Blog Archives

United Service Organization at O'Hare International Airport

10/31/2022

On Friday, October 28, LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry returned to visit The United Service Organization (U.S.O.) at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, to provide comfort and support to those active military service members being deployed.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Blitz (LCC Squad) and his veteran handler Bob spent time with service members from all branches traveling to different parts of the country and overseas.

One was returning to Italy from being on emergency leave, and another was traveling to Poland with his unit.

Blitz and veteran Bob brought a lot of comfort to our service men and women.

The United Service Organization (U.S.O.) offers a variety of services to active military personnel and their dependents, including free refreshments, information and referrals at O'Hare International Airport. The center provides men, women and families of the Armed Forces with a place to relax, enjoy a meal, check email and phone home before being deployed or just after traveling from overseas.

The USO at O'Hare has proudly provided programs, services, care and comfort to troops and their families since 1969.

DONATE – LCC KARE 9 MILITARY MINISTRY

Comforting Children and Adults in Fort Meyers after Hurricane Ian

10/31/2022

Hurricane Ian created much destruction in its path. Families lost homes, vehicles, and items filled with precious memories. It is during those times of loss we need each other even more.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Moriah (St. Luke - Oviedo, Florida), and Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), and their dedicated handlers traveled over three hours to be with the children, office staff, and teachers at Zion Lutheran Church Early Childhood Center and Saint Michael Lutheran Church & School in Fort Meyers, Florida.

The children and staff at Zion and Saint Michael loved their time with Moriah and Peace, finding comfort, peace, and warmth in their soft fur and gentle manners. Seeing the children and adults smile and know they feel loved is always a gift.

We continue to pray for and support those communities in Florida that are still recovering from the damage done by this massive storm.

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

Trunk or Treat Event at University of Pacific

10/31/2022

On Thursday, October 27, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Genesis (Good Shepherd - Turlock, California), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), and Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California) were invited to a Trunk or Treat Event at University of Pacific in Stockton, California.

Over 1,000 students, staff and family members were in attendance. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams were invited specifically by the Disability Services staff to give extra love and support to students with disabilities.

It was a great night! Our teams received comments like, “this is the best booth”, “so good to see the dogs here” and “best treat ever!” The joy and love can be felt through the photos!

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

LCC K-9 Ministry Deploys to Comfort First Responders and Community Following High School Shooting in St. Louis, Missouri

10/26/2022

1 Student & 1 Teacher Killed
Many Injured and Traumatized

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

On Monday, October 24, student Alexandria Bell, 15, and teacher Jean Kuczka, 61, were killed, several others injured, and hundreds of students, teachers, and staff traumatized when a 19-year-old former student suspect entered the Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and began shooting until he was fatally wounded. Due to the heroic act of the teacher, who put herself between her students and the gunman, many students survived a direct vicious attack.

In less than 24 hours, Lutheran Church Charities received an invite from the Wellness Coordinator at the St. Louis Police Department & Communications/911 Call Center to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to the shocked and hurting community that is greatly impacted by this tragic event.

The LCC K-9 Ministry teams are deploying today to meet with first responders as well as with families, survivors, local schools, and others who are grieving those lost and fearful of yet another attack on schools.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND

Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.

Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.

Eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team Volunteers in Venice, Florida, for Third Week of Helping with Recovery Efforts after Hurricane Ian

10/26/2022

Assessments Completed: 102
Chainsaw Worksites Completed: 78
Muck Out & Salvaging Belongings Completed: 11

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

Helping Churches and Homeowners with Physical Recovery and Spiritual Care in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, battered southwest Florida as it moved inland. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response Director Kathy O'Day and Ed Boerman, Northern Illinois District Disaster Response Coordinators, are working with the LCMS Disaster Response and District Disaster Response Coordinator Jay Wendland from the Florida-Georgia District.

As of Sunday, October 23, eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers are in Florida with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and servant-hearts to continue the massive recovery effort in our designated communities of Venice, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, as well as North Port, Punta Gorda, and Rotunda West until the end of October.

These communities were in the eye of a slow-moving hurricane, with residents enduring nine hours of sheltering in place while 125+mph winds and multiple tornadoes passed over their homes.

Since our arrival, LCC has completed 102 property assessments of tree damage which requires chainsaw and heavy equipment assistance. We are also assessing for debris removal or helping homeowners salvage their belongings from heavily damaged or destroyed homes.

During their first two weeks in Florida, L.E.R.T. volunteers completed seventy-eight tree-damaged property sites and eleven property sites with muck out, debris removal, or salvaging assistance. The teams worked at four churches, two pastor homes, ten church worker or congregational staff homes, and many congregational members and community residents.

Most of all, L.E.R.T. volunteers are present to provide spiritual and emotional care with those they serve.

Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage

Last week, we shared that one of the homeowners, a very recent widow, told the team working at her home, “You are a group of angels sent by God.” She came to worship at Lakeside Lutheran Church last Sunday, and the first thing she said was, “There’s my angels!”

The L.E.R.T. volunteers and Pastor David Dahlke gave a very warm welcome to their new friend and spent a lot of time with her after the service. The Pastor and congregation members look forward to seeing her often.

Removing a Giant Tree from Hard-Hit Property

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers helped a homeowner cut and remove a giant tree trunk. The team learned it was a Ramose tree they had not seen before.

They enjoyed getting to know the family and felt blessed by the time spent with the 94-year-old grandma. She was very thankful and hugged everyone for helping them.

The L.E.R.T. volunteers feel blessed to serve over ten families in this hard-hit, low-income community who are trying to recover from heavily damaged property.

BEFORE

AFTER

Helping Homeowner Recovering from Recent Open Heart Surgery

While working on another property, we met a female homeowner in her 40s who was recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. In fact, this was her fourth heart surgery. Her property had quite a yard of downed trees, and she didn’t know how she was going to get it taken care of as she has many medical expenses. She truly appreciated the caring support and was amazed that we would offer to help her at no cost in her time of need.

Working Together to Serve Homeowners in Need

Members from Lakeside Lutheran Church worked side-by-side with L.E.R.T. volunteers from Trinity-Lisle to help several families salvage belongings and make home repairs from damage after the hurricane. Many roofs came off, or flying debris caused holes where heavy rain came in.

They helped five families this past week move flood-damaged belongings out of homes, installed new windows, replaced a water heater, made minor repairs, or salvaged belongings.

Residents are overwhelmed with the devastation and need the reassurance and hope found in Jesus Christ. Our teams are being the hands and feet of Jesus – it has been a great week of serving!

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.

Please pray for the residents in the impacted communities and all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff during our deployment to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

Emergency Site Visit - Elkhorn Area High School

10/25/2022

On Tuesday, October 25, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and their handlers were present to walk alongside the students and staff at Elkhorn Area High School as they continued to process the death of one of their students.

Dwayne was loved by many, and his death leaves a hole in many hearts. The K-9s seemed to know exactly who needed extra love and attention.

LCC gave out two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to help share their grief. One was signed by the students and one by the teachers with messages of love and memories. Each HMC included Dwayne’s name to see, touch, and remember him.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

DONATE – HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

Chicago Police Department 18th District

10/25/2022

On Saturday, October 22, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Daniel, Faith, Grace, Magdalene, and Phinehas, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and their handlers visited the Chicago Police Department 18th District.

They had a wonderful time meeting with the officers before and after the afternoon roll call. It was a blessing to see them smile and have a break from the stress of their job. We thank Officer Benz for inviting the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs each month to spend time with the officers.

We keep all the police officers in our prayers for God’s shield of protection as they begin their shifts each day.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

St. John's Lutheran Church in Victor, Iowa

10/25/2022

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska) was invited to St. John's Lutheran Church in Victor, Iowa, as they graciously chose to have their Sunday School offerings for this year go to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

The K-9 Ministry team spoke to the Bible study group about our most recent deployment to Uvalde, Texas, shared information about the ministry with the congregation, and spent time answering questions from the Sunday School children and then letting them pet Joanna.

"We were happy to make the four-hour trip to make new friends and share the joy and the love of Jesus. We thank them for their generosity and for supporting this ministry"

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

Syrian Asylum Seeker Family Needs Help with Immigration Expenses

10/25/2022

LCC received the following request from Pastor Hesham Shehab, Salam Christian Fellowship, Lombard, Illinois.

Dear Friends,

We have a Syrian asylum seeker family who needs help with immigration services expenses. There is no light at the end of the tunnel in the civil war in Syria that is still claiming innocent lives and destroying families.

Please help this family of three survive and have a new life in this great country as they wait for the work permit that will take five months.

The amount needed is $2,500. Please show the love of Christ to this new family coming to Salam by donating generously.

In Christ,

Pastor Hesham Shehab
Salam Christian Fellowship
Lombard, Illinois

DONATE — Syrian Family Immigration Fees – CLMMA Lombard IL

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Walk

10/24/2022

On Saturday, October 22, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) and Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland) were present to support those participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Walk in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial. The Out of the Darkness walks bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention and hope and resources to show people they are not alone.

The event provided an opportunity for connection, love, and presence. The K-9s received many hugs and pets while participants and volunteers shared their stories of loss and messages of hope.

We pray for those who have been affected by suicide, those who are suffering with thoughts that are too big for them, and the survivors of suicide loss. Help them to know that our loving God is the light that shines in all darkness.

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

<<Previous

United Service Organization at O'Hare International Airport

Comforting Children and Adults in Fort Meyers after Hurricane Ian

Trunk or Treat Event at University of Pacific

LCC K-9 Ministry Deploys to Comfort First Responders and Community Following High School Shooting in St. Louis, Missouri

1 Student & 1 Teacher Killed
Many Injured and Traumatized

Eighteen LCC Lutheran Early Response Team Volunteers in Venice, Florida, for Third Week of Helping with Recovery Efforts after Hurricane Ian

Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage

Removing a Giant Tree from Hard-Hit Property

Helping Homeowner Recovering from Recent Open Heart Surgery

Working Together to Serve Homeowners in Need

Emergency Site Visit - Elkhorn Area High School

Chicago Police Department 18th District

St. John's Lutheran Church in Victor, Iowa

Syrian Asylum Seeker Family Needs Help with Immigration Expenses

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Walk

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1 Student & 1 Teacher KilledMany Injured and Traumatized

Helping a Recent Widow with Property Damage

Removing a Giant Tree from Hard-Hit Property

Helping Homeowner Recovering from Recent Open Heart Surgery

Working Together to Serve Homeowners in Need

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1 Student & 1 Teacher Killed
Many Injured and Traumatized