LCC received the following request from Pastor Dennis Bartels of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami, Florida.

Ketchnide St. Louis is a lovely, Christian, hardworking mother of 3 who currently is hospitalized with Covid-19. She has been hospitalized now for several weeks and is unable to breathe on her own at this time. She also is a type 2 diabetic which is making her recovery from covid more difficult. She is an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in North Miami, Florida.

Ketchnide and her husband both emigrated from Haiti and are raising three beautiful children. Both she and her husband are very hard-working and work blue-collar jobs. They have committed their resources to ensure that their children had a better education and have kept them at the Christian School at Holy Cross through 8th grade and then Catholic School for high school. All of the children are excellent students and have been active in church activities and school activities while maintaining strong grades. The youngest and only boy has from a very young age shown great spiritual and emotional maturity, and no one will be surprised if he becomes a pastor.
 
In spite of their humble circumstances, Ketchnide is always extremely generous. Anytime the church or school has a fundraising drive for a charity such as mission Haiti or a local children's orphanage, she is one of the first to donate. When we have a food drive for our food pantry, she donates bags of food. She is a wonderful example of a Christian who lives her Christianity in her daily walk in life.
 
Due to the nature of her job, she has no paid sick time so every day that she misses work is unpaid. The family is a two-income family and without her income, their resources are extremely strained and there is not enough money for food, rent, utilities, and other bills. Even when she does recover, she will not be able to go back to work for many weeks.
 
This family has always given sacrificially of their meager means to help others and during their time of need, it is our hope that others will step up to help them in the same way.
 
Pastor Dennis Bartels
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
North Miami, Florida

Please prayerfully consider a generous donation to help this family in need continue to provide for their children.

In the Bronzeville community of Chicago, Christ the King Lutheran Church and School has stood for 47 years as a big beacon of hope for the people around them. Pastor John Brazeal, Principal Geri Brazeal, the school staff, and members of the congregation have been sharing the life-changing love and grace of God in Jesus Christ and a quality education for the children of the families they serve.
 
Pastor John and Geri Brazeal are very thankful for your generosity! Your donations are making a difference by ensuring students' continued enrollment at Christ the King Lutheran School!

Taniya’s mother shares:

To the friends of Lutheran Church Charities, receiving a scholarship in the past has helped my family tremendously. Being a single parent, not having to worry about how I’ll find extra funds for tuition plus rent and utilities relieves a burden. Taniya and I would love for her to stay at Christ the King. The staff is wonderful. Providing hands-on teaching in a personal way Taniya grasps every concept. Taniya is an avid reader, disciplined, loves playing violin, loves her classmates, and enjoys dancing at Christ the King. Christ the King is also a safe haven for after-school.

Supporting Christ the King Lutheran School is an investment in an incredible ministry where life-changing relationships are established and an incredible education is earned.
 
Your generous donation will enable Christ the King to continue the ministry of Christ-changing lives through their dedicated staff and provide hope for the future of their students.
 
Please prayerfully consider sponsoring a child for a year of schooling, or donate as you are able. Any amount you’re able to give is making an investment in a great ministry where the students learn their value in Jesus, the importance of giving back to the community, and earn a great foundation of education.

After the tragedy of 156-year-old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beecher, Illinois, burning to the ground on Sunday, September 19, God continues to bless Pastor Michael Stein and fellow members with continued prayer, well wishes, and financial support by many.
 
LCC staff member, Tim Laabs, met with Pastor Stein last Thursday to provide continued comfort, encouragement, and prayer and to pass on 96 additional thank you letters for him to personalize and forward to donors who continue to support him and his congregation by way of LCC.
 
"This is an opportunity for us, the body of Christ, to show the world that Christ still reigns. Even though bad things happen, He is still in control, He still has us in His care,” shared Pastor Stein. “You are the hands of God, doing His work in this small community, at this small rural church, in a place that you’ve probably never been to. Through Christ, you’re continuing His mission of bringing salvation and His comfort that we so desperately need right now, and it’s giving a message to the rest of the world; that we are the body of Christ.”

LCC, working in partnership with the NID District of the LCMS, is collecting money that will be used, Dollar per Dollar (100%) to help St. Paul’s rebound and continue to grow with their mission of touching lives with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ – and Salvation only in Him!
 
If you are so moved, please prayerfully consider donating generously to help Pastor Stein and the members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church during this challenging time.

Thanks to a generous donation from Rogers Vending Services, LCC was able to connect several local ministries with catering equipment to support faith communities all over the greater Chicago area. From a large propane grill to mixing bowls and spoons, this donation will serve the community in many ways.
 
The generosity of the Rogers Family will bless:

• the homeless and underserved in Chicago at St. Matthew's Soup Kitchen
• the school and community of Christ the King, Chicago
• a local seminary and ethnic ministry at Iglesia San Pablo, Aurora
• the ministry at WalCamp Outdoor Ministries and Retreat Center in Kingston
• the LCC Mobile Kitchen used for Disaster Response
• community outreach events of Immanuel, Batavia
• Tabor, Chicago to bless the outreach and community services to a diverse urban community of 64 different languages
  
  

Without the many volunteers, who gave of their time, energy, experience, and strength, this donation would not have been possible. Moving large appliances, sorting, and delivering, the volunteers have made a difference in so many ways. We are thankful for all who give of themselves to serve God’s people.
 
Our volunteers came from 11 congregations around the district:

• Mike Flaherty – St. Peter, Arlington Heights
• Steve MacKay – Immanuel, Palatine
• Bob Morris – Immanuel, Palatine
• Bob Desiron – Immanuel, Des Plaines
• Nancy Blasé – Trinity, Roselle
• Dusan Kolesar – St. Paul, Mt. Prospect
• Jan Boerman – Trinity, Lisle
• Mike Kostecki, Trinity, Lisle
• David Vollrath – Good Shepherd, Elgin
• Sam Woodson – St. James Chicago
• Alan Ahr – Faith, Arlington Heights
• Alex Merlo and a father and adult son – Iglesia San Pablo
• Emily Pacyga – Tabor, Chicago
  
  

We owe a special thank you to Pastor Jeff Gavin and St. John Lutheran Church of Mt. Prospect, who graciously provided the use of a workspace for a whole week for the volunteers to process this huge donation.

Do you care about moms-to-be facing homelessness alone and without support? If so, Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (RLOM) could use your good, clean rummage and/or your help for a few hours or more to prepare for a big benefit sale for RLOM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, Illinois.
 
Volunteer Help Needed: October 17, 19, 20 and 21
Rummage Sale: October 22 – 23
 
Proceeds will help RLOM open a Christ-centered maternity home (coming soon in the Northern Illinois District) for single moms in crisis. The Maternity Home will offer them help, hope, a safe place to live, and a loving family atmosphere - all without cost to the residents to live there while they have an opportunity to finish their education, get a better job, and build life skills (budgeting, saving, and household management) for a brighter future.
 
CLICK HERE for a flyer including a list of needed items, as well as the rummage drop-off, sale dates, and times. Help is needed for set-up, sorting, pricing, and organizing pre-sale; cashiers, baggers, and floor helpers during the sale; and end of sale box-up and tear down. Please also help us get the word out about this sale by inviting family and friends to come shop for household treasures!

Contact event organizer Lois Prokosch (a member at Immanuel, Elmhurst) by phone or text at 630-935-2744 or email at lprokosch@comcast.net for questions or to sign up to volunteer.

On Wednesday, October 6, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had the honor to be present at a historic event, greeting the veterans participating in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago departing from Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois. Honor Flight Chicago partnered with Operation HerStory to fly 93 female veterans from 63 to 104 years old representing all branches of the military for a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor and thanks. The women veterans on the flight served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Slated for October 2020, the flight had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The all-female veteran flight was meant to shine the spotlight on the women who have given so much in times of war. Ginny Narset (MSgt, USAF, Retired), Chairperson and Founder of Operation HerStory, felt that the contributions and the sacrifice of women in the military are too often ignored or overlooked. This one-day trip gave the veterans the opportunity to visit the war memorials built in their honor, including the Women in Military Service For America Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers have served at the Honor Flight Chicago since 2018. The Kare 9s have brought much-needed stress relief to the veterans as they prepare for their Honor Flight. Many of these men and women have never been on an airplane or haven't flown in many years. They are a bit apprehensive about what the day has in store for them. They all want to have an opportunity to pet the Kare 9s. Many share their war stories with the Kare 9 veteran handlers. Some become emotional as they relate their experiences in service to our nation. "The presence of the comfort dogs adds comfort and calm to the chaotic day. Many veterans say that it was the best part of their day," said Doug Meffley, Director of Communications, Honor Flight Chicago. 

This year, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had its own reason to celebrate. Attending the first All-Female Honor Flight Chicago was National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer, LCC’s first young female active-duty veteran handler for LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin). 
 
Brianna is 28-years-old and serves in the U.S. Army National Guard. She is majoring in physical therapy at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). Her work with the military led her to her major as she wants to help and work with veterans in their physical rehabilitation once she graduates.

“I’m hoping that when I graduate, I can use dogs to help with physical therapy for veterans. My goal throughout my career is to provide better access to vets and soldiers serving in the military and better promote injury prevention measures through physical therapy. I think using animals in that setting will greatly help stressed or frustrated soldiers stay optimistic and motivated to overcome whatever ailment they may have,“ shares Brianna.

She will be doing clinical and other visits with veterans and active-duty military due to her connections through CUW.

"I am excited to be part of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry and have been looking forward to attending the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago. It was a wonderful opportunity for Kare 9 Sage and me to serve the brave women veterans, connect with them, and thank them for their service. It was great to see in person the women who helped to shape the role of females in the military. Being there and seeing how easily these women bonded with each other and me without ever meeting before proved there's more than just a brotherhood in the military. Having an event dedicated to women was great because, without them, we wouldn't have the female presence in the military like we do today," said Brianna. 

Many veterans were looking forward to the camaraderie, meeting other female veterans, and forming new friendships. Before the flight, World War II veterans Josephine Bogdanich (104) and Betty Horseman got plenty of love and comfort from LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff).

Village of Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam smiled when she spotted LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad). She recognized him from other veteran memorial events where the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was present and is a big supporter of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. 

The Operation HerStory heroes arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport to a water cannon salute. Among others, welcoming them at the terminal was LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia). He brought with him a “Thank You for Your Service” sign filled with messages written by Our Savior's Way congregation members. 

Even though the Kare 9s and their veteran handlers come to bring comfort and compassion to the Honor Flight veterans, they are often the ones touched by the simple humility of these men and women.
 
LCC is honored to have played a small part in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago and show support to these inspiring women veterans. It was a privilege to honor them and to let them know that they haven't been forgotten. Thank you for your service! 
 
The following LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers and/or ministry partners served at the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago on October 6, 2021:

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) with U.S. Army Veteran Gary Cummings
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Asher (Faith - Lake Forest, Illinois) with U.S. Army Veteran Bill Hume
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) with U.S. Navy Veteran Gene Weisbecker
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) with U.S. Army Veteran Fred Vanstrom
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff) with U.S. Army Veteran Jim Morrison
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin) with U. S. Army National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) and his handlers had a blast visiting the new Fire Station 2 and Training Center in Rowlett, Texas. It's a long-awaited upgrade for this fire station. Triton's handler picked up the gear these first responders have to wear and she said the Comfort Dog vest is like a feather compared to what they wear on calls.

The last two years, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron & Gomer  (St. John’s - Napa, California),  Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California) and their ministry teams had the honor to visit and comfort the many Cal Fire Fighters and those that support them.

In honor of national fire prevention week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby & Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) picked ten local fire stations in Colorado that they often visit to honor and present with a "Thank You" card signed by their team members and a Thin Red Line Challenge Coin. 

They had the honor of meeting the new Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief on his first day on the job, a groundbreaking of a brand new fire station in Johnstown, Colorado, and several firefighters coming off of calls rescuing and helping people, tired and worn. They have standing invitations to visit anytime and even to stay overnight! 

Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator says, "Through these visits, we learned that we have mutual respect for each other. One word we have in common in our mission statements is Compassion. I love that, and we see that in each and every firefighter we meet. The 'thank you's,' smiles, and 'this is the best thing ever' keep us going back to visit them. May God continue to bless them and keep them safe as they exemplify Commitment, Compassion, and Courage. Thank you, firefighters, for what you do day in and day out."

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6