Even some of the counselors told the K-9 teams that they had once been campers themselves and were so glad to see the golden retrievers visiting. They were especially excited to follow them on social media.

One counselor shared that he had come from London because of the impact he knew Camp Hometown Heroes has with kids. Another counselor with the nickname Pepper shared that she picked her moniker because her dad loved the soda Dr Pepper. He was gone now, but his memory lived on in her serving the campers. 

Another handler for Samaria met a timid young girl from Michigan, who opened up about traveling to Wisconsin and Chicago, as well as what had been happening with her stepmother and mother. 

“When you see the bridge that Samaria makes and the connection you receive from that … it’s God doing His thing,” she said. 

A third handler found personal meaning and connection while serving. 

“This visit was extra special to me since my husband is a veteran and a Kare-9 handler,” she said. “He’s able to serve and make that connection to veterans and service members, but this allowed me to serve the precious families. The care and support these kids get is very meaningful.” 

She met a camper who had lived in Hawaii, where the handler and her husband had been while he was stationed on Oahu. 

“When I said, ‘The big pink hospital next to the mountain,’ she had a big smile,” she recalled. “She shared a little about her parent’s job and the different places they had been. My husband and I had been to all the same places, and she smiled as another unexpected connection was made.” 
 
It was a simple conversation, but unexpected connections can have deep validation. God uses experiences and seasons in life to help these young campers feel seen.  

“I could see her visibly relax and it made my heart so happy. That conversation reminded me how meaningful it can be when someone simply understands a piece of your story. What an amazing reminder that God wastes nothing.”

Meanwhile, Charity and her team connected with one of the founding fathers of Camp Hometown Heroes, who had been supporting the group for 13 years. 

“He said he was thrilled to see the Comfort Dogs were coming this year again,” she said. “He couldn’t say enough about all the dogs from our group that have come over the many years. He sees each year what joy they bring to not only the campers and counselors but also to the many volunteers.”
​

In small-town Petersburg, MI, the tragic news of Conor Harrigan’s death in late June shook the community of just over 1,000 southwest of Detroit. 

Conor was 16 and about to be a junior at Summerfield High School. He was loved deeply by family and friends, who say his kindness, energy, and extraordinary spirit stood out. His teachers and coaches singled out his politeness and respectfulness. 

For the visitation last week at the school gymnasium, the school district requested the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs on behalf of the Harrigan family. Responding and driving north across the state line were Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, OH), Damascus (St. Paul – Napoleon, OH), and Lazarus (Trinity – Toledo, OH), who brought sweet tenderness and soothing presence to hurting loved ones.

The gym was full that night. Seemingly the whole town there to pay their respects. 

So many came by the dogs to say hello and get some comforting snuggles. Conor’s coaches. The school principal. School counselor. Conor’s classmates. Numerous cousins. 

The dogs leaned in, knowing that hurting folks needed comfort. 

“One of the teenage cousins talked about wanting a golden that looked like Lazarus so she was giving him some extra love,” Lazarus’ handlers said. “He seemed to know that the young girl needed comfort as he leaned into her hug then laid down touching her knees.”

Damascus and her handler saw similar responses.

“The dogs just seem to know who needs them, even at a distance. Their gentleness and patience are such a blessing to all who came to spend time with them,” she said. 

One young girl who was visibly upset came over with her mom. She seemed hesitant to pet the dogs, but when the dog changed position and nuzzled by her, she was able to give some pets and receive some comfort.

Damascus’ ministry partner met the sister of Conor’s girlfriend and warmed to her comment about the teen boy and how he dated someone so close to her. 

“I asked why she thought Conor was such a good person, and her response was simply that ‘he treated my sister nice.’”
​

"It was a wonderful time of fellowship and learning. Our team specifically loved how the regional gathering allowed for a more intimate feeling and how individualized it was for each team."
— Always Comfort Dog Team, 
St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL

* * *

"I feel like I am a part of our team and the greater LCC team."
— Zoara Comfort Dog Team, CrossWaters Ministries – 
Hilton Head, SC

*  *  *

"This Regional Gathering was so well organized and thoughtfully prepared.  The initial ice breaker really opened the door for fellowship between everyone and helped us get us outside our familiar team members.  I particularly loved “what’s your name” segment that by simply asking someone’s name you can open doors for conversation - so easy!  Handlers really appreciated the training sessions throughout the weekend. I could go on and on but will finish with these thoughts - I loved Island Lutheran’s church members welcoming spirit and their full support of this ministry.  We felt so special that Pastor Jeff greeted each of us with his presence and gentle shoulder pats. Deaconess Grace also presented such a meaningful message to us. I think I can speak for Seth’s team, we left feeling loved, encouraged and renewed to keep on keeping on!!  Thank you, Anastasia, Becky, Paul, Cathy, and your team for a wonderful weekend!"
— Seth Comfort Dog Team, 
Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, SC
​ 
*  *  *

"Thank you so much for coming out to spend the weekend with us! It was a wonderful time of fellowship and learning. Our team specifically loved how the regional gatherings allow for a more intimate feeling and how you and Becky individualized it for each team in attendance. The devotion where you spoke about a strength of each team meant a lot to us. Ben, who really struggles with forced mingling exercises really liked the name and “who can you find” exercises. I don’t think praise gets much higher than that. This is just what we spoke about briefly on the way home. I have put it out to my team for any additional thoughts and will add those later today."
— Always Comfort Dog Team, 
St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL

*  *  *
 
"The conference was very uplifting and rewarding.  The devotionals and time spent on discussing our names, and the devotion on the concept of comfort led by Grace helped me to think about how to approach the people we visit and also with those we interact with in any situation.  The idea of reflecting Jesus' light, as the moon reflects the sun's light was a beautiful analogy.  I very much appreciated the time spent on refresher handler training.  Anastasia and Becky are such experts, and share their expertise in a kind, affirming way. I very much enjoyed meeting members of the other teams, and the team building activity was a great way to get us all interacting.  The conference was a richly rewarding experience: a good balance of devotions, discussions, group interactions, and handler training.  I just wish it could have been a little longer.  Oh, and the meals were delicious:  thank you team Zoara for your hospitality."
— Always Comfort Dog Team, 
St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL

*  *  *
 
"It was our honor and pleasure to host the Regional meeting this weekend. So many of our team members were able to attend and got the blessing of training with LCC staff. We also grew and learned so much from other teams.

I personally feel renewed, reenergized, and committed to receive comfort as well as give comfort. As Grace said, “we can’t pour from an empty bucket.” The theme “Alongside” was such a good reminder of how we can encourage each other as we serve in this ministry. The support the Comfort Dog Ministry, and especially the SE Region teams, has given to our team and members has been amazing.

The thoughtful words/cards/gifts for Debbie and Ron and the Duff family are so heartwarming. The Comfort Dog Ministry is truly family. I know our team learned so much with the “Say their name” activity, the role playing and the servant event at Shelter Cove. The combination of learning and then putting it into action is so helpful. We definitely feel more confident going out on visits and committed to the challenge to follow Jesus and be changed by Jesus every day.
— Zoara Comfort Dog Team, 
CrossWater Ministries/Island Lutheran - Hilton Head, SC

*  *  *

“The mixture of handler technique with the dogs and the grace and compassion shown individuals was appropriate. The ability to interact with other teams to discuss issues and how they resolved them was a significant benefit. The ability to work one on one with LCC staff was a plus."
— Seth Comfort Dog Team, 
Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, SC

*  *  *

"What a blessed filled weekend with the Southeastern Region Teams. It started with the family walking up to Zoara’s banner on Friday, followed by the Saturday outing and the final dinner. In between we were reminded of the ministry’s values and goals. It was really a treat meeting, sharing and interacting with all the teams.
— Zoara Comfort Dog Team, 
CrossWater Ministries/Island Lutheran - Hilton Head, SC

*  *  *

“The conference was a great refresher that helped maintain connections with other teams in our area. It’s Always nice to get the teams together to help build our relationships and gain strength from each other.” 
— Always Comfort Dog Team, 
St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL

*  *  *

I liked the content and flow of the meeting: Devotional and prayer, networking, getting to know each other, training and role playing, practical application at Shelter Cove, great food throughout. I feel like I am a part of our team and the greater LCC team.
— Zoara Comfort Dog Team, 
CrossWater Ministries/Island Lutheran - Hilton Head, SC

*  *  *

“The conference was a great refresher that helped maintain connections with other teams in our area. It’s Always nice to get the teams together to help build our relationships and gain strength from each other.” 
— Always Comfort Dog Team, 
St. Paul - Boca Raton, FL
 

In another special moment, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team at CrossWaters Ministries crafted a Heart of Celebration for Debbie Groteluschen, a ministry partner for the hometown congregation’s Zoara Comfort Dog team.​

Debbie (pictured with husband Ron) had recently finished chemotherapy treatment, including ringing the bell! Island Lutheran members were joined by K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers from the region to surround her with joy and energy.

“This heart will always hold a special place in our hearts!” Debbie’s husband Ron, a handler for Zoara, said. “We truly appreciate all the prayers and support from the Comfort Dog Ministry — locally and nationally. We could not have made it through this past six months without that support. It really is a blessing to share God’s love through the dogs and teams. God truly hears our prayers and answers them to His will. It was a great a blessed weekend!"

With boom lifts, heavy equipment, and a lot of sweat and muscle, more than 50 Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers from churches in Indiana and Illinois have made substantial progress in helping multiple areas in both states clean up from the derecho and tornadoes that hit the area June 10-11. 

Led by Deac. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Pastor Josh Osbun,  Indiana District Disaster Response Coordinator, the teams in Merrillville, IN, and Streator, IL, have assessed 81 sites and completed chainsaw and debris removal at 60 locations over the last 2½ weeks.   

“We were able to bless homeowners served with gift cards given to us from LCMS Disaster Response,”O’Day shared. “Serving as the hands and feet of Christ, these volunteers brought Christ’s presence, hope, and compassion to many hurting people.”

LERT volunteers completed multiple sites in several of the hardest-hit neighborhoods. 

“As we would move from site to site, people would stop our vehicles and thank us for our service and for caring for their neighbors,” O’Day said. “The homeowners were very appreciative for what they felt was over and above in helping them remove trees and dangerous hanging limbs from their yards.”

As a thank you, one family put out a lunch spread for volunteers helping at their home. Another homeowner at the end of a hot day gave everyone popsicles. 

One of our homeowners sent an email of thanks. 

It read: “We will be forever grateful to all of you. We pray that others will experience the relief that we felt knowing that we are on our way back to recovery. We pray that you and your families are blessed for your kind hearts. Thanks again and we are so appreciative.”

Elsewhere in Merrillville over the weekend, 15 LERT volunteers helped at the home of Mr. and Mrs. K, an elderly couple who are disabled and live at the dead-end of a small, winding road off the highway. They had many trees that had fallen and were damaged in their large yard. 

Volunteers were able to begin clearing their property on the same day they performed the damage assessment. With a lift and two mini-Bobcats, they cleared the yard in several hours. 

“First, he couldn’t believe that we had found their home and then he couldn’t believe we could help them right away,” O’Day said. “At the end of the day, he was amazed that everything was done. Then he prayed with each volunteer and asked for a blessing over each of us.”

Earlier this week, crews met Ms. C. who was initially reluctant to ask for help but sought their assistance after she injured herself while a team was serving another homeowner on her street. 

Seeing much worse damage to her neighbors’ homes, she decided to cut up a fallen tree in her yard herself when the chain came off her chainsaw. She didn’t know how to put it back on and began using an axe to finish the job. 

Unfortunately, she missed the tree limb and hit her foot, causing extensive damage that would require surgery and several days in the hospital.

A LERT team finished the work in her yard, removing a fallen tree and a large brush pile she had started, plus some other work around her home. 

“She told us that God sent us to her at that moment in time because He knew she needed help, to have her hope restored and her spirits lifted,” O’Day recalled. “She gave each of us hugs as we were leaving, and we all felt blessed for having met and helped her.”  

Meanwhile in Streator, IL, where an EF-2 tornado had hit June 10, LERT crews worked at two homeowners’ homes, felling and removing four trees that were damaged. It had felt like a long wait, but the homeowners greatly appreciated the assistance in making their properties safe again and taking the time to be present with them on a very hot day. 

LCC extends our sincere thanks to Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Crown Point, IN, for graciously housing and hosting volunteers over the past two-plus weeks.