 On Monday, November 18, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dove (Peace - Fremont, IN), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, IN), Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, IN), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff) traveled to Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, IN, after the school’s very much respected and loved principal Jarrod Mason died after being in ICU for over a week with medical issues that he was not able to overcome. The students and teachers returned to school Monday after his funeral on Sunday. This was a most welcome visit to have the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their caring and present handlers and ministry partners as the students and staff were still processing their feelings over Mr. Mason's death. Principal Jarrod Mason was principal at Hamilton Heights High School for over a decade. He was 48 years old when he died and has three children; the youngest is a sophomore at Hamilton Heights High School. Principal Mason grew up in Hamilton Heights and also attended the high school in his youth. "He really had the ability to communicate with everybody," Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood said. "Our community is devastated. He was a dear friend, and he cared about kids. They always knew he was going to be fair. They always knew he'd be firm. But they always knew that he'd love them no matter what." Principal Jarrod Mason oversaw at least 1,000 students plus staff. His death affected many of them deeply because of how much he showed he cared about them through action and words on a daily basis. Several of the teachers at Hamilton Heights High School were extremely grateful LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were there and were amazed at how calm and calming the dogs were for the students and the staff. Many students talked about missing Mr. Mason’s loud welcoming voice in the morning and his genuine support of the students and their activities. Specifically, most recently encouraging the band to enter competitions. He even went to cheer them on in support. Many of the students enjoyed spending time with Jared Comfort Dog as they loved his name. Jared’s name was a sweet reminder of Principal Jarrod Mason.  One of Magdalene Comfort Dog’s handlers shared a special moment at the end of the day with a young lady who stayed and petted Magdalene for most of the last class period. She shared with the handler right away that she was an introvert and often found it difficult to talk to people. Yet, she stayed and talked with Magdalene’s handler for at least 30 minutes, sharing everything—from her love of art and mythology, to what she wanted to do after graduation. The young lady also spoke about how much she admired Principal Mason, describing him as incredibly kind to everyone. The entire time, she gently petted Magdalene, visibly relaxing as she talked. Before she left, she thanked Magdalene’s handler repeatedly for being there, saying how much better she felt after spending time with the dogs. The students at Hamilton Heights High School were incredibly gracious with several of them asking about how the dogs are named and were interested in looking up their Bible verses. A reminder how God is always at work. This ministry is also a reminder of how God uses us in ways we do not expect. God sends the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams in ways they do not always expect. Yet the handlers and ministry partners are open to and follow where God leads them. There was one young lady who spent over an hour with Michael Comfort Dog. She lay on the floor nearly face to face with Michael as she chatted with the handler and asked questions. "She appeared to have some personal challenges that kept her from having friends at school. I told her that Michael might have a new best friend and it was obvious that he enjoyed spending time with her. I believe the time she spent with us was important to her because she felt accepted, loved, and understood."  Another memorable encounter was a girl who stopped by to visit several times during the day. The young lady and handler talked about the Comfort Dogs and were so thankful for what we do. On another visit, the handler noticed she had a bracelet that indicated she was in the band. Michael’s handler encouraged her to talk about music and had several of these little conversations about various topics throughout the day. On one of the visits, toward the end of the day, the young lady audibly gasped. When they asked if she was alright she responded that she had noticed the Uvalde pin on the handler’s lanyard. She asked the handler why she had it. The handler explained that she went with Jael Comfort Dog to Uvalde, Texas twice. The girl had tears in her eyes as she told Michael’s handler she lived in the next town over from Uvalde and was in school when the shooting occurred. She continued to talk about the fear she felt that day and in the days following. She asked several questions about their time spent in Uvalde and thanked the handler repeatedly saying that we had no idea how important their “job” is. One handler shared, “I am reminded daily that God’s plan is greater than my own understanding. God used our visit today to touch the lives of these children in a very special way.” Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. (1 Corinthians 7:17)
 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Florida and Georgia Jemimah (St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL), Lizzie (Trinity - Savannah, GA), Moriah (St. Luke’s - Oviedo, FL), and Peace (Trinity - Orlando, FL) recently attended the Youth Ministry Weekend hosted by the LCMS Florida-Georgia District. Over 500 teens and youth leaders met at Lake Yale Conference Center to participate in the Middle School Youth Gathering and the High School Leadership Event. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to meet the teens and provide love and comfort during the conference. The theme of the Middle School Youth Gathering was "PRESSURE" and focused on the many pressures teens face today. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Over the weekend, the teens were asked to think about and share the pressures they feel, things that cause them anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression. They wrote these pressures on cardboard boxes. The boxes were stacked to show how pressure builds. Ultimately, the boxes were broken down and built into a cross. The cross symbolizes that Jesus took our pressures, sins, and anxieties to the cross with Him. Jesus died for all of us. By His cross, we are all saved. What an amazing message shared with God's precious children. Author and speaker Cassie Moore was the guest speaker and Tribe & Tongue was the featured band with the teens on their feet singing and dancing. We reconnected with several old friends at the previous year's conference and made many new friends. What a blessing to serve with these amazing teens. IMMANUEL, WENTZVILLE, MISSOURI, STANDS READY AS A BEACON OF HOPE AND COMPASSION FOR THEIR COMMUNITY11/19/2024
 The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, MO, has been faithfully preparing to serve their community, and their efforts are already bearing fruit.
Since becoming an affiliate in June, they have been focused on building a strong team. Early this fall they completed their first cross-build and, more recently, four members of the team were certified in Spiritual First Aid. With these efforts in place, the team is now poised to serve in meaningful ways. Last week, when a local family tragically lost their father in an unexpected fall, the team quickly responded with their first Heart of Mercy & Compassion. The father was a well-known member of the community, particularly in the soccer world, and a graduate of the local high school. In the wake of the family's loss, the HMC team delivered the heart and cross to the local high school, offering both their prayers and their presence in the midst of the community’s grief. Immanuel Lutheran Church is ready to be a vigilant and compassionate presence in Wentzville, always willing to serve and reach out to those in need. As they continue to listen to the Spirit’s leading, they will no doubt find many more opportunities to bring Christ’s love and comfort to their neighbors. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:5)  We are overjoyed to share an inspiring story that exemplifies the compassionate spirit of Lutheran Church Charities and the profound impact of community support. Recently, we were informed by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell, Iowa, that a single mother faced a daunting challenge as she cared for her daughter and granddaughter, both of whom rely on wheelchairs for mobility. When her van, the lifeline for her family's transportation needs, broke down beyond repair, despair began to set in. The cost of repairs was simply out of reach, and the weight of her responsibilities felt heavier than ever.
Just when this courageous mother reached out for help, a divine intervention occurred. The very next day, we received an unexpected call from a generous donor who had a van equipped with a working wheelchair lift, ready to be donated. This act of kindness serves as a beautiful testament to the power of faith and community, reminding us that when we trust in God's timing, He provides for our needs in ways we could never imagine. With immense gratitude, we are thrilled to present this mother and her family with a vehicle that symbolizes not just transportation but a renewal of hope and independence. The gift of mobility means they can attend medical appointments, engage in community activities, and simply enjoy the freedom of going where they need to go. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible donor who made this possible and to everyone in our community for their unwavering support. Together, we have woven a tapestry of compassion that uplifts those in need and demonstrates the love of Christ in action.
Delivery During the Storm - Hope and Help in Crisis
Appreciation for "All the Servant Hearts"  Pastor Jonathan Christensen of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville expressed thanks and praise for all the servant hearts that have so willingly worked and blessed residents in the community and surrounding areas. “We have sincerely appreciated all the hospitality shown and meals prepared for us by this congregation," said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, who led the deployment with Jamie Miller, LCC Disaster Response Equipment Manager. To share the LCC volunteers’ appreciation, Matt Flynn, Team Leader of the Immanuel Dundee, IL, crew presented Pastor Christensen with a plaque created to thank the congregation for the ongoing support. Pastor Eric Hollar of Bethel Lutheran Claremont, N.C., and Interim Director of Shepherd’s Heart Ministry, a disaster response non-profit, posted a message last week on LCC Disaster Response’s Facebook page. He shared, “I have been able to focus more on my pastoral duties at my congregation, due in LARGE part to the ‘partnership in the Gospel’ with LCC. We are so appreciative of their support in the response in Hendersonville.” The message was a reminder that Lutheran Church Charities welcomes opportunities to partner with churches and Recognized Service Organizations (RSO) in sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need LCC Thank-Yous Lutheran Church Charities and Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Hendersonville extend a huge thanks to Kelli Francis from Fuel Relief Fund and Jim Norton from Suncoast Fuel for their generous donation of 500 gallons of diesel to use during LCC Disaster Response’s deployment. “What a savings and blessing it was and continues to be in keeping equipment and trucks full for serving those in need,” O’Day said. LCC Disaster Response gives special appreciation to Lutheran Servants for Christ which loaned its tractor to LCC LERT volunteers last week. Lutheran Church Charities also thanks the following LERT volunteers and their churches from multiple LCMS districts for serving together with LCC Disaster Response during the three-week deployment: Northern Illinois District Christ Our Savior, Dixon – Joy Holden Christ the Rock, Rockford – Matt & Carol Robert Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless Heartland, Normal – Tony Buchberger Immanuel, Crystal Lake – Jeff Dykstra Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete & Christel Springmire Immanuel, Dundee – Bill Conforti, Matt Flynn, Terry & Denise Fuelling, Al Navarro Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collier Lord of Life, Elburn – Terry & Mary Kramer, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Marty Starck, Dave Schlesselman, Rich Wren St. John, Union – Laurie Mathisen, Rick Miller, Nick Miletta St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich Trinity, Lisle – Ed Schwartz, Ken Scott Trinity, Roselle – Kristin Bilar Zion, Ottawa – Dave & Cindy Reif Indiana District St. John, Dillsboro – Steve Black Christ, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn Iowa District Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister Missouri District New Beginnings, Pacific – Glenn Stellhorn South Wisconsin District Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale, Kaye Voss Southeastern District Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, North Carolina Pastor Jonathan Christiansen, David Maloney, David and Wendy White “We leave behind new friends, memories, hope, and prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they continue their recovery process,” O’Day said. “It has truly been a blessing to serve!”
READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page. LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG TEAMS OFFER CARE TO WOMEN, FIRST RESPONDERS, VETERANS IN ASHEVILLE, N.C.11/12/2024
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Faith Comfort Dog (St. Stephens Hickory, N.C.) Seth Comfort Dog (Eternal Shepherd Seneca, S.C.), Zoara Comfort Dog (Island Lutheran Hilton Head, S.C.), and Peace Comfort Dog (Trinity Orlando, FL) spent last week sharing God’s love and support to residents in Asheville, N.C.
As one handler expressed, “On Friday, we started with a morning with [Asheville resident] JoEllen, who walked us through her plight during and after the storm. She shared how God has been in control. She also detailed the region’s devastation and what is happening to recover. Her deep love for Jesus and the Comfort Dog Ministry was evident.” Another handler reflected, “I have to say this morning with JoEllen had more of an impact on me than I expected. Her faith in Jesus as her Savior was amazing, and it made me think about my faith and if I would have the courage in my faith she showed that night. This ministry not only touches the people we interact with, but it impacts us too. I’ll be telling everyone about the positive faith-based people I met in Asheville this week.” LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams also spent time with former service members of ABCCM Veterans Rehabilitative Home, who have been displaced by the hurricane. About 160 veterans are temporarily staying at a nearby motel, since their facility was destroyed by flooding. Being present with these veterans, listening to their stories, and sharing prayers was humbling and inspiring for the handlers. Several handlers reflected on these amazing men and women who served our country:
LCC Comfort Dog Ministry teams will continue to uplift the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene in prayer because the road to recovery is a long one. They need God’s strength, hope, and love to keep them moving forward.
 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:18) The 2024 Nebraska District Middle School Gathering took place last weekend where hundreds of middle school and high school students came together. The theme for this year’s gathering, at Lincoln Lutheran Middle/Senior High School in Lincoln, was GrOw. It is important for middle school youth to be reminded that every day we are called to GROW in the knowledge and truth of Jesus Christ as we learn how God PLANTS a seed of faith in us through baptism, PRUNES our lives for growth, and calls us to live by the Spirit to PRODUCE fruit for Him that lasts an eternity! This year’s theme is based on 2 Peter 3:18 and will encourage youth to GrOwcontinually! The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was invited to support and engage with the students at this very special gathering. Nebraska LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Eden (Peace Lutheran - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Meshach (Peace Lutheran - Grand Island, Nebraska), Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska), and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska) Comfort Dogs were present to welcome, encourage, and support the students and staff.
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