On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti taking more than 2,100 lives, decimating homes, schools, offices, and churches across the country and leaving hospitals overwhelmed with thousands more injured.

Meanwhile, Grace lashed Haiti as a tropical depression on Monday, August 16, dumping up to 10 inches of rain before regaining tropical storm status the following day.

Our Mission Partners in Haiti have people on the ground doing assessments and distributing desperately needed aid. We received this update from Ministry in Mission and a request from Mission:Haiti:

We also have been able to send funds to Mission:Haiti, who purchased and distributed much-needed supplies. The need for water, food, hygiene kits, and blue tarps, which can be used to make temporary shelters, is still desperate.

Your generosity and commitment to help Pastor John and Principal Geri Brazeal of Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, Illinois, continue their 47-year ministry are appreciated! There are a few more students in need. Please prayerfully consider donating to Christ the King School as you are able.

With a proven track record of students who have learned their worth in Jesus, keeping them on the straight path, focused on making a difference in the lives of others, and staying away from an inner-city life that could be easy to fall into.

Christ the King School provides small class sizes, a family of faith, the importance of serving others, and resources to serve the whole student’s well-being.

Thanks to the generosity of the Kipp Family of Naperville, Illinois, and member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, Illinois, the need for a vehicle for Christ the King Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois, has been met! Thanks to the donation, Christ the King will be able to continue their outreach work, picking up food and other supplies needed in their community.

Mr. T. told us he could not believe everything we got done in a day and how well his property now looked and has improved access. He greatly appreciated that it was the church that came to his aid and that he could see Jesus working through all present.

Both homeowners extend thanks and blessings to the following L.E.R.T. team members for all of their willing hands and hearts of service:

Immanuel, Dundee – Matt Flynn
Lord of Life, Elburn – Ken Johnston, Matt Rullman, Larry Zagorski
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley, Dan and Bobbie Swyndroski
Shepherd of Hills, McHenry – Alan Holm, Ron Jones
St. John, Sycamore – Steve Brown
St. John, Wheaton – Palmer and Judy Goodwin, Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Roy and Pat Rose, Dave Schlesselman, Pete and Crystal Springmire, Rich Wren
St. Peter, Schaumburg – Missy Dieckman
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman, Mike Kostecki
Trinity, Villa Park – Jim and Debbie Long

LCC Disaster Response considers it a privilege to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

On Sunday, September 5, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jemimah (St. Paul - Boca Raton, Florida) was commissioned at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, Florida. The K-9 Ministry team was happy to celebrate Jemimah's commissioning with their congregation and are looking forward to sharing Jemimah Comfort Dog in their community.

The handlers and ministry partners enjoyed getting to talk with members before and after worship. It was amazing to see how a gentle interaction with Jemimah could lift so many people's moods.

St Paul's congregation has been waiting for this moment to happen, and it was such a joy to celebrate God's timing in bringing together this team and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jemimah to do His work.
Lutheran Church Charities welcomes the following Top Dog and handlers from St. Paul Lutheran Church to the K-9 Ministry family:

Nikki Kubowicz (Top Dog), Tonya Haberlein, Linda Helm, Abbey Houren, Wayne Lindeman, Sue Merritt, Matthew Wargo, Benjamin Willocks, Sara Willocks

On Wednesday, September 1, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California) and their veteran handlers Susan Mason, Michael Rehbein, and James Casner, attended the vigil held by the community of Roseville, California, for one of their own. USMC Sgt Nicole Gee was one of the brave service members tragically killed last weekend in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The city of Roseville, Combat Veterans Association, American Legion, VFW, and many people from surrounding communities joined together at this public vigil to honor USMC Sgt Nicole Gee.

Over a thousand people, many of them veterans, joined together to share their pain, anger, and tears. Many of those who attended were marines and combat veterans who felt drawn to be there to honor one of their own.

The Kare 9s were present to bring comfort to those who were hurting this terrible loss. James Casner shared how he saw the change as some of the people petted the Comfort Dogs. Their bodies would become more relaxed as they slumped over to take comfort from petting Micah, Rahab, and Reuben. The sadness and anger etched in their faces softened just by the nearness and touch of the dogs. The handlers listened to them share their pain, anger, and confusion with warm smiles and listening hearts.

Marilyn Hunter shared that a woman's face was weighed down with grief and tears when they first saw her, but after being surrounded by Comfort Dogs Micah, Rahab, and Reuben, her face was dramatically different. A smile of joy softened her face as she was surrounded by love and comfort.

 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelations 21:4

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bethany (Trinity - Danville, Illinois) and Mahlah (Our Savior - Milford, Illinois), and their handlers attended the Prayer Vigil for Julie Davis at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Illinois. Julie was a mission team leader at Trinity, and was killed on Monday. She was a member of Trinity’s outreach team and served in many ways in the community and overseas glasses clinics.

It was a blessing and privilege for the K-9s and their handlers to be able to serve Julie's church family at Trinity Wednesday night, to hear her testimony through the people who spoke about her life, and come alongside them in their grief. One man said on the way into the vigil, "Dogs make everything better" and several people nodded in agreement.  
 
Another moment was very special. There was a young man there. At the end of service, his family brought him to see Bethany and Mahlah. He wasn't able to move his arms and had his head down most of the time. The handler asked Mahlah to "rise" on his lap. He lifted his head and looked her right in the eyes. He was not able to pet her, but they shared solid eye contact. It was a very precious and tender moment. God gave us these special Comfort Dogs as gifts to help us in so many ways.

We hold Julie Davis’ family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as they suffer her loss.

In response to the tragic death of Officer Brian Russell Pierce, Jr. in the line of duty on August 4, 2021, Terri Albright, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator, presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Chief Thomas Jeffery of the Brooklyn, Illinois, Police Department for his department in memory of Officer Brian Russell Pierce, Jr., and another to be shared with the officer’s parents.

The Chief shared, "his parents loved it.” Terri tells us, “The department and entire community are still struggling with such a loss. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you for making such an amazing difference for people whom you may never meet”.

Officer Pierce was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips on the McKinley Bridge during a vehicle pursuit.