Help LCC purchase desperately needed supplies for most vulnerable Haitians  Our Mission Partners in Haiti, Ministry in Mission and Mission:Haiti, have people on the ground and continue to purchase and distribute desperately needed supplies. The most urgent need is still for water, food, hygiene kits, and building supplies. Food and building supplies are in high demand. Inflation is high, and roads are still partially blocked. The political unrest and danger from gangs make it more difficult to purchase supplies and get them to those who desperately need them. Last week Mission:Haiti was able to distribute food and building supplies purchased with your donations.
Mission:Haiti was able to purchase two motorcycles for pastors in the area who need motorcycles in order to reach the people they serve. There is still a need to purchase one more motorcycle. We received the following update from Lophane Laurent in Haiti: Blessings to you. I want to thank you for giving the motorcycles to two pastors who are really in need. I want you to know how those motorcycles will help them a lot and more people will be able to receive the gospel. Thanks again and may God bless you abundantly. Blessings, Lophane The cost of a durable bike is currently $1,900.
LCC received a thank you note from Thomas Styczynski, Chief, Alsip Fire Department, Illinois, to LCC K-9 Comfort Ministry for their presence during "Fire Prevention Week."
During "Fire Prevention Week" on Saturday, October 9, 2021, the Alsip Fire Department held our annual open house. We had the largest attendance this year with 600 people. Your attendance at our event with your K-9 therapy dogs was a huge success. On behalf of the Alsip Fire Department, I want to express my sincere thanks to the two gentlemen who came with their dogs. Thanks again! Sincerely, Thomas Styczynski Chief Your generous gifts are helping to reopen the school damaged by Hurricane Ida! LCC sent your donations to Nancy Hernandez, Principal of Lutheran High School of Greater New Orleans in Metairie, Louisiana. We received this update from Nancy: UPDATE: Classes have resumed in the five classrooms they were able to restore from 5 storage areas in the building that had the least amount of damage. The need to replace the HVAC system and computer lab is still immediate. LCC received the following note from Lutheran High School Board member Sandra Walton: The kids are back in school! We opened with a church service, and everyone felt God’s presence. It was a joyous day, to say the least, but also quite emotional for the students and staff. We still face many challenges as a school and as a community, but God is with us step by step. Thank you again for your generous gifts. We are blessed beyond measure!! Sandra Walton, Lutheran High School Love. Honor. Serve.  After three weeks of long, hot, physical workdays, the school welcomed our students back on Monday, October 4th. The campus came alive once again with students – even though the entire building was not opened all the way. We are back home but have a long way to go. The heat and humidity of our city are not breaking anytime soon, so the portable AC units that were brought in are not meeting the challenge. And the rental cost on these units is mounting. We need to replace our HVAC system immediately. Another step forward will be to raise money to replace computers for our large (30) computer lab. All the computers were destroyed by the water from the destruction of our roof.  Many ask about our insurance money. As yet no settlement has been announced. But as many of you know, the insurance money does not always cover the current value of material goods and of course, we have to meet our deductible. All donations are greatly appreciated, and I can assure you that all money raised goes directly to rebuilding our school. We are not looking to make ourselves fancy or modern, we are looking to make ourselves whole – as we were before the storm - so we can continue to offer our students a quality education in a safe environment. Thank you for all of your prayers and assistance. Nancy Hernandez Principal Lutheran High School Love. Honor. Serve. CLICK HERE to read the original appeal.
Donations are still greatly needed! Please prayerfully consider a generous donation to keep this school serving its students and community.  Sergeant Antonio Gardner of the 729th Quartermaster Composite Supply Company, Maryland National Guard, 2014-2021, was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 8. Gardner was a petroleum supply specialist, deployed last year to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. His unit provided logistical support within the U.S. European Command area of operations. In January, he was activated to support the state of Maryland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and served on active orders until last month. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. His fellow soldiers and leaders expressed their heartfelt sadness at the loss. Gardner was awarded both the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal twice. He also received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon for his nine-month deployment to Kuwait with the 29th Division Detachment. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers were asked to visit with the Maryland Army National Guard soldiers on Saturday, October 16. The soldiers spent this time together to remember and grieve the loss of their friend and fellow soldier, Sergeant Antonio Gardner.  The soldiers are experiencing Antonio’s loss deeply and are going through different emotions: shock, sadness, anger, and confusion. These brave men and women are trained to face many challenges and losses when deployed, but this loss was not one they expected. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Four LCC K-9 Ministry teams from New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and Maryland traveled to Maryland Army National Guard to share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus Christ with the soldiers after their devastating loss.
The team also brought a purple Hearts of Mercy & Compassion in honor of Sergeant Gardner for the soldiers to sign and share messages. Chaplain Woolsey will give the signed heart to Antonio Gardner’s family. We pray for God’s courage, strength, and peace for these brave men and women as they continue to serve our country with the Maryland Army National Guard. CHRIST THE KING STUDENTS & PARENTS ARE THANKFUL FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!  In the Bronzeville community of Chicago, Christ the King Lutheran Church and School has stood for 47 years as a big beacon of hope for the people around them. Pastor John Brazeal, Principal Geri Brazeal, the school staff, and members of the congregation have been sharing the life-changing love and grace of God in Jesus Christ and a quality education for the children of the families they serve. Pastor John and Geri Brazeal are very thankful for your generosity! Your donations are making a difference by ensuring students' continued enrollment at Christ the King Lutheran School!  Taniya’s mother shares: To the friends of Lutheran Church Charities, receiving a scholarship in the past has helped my family tremendously. Being a single parent, not having to worry about how I’ll find extra funds for tuition plus rent and utilities relieves a burden. Taniya and I would love for her to stay at Christ the King. The staff is wonderful. Providing hands-on teaching in a personal way Taniya grasps every concept. Taniya is an avid reader, disciplined, loves playing violin, loves her classmates, and enjoys dancing at Christ the King. Christ the King is also a safe haven for after-school. Supporting Christ the King Lutheran School is an investment in an incredible ministry where life-changing relationships are established and an incredible education is earned.
Your generous donation will enable Christ the King to continue the ministry of Christ-changing lives through their dedicated staff and provide hope for the future of their students. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring a child for a year of schooling, or donate as you are able. Any amount you’re able to give is making an investment in a great ministry where the students learn their value in Jesus, the importance of giving back to the community, and earn a great foundation of education. Your Donations Help a Single Mother Provide a Healthy and Safe Environment for an Ill Family Member10/12/2021
 Thanks to a generous donation from Rogers Vending Services, LCC was able to connect several local ministries with catering equipment to support faith communities all over the greater Chicago area. From a large propane grill to mixing bowls and spoons, this donation will serve the community in many ways. The generosity of the Rogers Family will bless:
Our volunteers came from 11 congregations around the district:
  On Wednesday, October 6, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had the honor to be present at a historic event, greeting the veterans participating in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago departing from Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois. Honor Flight Chicago partnered with Operation HerStory to fly 93 female veterans from 63 to 104 years old representing all branches of the military for a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor and thanks. The women veterans on the flight served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Slated for October 2020, the flight had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The all-female veteran flight was meant to shine the spotlight on the women who have given so much in times of war. Ginny Narset (MSgt, USAF, Retired), Chairperson and Founder of Operation HerStory, felt that the contributions and the sacrifice of women in the military are too often ignored or overlooked. This one-day trip gave the veterans the opportunity to visit the war memorials built in their honor, including the Women in Military Service For America Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.  The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers have served at the Honor Flight Chicago since 2018. The Kare 9s have brought much-needed stress relief to the veterans as they prepare for their Honor Flight. Many of these men and women have never been on an airplane or haven't flown in many years. They are a bit apprehensive about what the day has in store for them. They all want to have an opportunity to pet the Kare 9s. Many share their war stories with the Kare 9 veteran handlers. Some become emotional as they relate their experiences in service to our nation. "The presence of the comfort dogs adds comfort and calm to the chaotic day. Many veterans say that it was the best part of their day," said Doug Meffley, Director of Communications, Honor Flight Chicago. This year, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had its own reason to celebrate. Attending the first All-Female Honor Flight Chicago was National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer, LCC’s first young female active-duty veteran handler for LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin). Brianna is 28-years-old and serves in the U.S. Army National Guard. She is majoring in physical therapy at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). Her work with the military led her to her major as she wants to help and work with veterans in their physical rehabilitation once she graduates. “I’m hoping that when I graduate, I can use dogs to help with physical therapy for veterans. My goal throughout my career is to provide better access to vets and soldiers serving in the military and better promote injury prevention measures through physical therapy. I think using animals in that setting will greatly help stressed or frustrated soldiers stay optimistic and motivated to overcome whatever ailment they may have,“ shares Brianna.  Brianna holding the leash of Kare 9 Sage during handler training at LCC in August 2021.  She will be doing clinical and other visits with veterans and active-duty military due to her connections through CUW. "I am excited to be part of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry and have been looking forward to attending the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago. It was a wonderful opportunity for Kare 9 Sage and me to serve the brave women veterans, connect with them, and thank them for their service. It was great to see in person the women who helped to shape the role of females in the military. Being there and seeing how easily these women bonded with each other and me without ever meeting before proved there's more than just a brotherhood in the military. Having an event dedicated to women was great because, without them, we wouldn't have the female presence in the military like we do today," said Brianna.
Many veterans were looking forward to the camaraderie, meeting other female veterans, and forming new friendships. Before the flight, World War II veterans Josephine Bogdanich (104) and Betty Horseman got plenty of love and comfort from LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff).
Village of Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam smiled when she spotted LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad). She recognized him from other veteran memorial events where the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was present and is a big supporter of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.  The Operation HerStory heroes arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport to a water cannon salute. Among others, welcoming them at the terminal was LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia). He brought with him a “Thank You for Your Service” sign filled with messages written by Our Savior's Way congregation members.
 Even though the Kare 9s and their veteran handlers come to bring comfort and compassion to the Honor Flight veterans, they are often the ones touched by the simple humility of these men and women.
LCC is honored to have played a small part in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago and show support to these inspiring women veterans. It was a privilege to honor them and to let them know that they haven't been forgotten. Thank you for your service! The following LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers and/or ministry partners served at the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago on October 6, 2021: LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) with U.S. Army Veteran Gary Cummings LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Asher (Faith - Lake Forest, Illinois) with U.S. Army Veteran Bill Hume LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) with U.S. Navy Veteran Gene Weisbecker LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) with U.S. Army Veteran Fred Vanstrom LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff) with U.S. Army Veteran Jim Morrison LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin) with U. S. Army National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. We are so grateful to all the firefighters who risk their lives for us every day. One way we can help these heroes is by educating ourselves on fire prevention. All week long, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were busy visiting fire departments across the country during Fire Prevention Week.  LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Eunice (LCC Staff), Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), along with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) enjoyed serving at Fox River Grove Fire Department's Open House! It was very well run, and included activity stations for the kids to learn different aspects of fire safety and ambulance experiences. The firefighters were so nice to all of us!! They can't wait to come back and visit. Thank you to all of the first responders that welcomed us and opened their doors to their community. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) had such a fun time at the Belvidere Fire Department Open House. It was a great way to kick off Fire Prevention Week and meet many new friends.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Moses (Christ Lutheran - Cairo, Nebraska) and his handlers visited the Cairo, Nebraska, Fire Department volunteer firefighters doing fire safety training at the local school for fire safety week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mahlah (Our Savior - Milford, Illinois) enjoyed spending time with the heroes of the Watseka Fire Department. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eve (St. John’s - Lombard, Illinois) did a great job greeting the kids at the Lombard Fire Department Open House! It was great to reunite with the firemen, police, and the local community. We hope the Fire Departments were feeling all our appreciation this week! LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs-in-Training Asa and Moriah, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jacob (LCC Staff) and Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois) had a wonderful time at the Addison Fire Protection District Open House as they visited with kids and adults. We thank these firefighters for their protection every day. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) and his handlers had a blast visiting the new Fire Station 2 and Training Center in Rowlett, Texas. It's a long-awaited upgrade for this fire station. Triton's handler picked up the gear these first responders have to wear and she said the Comfort Dog vest is like a feather compared to what they wear on calls. The last two years, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron & Gomer (St. John’s - Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California) and their ministry teams had the honor to visit and comfort the many Cal Fire Fighters and those that support them.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana) and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) were invited to the Beecher Fire Department to welcome the community. They had a fashion show with the firefighters in everyday clothes and also all geared up. They had fire demonstrations outside on how fast a fire spreads, the different trucks, and the ambulance. We were also able to tell firefighters to thank you for what they do and for fighting the fire at St Paul's a few weeks ago. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael was also invited to George Earl Elementary for a fire prevention week. Jael Comfort Dog greeted the Hobart firefighters who came to the early learning center. She listened with the children while they learned how fires are put out. It was a wonderful day to listen as the children heard the firemen talk about fighting fires with their equipment and truck. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael was also able to visit each classroom and spend time with the students while her handler read a book about other types of working dogs. In honor of national fire prevention week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby & Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) picked ten local fire stations in Colorado that they often visit to honor and present with a "Thank You" card signed by their team members and a Thin Red Line Challenge Coin. They had the honor of meeting the new Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief on his first day on the job, a groundbreaking of a brand new fire station in Johnstown, Colorado, and several firefighters coming off of calls rescuing and helping people, tired and worn. They have standing invitations to visit anytime and even to stay overnight! Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator says, "Through these visits, we learned that we have mutual respect for each other. One word we have in common in our mission statements is Compassion. I love that, and we see that in each and every firefighter we meet. The 'thank you's,' smiles, and 'this is the best thing ever' keep us going back to visit them. May God continue to bless them and keep them safe as they exemplify Commitment, Compassion, and Courage. Thank you, firefighters, for what you do day in and day out." "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington) and his ministry team had a wonderful time with the Spokane Sheriff's chaplains and the Spokane City Police chaplains during a luncheon last week. Isaac Comfort Dog and his handlers had an opportunity to attend the National Faith and Blue Weekend put on by the Spokane Police Chaplaincy, Spokane Police Foundation, and City of Spokane Police Department to build bridges and break biases between the police department and the community. There were the chaplains, bomb squad, SPD & SWAT teams there. The team at Redeemer, Spokane Valley, Washington, are eager to serve the police officers of their community with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac as their bridge to share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus Christ. Isaac Comfort Dog and his team are excited to be part of God's plan to serve the police in their community.
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