The Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library in Hampshire, Illinois hosted a book signing for hometown author Dennis Sunderlage's book, Dodging the Elephant: 14 Months in Vietnam. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Adeena (St. John – Burlington, Illinois) and her handler, a USAF veteran, attended along with a packed house of veterans, members of the community, and friends and family. Dennis, who was drafted into the Army, shared his experiences serving in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971, while showing the hand of God at work in the midst of war.

Whenever there is a big tragedy in your country, I just know your wonderful K-9's will soon be there to give love and comfort to those affected. It must be a very difficult and stressful task most of the times, yet your organization never shy away. God Bless all of you and may He give you the strength and the wisdom to carry on. Lots of love and prayers from someone in Cape Town South Africa.
 
Elza Bester DeJager

Mr. Hetzner,
 
I wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit the teachers of CrossPoint Christian School. Thank you for assisting our campus and blessings the teachers who lost so much from Hurricane Harvey. It lifted our spirits to know we weren't alone.
 
Blessings,
Amy S.

Day 1 Report (11/4): We have a crew of 8 heading to Corpus Christi, Texas for disaster relief. An early morning start yesterday from Chicago and ended the night in Arkansas. We're scheduled to reach our destination around 7pm tonight. Continued prayers for safe travels.
 
Day 2 Report (11/5): We made it!!!! Arrived safely at our destination at Trinity Lutheran Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. There are so many destroyed areas that have not made the news and have not been helped. We are anxious to begin our volunteer ministry tomorrow. Please continue to pray for us and follow our mission of serving Christ.
 
Work Day 1 (11/6): We tackled a lot today and have a lot of work ahead of us.
 
Work Day 2 (11/7): We were blessed to help Sandy all day on her 10 acre ranch. Picture this: all the trees on her property once stood straight, her horse was found alive on someone else's property, and she came home to her neighbor’s dead cows and horses on her property which were soon burned. We found quite a few bones, the head of a deer moose, and miscellaneous home items while digging through the debris. A full day of work and there is still a lot to be done. We were so happy to help Sandy today in her long road to recovery.
 
Work Day 3 (11/8): We took a ferry this morning to Port Aransas. Our team split into 2 groups and tackled a lot of tasks. Our first home we found a couple who lost the top two stories of their home. We removed household debris, materials, and salvaged a few precious memories. Across the street was a lady who lost several trees and had one leaning against the roof. She couldn't fix her damaged roof until the tree was gone. She was ecstatic to have our help today. Another block down the road we cut down 7 tall palm tree stumps. The homeowner shared pictures of her return home after the hurricane. The driveway was unrecognizable! Her garage was filled with 4 feet of water and 2 feet of seagrass from the bay. We ended our rainy work day with another ride on the ferry.
 
Work Day 4 (11/9): We had another productive day on Port Aransas. This area was hit by category 4 Hurricane Harvey at winds around 130 mph. Hotels, vacation homes, and restaurants were shredded, which devastated an economy almost fully reliant on tourism.
 
Work Day 5 (11/10): We were back in Rockport today clearing more trees. Spent half the day at a rental home clearing branches and cutting trees in the backyard. No rain and perfect temps made for the perfect workday.

The following K-9s in attendance from the LCC K-9 Ministries include:
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Shiloh (Christ Our Savior - Dixon, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Gracie (Trinity- Davenport, Iowa)
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Eve (St. John - Lombard, Illinois)
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Butch (Squad)
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (Squad)
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Bekah (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Angel (St. John - La Grange, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mahlah (Our Savior - Milford, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jeremiah (LCC staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training Mary
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training Martha

Please join LCC in praying for everyone affected by this tragedy.

Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Michael Newman, Mission & Ministry Facilitator, Texas District Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy, Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, Texas to come immediately and serve this hurting community.

Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and distraught because of the senseless shooting.

We know that comfort is needed at this time to help people heal from this horrific shooting! Help us be the presence of Jesus Christ to this community.

Please support us by PRAYER and if you are moved to help with travel expenses.

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