounters and conversations fueled by the Holy Spirit:
On Sunday, after worship at Hosanna, the church’s flood relief coordinator Hope Timmer invited the group to a community get-together in Hunt. “I’m grateful for the K-9 teams’ presence here. I feel they were able to touch many people in our community,” she said. That evening, local restaurant Billy Gene’s picked up the tab for dinner for the K-9 teams. On Monday, the group visited coffee shops in the area to greet residents, and then they had a full slate of stops, including the Kerrville Veterans of Foreign Wars lodge, the city’s 911 call center, Kerr Country Sherriff’s Office, and the Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center. With wagging tails and wet noses, seven LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers made their way to New Orleans, LA, this week for the 2025 LCMS National Youth Gathering, a five-day event held every three years for Lutheran youth to deepen their faith and celebrate God's goodness. The Comfort Dogs, which hailed from Texas, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana, greeted hundreds of students in between activities and breakout sessions, bringing joy and snuggles to groups from 34 LCMS districts across the country. Caleb Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Valparaiso, IN) Elijah Comfort Dog (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX) Joy Comfort Dog (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX) Lizzie Comfort Dog (Trinity - Savannah, GA) Magdalene Comfort Dog (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN) Peace Comfort Dog (Trinity - Orlando, FL) Tobias Comfort Dog (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL)  Six LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from four states and a LCC Care Team trained in Spiritual First Aid™ will deploy to Kerrville on Friday, marking the second trip for Lutheran Church Charities to the Texas Hill Country. Working with host church Hosana Lutheran Kerrville and its flood relief coordinator Hope Timmer, the group will visit first responders and residents at assistance centers in Hunt, Ingram, Center Point, and other towns in the area. They also plan to visit Kerrville’s memorial wall and the Bumble Bee Hills subdivision in Hunt. “We are grieving. We are shaken. But we are not broken,” Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said this week in a message to the community. LCC’s outreach to the hurting people of Central Texas continued earlier this week when LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX) and Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX) visited the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to bring comfort and smiles to personnel working long hours in the state’s flood response. Headed to Kerrville on Friday are:
Gabriel Comfort Dog (Messiah - Houston, TX) with handlers Janet and Charles Cook Keren Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Ellsworth, KS) with handlers Mike and Linda Rust Olive Comfort Dog (St. Paul - Fort Worth, TX) with handlers LuAnn Kelly and Laura Lewallen Persis Comfort Dog (Christ Redeemer - Tulsa, OK) with handlers Eric Wendelbo, Lori Knoepfel, and Diane Fager Thomas Comfort Dog (St. Paul - Concordia, MO) with handlers Beth Kruse and Andrea Schmidt Triton Comfort Dog (Messiah - Plano, TX) with handlers Marti Matz and Amy Plenger The group is led by point person Kelly Shivertaker (Bethany - Austin, TX) and joined by ministry partner Ken Wehmeyer (Bethany - Austin, TX). Both are members of Team Martha Comfort Dog, which is not deploying. Lutheran Church Charities can provide this assistance because faithful, generous donors and volunteers are willing to support and serve. Thanks to you, LCC will BE THERE as long as necessary to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need. Called to Comfort: Highlights from the 2025 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry National Conference7/22/2025
 Equipping Hearts, Encouraging Souls, and Strengthening the Mission From July 16-18, 2025 in Northbrook, Illinois, became a gathering place for an extraordinary group of people — and an extraordinary number of dogs. Handlers and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from across the country came together for the 2025 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry National Conference, a powerful and uplifting time of renewal, learning, and fellowship. United by a Calling to Comfort The conference theme, drawn from Isaiah 40:1 — “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” — beautifully captured the heart of our mission. We are here because God has called us to bring His peace and presence to those who are hurting. Whether in times of tragedy or moments of quiet need, our teams offer compassion, hope, and a tangible reminder of God’s love. This gathering isn’t just a logistical necessity — it’s a spiritual investment. It provides time for reflection, reconnection, and encouragement for the important ministry work taking place across the country every day. A Ministry That Carries Weight — and Purpose Ministry work can be deeply rewarding, but it is often emotionally and spiritually demanding. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry National Conference offers a space where volunteers and leaders can pause, breathe, and be reminded that they are not alone in the work. Together, we celebrated the faithfulness of those who continue to serve with courage and compassion. We listened to stories of lives changed and hearts healed. We were humbled by the testimonies of people who encountered the love of Christ through this ministry. The impact is real. The comfort is needed. And God continues to work through these teams in powerful ways. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion affiliates meet for training About a dozen Hearts of Mercy & Compassion affiliates gathered before the conference began to cover Cricut basics and how to wrap and prepare crosses for transport, led by HMC Director Sarah Sekki and HMC Project Manager Tim Laabs. The group also enjoyed team building exercises and HMC trivia challenges during the pre-conference session. On Day 2, Sekki and Laabs led a group of 25 conference attendees through a breakout session called "An Inside Look at the Heart of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion," which explored the history and purpose of the ministry area. It highlighted the collaborative aspects and focused on the impact of heart- and cross-building and sharing. The HMC group also enjoyed a team meal together. Inspiring Teaching and Worship We are incredibly thankful for the exceptional keynote speakers who led us with wisdom, grace, and passion throughout the conference. Our deepest gratitude to:
We are also grateful to Jennie Williamson, whose Spirit-filled worship led us to joy, hope, and heartfelt praise. These times of worship grounded us in God’s presence and prepared us for the work ahead.
 A Week of Healing for Young Hearts During the week of July 14–19, several LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers spent time providing love, support, and healing to the families attending the WI C.O.P.S. Kids Camp (Concerns of Police Survivors) in Wisconsin. This camp is a safe haven for children and their surviving parent after the loss of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty. Families from around the country flew into Milwaukee and gathered for four meaningful days filled with classic camp experiences—swimming, archery, zip lines, crafts, and snacks. But more than fun, the camp is a place for emotional healing. In group counseling and one-on-one sessions, campers are encouraged to share their stories and speak openly about their grief. That’s where the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs make a world of difference.
Building Trust Through Familiar Faces Many campers reconnected with dogs they had met in past years—faces they remembered, trusted, and looked forward to seeing again. Others formed new bonds and left with a treasured collection of Comfort Dog cards, a camp tradition loved by many. At the close of camp, the LCC teams received heartfelt hugs and a touching thank you from the volunteer coordinator. “All of them enjoy reconnecting with the Comfort Dogs they have met before and meeting new ones.” A Team Effort with Big Hearts and Paws This year’s dedicated teams included: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Benjamin (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Candace (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) Each Comfort Dog, along with their handler teams from the LCC K-9 Police Ministry, played a vital role in helping these young survivors feel seen, supported, and loved. Be Part of the Comfort
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry brings the healing presence of Jesus Christ to those in crisis and need—one paw, one prayer, and one person at a time. You can help make a difference. 👉 Support the mission by donating. 👉 Follow the journey on social media to see how Comfort Dogs continue to bring peace and healing across the country. Because sometimes, the most powerful comfort comes on four paws. LCC Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog ministries uplift Texas Hill Country flood victims
“We spent time at command centers in Kerrville and Center Point, speaking with search and rescue responders and meeting FEMA disaster response center survivors who were registering for assistance,” said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care. What they have endured is overwhelming, and the recovery will last for months. Survivors of a flooded subdivision were mucking and gutting their homes when LCC teams stopped by to talk and pray. Joined by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX) and Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX), the LCC group also attended a vigil for the victims at the Memorial Wall in downtown Kerrville on Saturday night, hearing harrowing stories of survival and deep loss. “At all of these we were able to offer a listening ear to the many stories shared, a caring touch or hug, a prayer and hope in Jesus Christ,” said O’Day. Along the Guadelupe River The first thing you notice is the smell. A waft of musty mud. The stink of trash and debris. All of it 20 or 30 feet over head. Smushed in branches. “Large trees were uprooted and bending in the direction of the wall of water that came down the river,” said LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day. During the deployment, O’Day and Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Jason Johnson hiked along part of the Guadalupe River that recently had been combed by search and rescue first responders. “You see washed up vehicles and other items swept down the river and deposited in places they shouldn’t be,” O’Day described. “You think about the lives lost and those missing and being searched for. And as you walk, you feel as though you are walking on sacred ground.” A husband-and-wife self-rescue When the flooding was at its peak, the rising water was halfway up the first floor window for a U.S. Army veteran who lived in Hunt, Texas. Home with his wife, the man knew he had to make a plan fast. LCC Director of Human Care Denise Snider heard his account during the deployment and marveled at his faith. With sheer strength, the man managed to pry open the partially submerged window and turned to his wife with how to escape. “Hold your breath,” he told her. He grabbed her hand and helped her squeeze through the window. As she made it out, he swam right behind her, still clinging to her hand. Above raging river, the sky crackled with lightning, providing enough light to make out a branch dangling from trees overhead. They swam to it. Clinging to the branch, they swung around to the trunk, where the man tied his belt around his wife and a higher branch on the tree. Then he anchored himself to another part of the tree. For the moment, they were both safe. As the waters receded, they swam to safety. On solid ground, they made their way to neighbors’ homes, rescuing them from the water. His military training had prepared him for the moment, the man thought. But there was more. Reflecting on the experience, the man shared that God’s strength gave him the ability to open the window, protect his wife, cling to the tree, and have energy to help others. He gave all the glory to God, praising Him for His saving grace.  Tears at Camp LaJunta Sitting at the entrance to Camp LaJunta in Hunt, Texas, a young man was in tears. As Kathy O’Day and Jason Johnson approached, they noticed he was wearing a camp t-shirt. As a child, he had gone to camp here for many years and now had sent his son too. Memories came back to him, and it hurt to know that so many boys were lost and traumatized by the flooding days earlier. Others were hurting too. The man’s best friend lived along the river with his family, including an 18-month-old baby. When the flood waters hit, they were sleeping upstairs and awoke to a loud noise about 3:30 a.m. Rushing downstairs, the discovered the first floor was filling with water, including the baby’s room. Their son was standing up in his crib with the water at his neck. God had woken them up at the exact moment to save their child, he said. They made it to safety. God is still working. Through the volunteers coming from all over. In the stories other families have told. He thanked the LCC team for coming, listening to his story, and being a part of a God moment with him. A call back to faith
At the Kerrville town vigil on Saturday, LCC teams noticed a young woman who appeared to show signs of heat exhaustion. Kathy O’Day quickly got her some water. Denise Snider found a doctor to assist. A short time later, the woman was refreshed, and they took a moment to thank the doctor. On her phone, the doctor showed a photo of a door at Camp Mystic, where she and a friend had helped recently. The image showed a beam of light shining through a crack in the door. But her friend, who took the same photo, had no light beam on hers. “I’m not a Christian,” the doctor confessed. But something about the light shining through the door crack made her believe God was reaching out to her. O’Day invited the doctor to pray with her. Was this encounter another sign? In the midst of this awful tragedy, was God using an unplanned moment to call her back to faith in Jesus? She believed it was. LCC asks that supporters pray for this doctor in the weeks ahead. May she come more into the knowledge and love of Christ.
 A Familiar Face Returns: Persis Comfort Dog Into this heartbreak walked a familiar and beloved companion--LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (Christ the Redeemer - Tulsa, Oklahoma). Persis and her handler had been to Ruidoso before, offering comfort during last year’s disasters and building strong ties with the local community, especially Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Back in April, Pastor Rust’s wife, Rebecca, called with a simple request: could they return and help teach at Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer? The kids were still hurting, still remembering the fear and loss. The answer was an immediate and heartfelt yes. VBS in the Midst of Chaos No one imagined that during VBS, they would be facing the same fear all over again. Flood warnings lit up phones. The skies darkened. And yet—the team pressed on. This year's VBS focused on courage through fire and flood. The timing couldn’t have been more relevant. The children—many of whom had lost homes, pets, or loved ones—were invited into a space where fear was acknowledged and faith was lifted up. “GO Bags” and a Light in the Darkness One of the most powerful tools given to the kids this year were “GO Bags”—simple emergency backpacks filled with essentials like flashlights, snacks, and something far more precious: hope. The children were told, “If you ever have to leave quickly again, grab this bag—and remember that Jesus is your light in the darkness.” The message landed in hearts that needed it.  Comfort Books, Journaling, and Real Conversations Throughout the week, the children also made comfort books, writing and drawing about the ways God brings peace. They journaled daily about their feelings—how they cope, who they trust, and where they see God when life feels scary. One young boy, wrapped in tin foil, called himself a “soldier with armor so nothing could hurt him.” This led to a heartfelt lesson on the Armor of God—and the truth that only God can truly save and protect us. Persis and the Power of Presence Persis quietly became a beacon of calm. Her presence softened the anxiety in the room. Her gentle eyes and steady calm reminded these children that peace is still possible, even when the world feels uncertain. One little girl, after spending time with Persis, returned wearing a dog hat and said, “Persis made me happy, so I want to make Persis happy.” It was a moment of light and laughter the group desperately needed. From VBS to the Front Lines of Grief As flash flooding escalated around them, Persis’s team served beyond VBS. They were stationed at the local hospital’s ER, which became a rescue and recovery center. They stayed through the night as officials confirmed that all missing persons had been found. Tragically, they were present when officers had to notify a family that their child had died. It was sacred, painful work—and they knew they were exactly where God wanted them to be. Resilience in a Town That Keeps Getting Knocked Down Despite the fear and warnings, VBS continued. The kids needed it. Healing continued. Volunteers—some of whom had lost everything in last year’s floods—showed up with open hands and hearts. Stories were shared. Prayers were lifted. Joy peeked through sorrow. Many in Ruidoso depend on tourism and the local horse track—both of which were damaged again in the flooding. The economic and emotional toll is heavy. But the faith of this community is deeper than the water that rushed through their streets.
LCC K-9 Ministries Respond with Presence and Compassion In the days following Officer Corder’s death, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, Police, and Kare 9 Military ministries dedicated handlers attended both department debriefings and the officer’s funeral to offer comfort, support, and a calming presence. Among those who served were:
 A Ministry of Healing and Hope For many involved, the experience was deeply personal. One handler reflected: “This was a full circle experience for me. In 2019, my coworker and close friend was killed on the job. I vividly remember the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs at his service and the comfort they brought me. Now, I had the privilege to offer that same comfort to others.” Another handler noted the emotional time spent with the family of Officer Jervice, another Milwaukee officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2023. A Message of Comfort Pastor Hines, who officiated the funeral service, titled his sermon "The God of Comfort." He reminded attendees that, even in the darkest moments, God remains close, sharing many familiar verses of hope and strength drawn from Scripture. A poignant passage shared during the service was Matthew 25:31–40, which speaks of compassion and service to others: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Pastor Hines emphasized that Officer Corder lived out that very calling, bravely entering dangerous situations to help and protect those in need. Thank You for Your Prayers and Support
Lutheran Church Charities extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to support the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with prayers and encouragement. It is through that support that the ministry is able to be present for those facing pain, grief, and unimaginable loss.  UPDATE: On Thursday, July 10, Deaconess Kathy O'Day, director of LCC Disaster Response, and Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care, will lead teams of volunteers in the Texas Hill Country to bring comfort, care, and support to LCMS churches, first responders, and community residents affected by the July 4 flash-flooding. Joining them will be Jason Johnson, Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
A team from Gloria Dei Houston will meet them there — with LERT-trained volunteers working with Deac. O'Day and Johnson, and Spiritual First Aid™- trained volunteers going with Snider. Two K-9 Comfort Dog teams also will deploy Thursday evening: - Team Elijah from Our Redeemer Wichita Falls, Texas, with Eddie Carlton (retired police) and Willie Reneau - Team Joy from Gloria Dei Houston with Karen and Kim Gastler The home base for ministry work this week will be at Hosanna Lutheran Kerrville. -- Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer announced Monday that LCC is planning to deploy to the Texas Hill Country to BE THERE to offer HOPE TO THE HURTING after catastrophic rains, rapid rises in river levels, and massive flash flooding overwhelmed multiple communities over the July 4 weekend. The tragic weather event took the lives of more than 100 people, including dozens of children at campgrounds along the Guadalupe River basin. LCC has been invited by Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District President Rev. Dr. Jon Braunersreuther and Texas District Disaster Response Coordinators Julie Tucker and David Ricks as soon as it is safe to travel and perform much-needed ministry work. “The scope of this disaster is massive, both in lives tragically lost and the wide area that has been impacted,” Rev. Singer said. “Our hearts are broken at the devastation. Lives have been upended and torn apart. We are praying fervently and eager to be on-site to help as soon as possible.” Search and rescue operations continue with around-the-clock response from local, state, and national first responders. Hundreds of officers and support staff are working in Kerr County and the region northwest of San Antonio known for its rolling hills and winding rivers. LCC staff — plus LCC volunteers in Texas and Oklahoma — are standing by to mobilize and travel to affected areas. LCC is prepared to lend Disaster Response expertise and send LCC Care Teams trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those affected by this ongoing tragedy. With several roads and bridges washed out, travel around Kerrville and the surrounding region is limited. LCC is planning to send K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams as soon as it can. This week, LCC is focusing its assistance on serving the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District, plus working alongside LCMS pastors and congregations participating in community care efforts, including Kerrville, Boerne, San Antonio, and Houston. Rev. Singer has been in communication with LCMS district officials, while the directors from all four LCC ministry areas are talking daily with pastors in the region, assessing locations in the region to bring comfort and care. Weather is another factor impacting deployment plans. The Texas Hill Country continues to see a pattern of rainstorms throughout the week. Working with Hosanna Kerrville and other LCMS churches in the area, plus San Antonio and Austin, LCC is aggregating local resources to help residents, while preparing LCC volunteers when they arrive to help. LCC can provide this assistance because of faithful, generous donors and volunteers who are willing to support and serve. “The financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations in the Texas Hill Country and bring HOPE TO THE HURTING,” Rev. Singer said. Over the past few days, a powerful truth has emerged—God placing the right people in the right places at precisely the right time. His guidance has been evident throughout the response to a tragic incident that deeply affected the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, community. The ambush occurred on Sunday, June 29th. As firefighters responded to a brush fire, the perpetrator opened fire on them, killing two firefighters and injuring another. The attack took place on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area in Idaho, and was later revealed to be a premeditated act intended to lure first responders to the scene.  At Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, handlers and ministry partners with Redeemer Lutheran in nearby Spokane, Washington, home to Isaac Comfort Dog immediately mobilized, gathering resources and praying for ways to serve. They extended an invitation to the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team from Redeemer Lutheran to join in supporting the grieving community. One member of Christ the King, who also serves as a chaplain for the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, became a vital connection to the families of the fallen firefighters. In an unexpected but clearly divine development, a connection was also made to the mother-in-law of David Tysdal, the injured firefighter. The churches were soon connected with the Red and Blue Foundation, which invited them to participate in their July 4th community event. This provided a platform to distribute Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and invite the community to share messages of support and love. The Red and Blue Foundation, which took the lead in managing donations and maintaining contact with the affected families, played a central role in this collaboration. A logistical challenge soon arose—all members of the Redeemer Lutheran HMC team were scheduled to be out of town for the holiday. However, God's provision was already in motion. As preparations continued, two future Comfort Dog handlers from Christ the King—Dave and Darcy—stepped in to help. Their support ensured that the hearts and crosses would be delivered to the people who needed them most. Although the July 4th parade was canceled at the last minute, the Red and Blue Foundation quickly relocated the event. On Independence Day, many heartfelt moments unfolded around the HMCs:
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