 Following an invitation from the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District and Rev. Robert J. Pase of Grace Lutheran Church in Midland, Texas to respond to a mass shooting that took place on August 31 in Odessa - Midland, Texas, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) deployed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams in fewer than 24 hours. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs served in Odessa - Midland from September 1 through September 6 bringing comfort and love to the shocked and hurting communities that have been impacted by the tragic incident. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs just completed two weeks of deployment after the shooting at Walmart in El Paso, Texas on August 3. On Saturday, August 31, a gunman opened fire in a series of shootings in Odessa - Midland, Texas. The incident began during a traffic stop where the gunman shot the officer and then began his shooting spree. As a result of this tragic event seven people have been killed, twenty-one injured and hundreds traumatized.
Serving the Hurting Community LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were honored to be able to work throughout the community and visit with so many who were affected by the tragic incident. During our deployment, we had visited Odessa High School that lost a student in the shooting. We were at Ector College Prep where we visited with staff. Elementary Schools included Carver Early Elementary, Black Shear Elementary, Ireland Elementary, Gonzales Elementary, and Henderson Elementary.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent time with patients and staff at both hospitals where the victims were taken - Medical Center Hospital in Midland and Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. We spent time with veterans and staff at the VA Clinic, located next to the movie theatre, where the shooting ended. After being on campus for a city vigil Sunday night, we had an open invitation to visit the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB). We were also able to greet students when they arrived at the UTPB Stem School. Additionally, we visited Odessa Community Tech, Grace Lutheran Church Preschool, Ray of Hope Counseling Center, the Odessa Post Office, and Music City Mall.
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to frightened communities. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses. LCC Disaster Response Staff on Standby to Respond with Chainsaw Assistance after Hurricane Dorian9/10/2019
 And Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4: 39
After more than a week of watching Hurricane Dorian move slowly through the Bahamas and up the East Coast, leaving a path of destruction in its path, there is now great calm. Deaconess Sally Hiller, Southeastern District Disaster Response Coordinator has been in touch with Lutheran Church Charities to inquire about our willingness to respond with chainsaw assistance somewhere in their district after they can assess damage and determine church locations for work to commence from. Deaconess Hiller is reporting that there are trees down, debris from the winds, some flooding – but not what it could have been – nor what it was last year when Hurricane Florence hit. North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which include Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island, are still cut off due to the storm surge and major flooding. There were also several tornadoes that spawned off the hurricane that have caused lots of tree and home damage in and around the Wilmington area and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. LCC LERT teams are on standby, ready and willing to bring the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
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