Held at Zion Lutheran School in Brighton, CO, the vigil drew hundreds of mourners, including classmates from various high schools, teachers, and coaches, all gathering to honor Zane's memory.

Zane was only 16 years old, but he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He valued his faith, family, friends, neighbors, education, sports, and the great outdoors. Many of his classmates and friends donned camouflage attire as a gesture to honor him, symbolizing their respect and admiration for the young man who touched their lives in so many meaningful ways.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus, alongside their dedicated team, provided a calming presence that truly made a difference. Attendees expressed their gratitude, sharing sentiments like, “Dogs make everything better” and “I feel better after petting the dogs.”

The team members shared their experiences while working at Grace Lutheran:

"We poured our hearts into the work because we wanted to help in any way we could. We painted 40 or more outside classroom doors, 4 bathrooms, cafeteria walls, narthex, and walls between classrooms. We bought plants to put out in front of the church, hoping to make the congregation bring back smiles on their faces."
 
"Witnessing older students mentor younger ones and hearing the children's joyful songs during chapel was a beautiful experience. Each moment was infused with prayer, reminding everyone of God's guiding presence in our efforts. The experience left everyone with full hearts, a renewed sense of purpose, and a shared belief in the transformative impact of serving others through Christ's teachings."

The team was grateful for the opportunity to serve both the church and the school. As they watched the team at work, the students frequently expressed their gratitude and grew increasingly optimistic, witnessing the transformation unfold right before their eyes each day.
 
Lutheran Church Charities extends sincere thanks to the following LERT and SFA volunteers and congregations from Illinois for their unwavering service, heartfelt prayers, and steadfast support. Your commitment makes a profound difference and brings hope to those suffering and in need.
 
Cross, Yorkville - Linda Arnold, Pastor Erik Gauss, Carrie Howard, Barb and Gary Lewison, Mike Moe, John Sleezer
 
Trinity, Lisle - Ed and Jan Boerman, Dale and Beth Durfey, Linda Fergusen, Jim and Veronica Reuter, Ed Schwartz, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Wayne and Sandy Witek, Kent Worrell

In early February, David and Paige received life-changing news from the doctors monitoring David’s recovery: his progress had been so extraordinary that they were able to return home to Mt. Carmel, Illinois. This joyful moment was celebrated with immense gratitude by the Hospitality House Care Team at Faith Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, IL, who had been by their side through this difficult journey.
 
Throughout the family's stay at the Hospitality House, the care team provided not just support, but a source of unwavering stability during a season of uncertainty and hardship. But they were not alone in this mission. More than 20 churches came together, offering their hands in service, their resources in funding, and their hearts in behind-the-scenes support, lifting up the family when they needed it most. During this time, new and lasting friendships were formed—friendships built on the unshakable foundation of Christ’s love.

On Sunday, February 23, Faith Carpentersville held a special lunch to honor David, Paige, and their family, and to pray over them as they prepared to return home. The Human Care Team presented Dave with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion, signed by the medical team who supported him in both the hospital and during his rehabilitation. The heart is a powerful reminder of the love and care he received from the medical team.
 
We want to offer our deepest, most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has prayed over Dave and Paige, to the Faith Carpentersville Hospitality House Team, to those who provided transportation to and from the hospital, and to everyone who helped meet the family’s many needs. Dave and Paige are overwhelmed with gratitude, and in their own words, they couldn’t have made it through this journey without your incredible support. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and for showing the love of Christ in such powerful, transformative ways.

Earlier this year, the dedicated HMC team from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI, traveled on a mission trip to Guatemala, where they built a home for a family in need, and shared a powerful Heart of Mercy & Compassion with them.
 
A second HMC brought by the team was just recently gifted to a Guatemalan mother (pictured) grieving the loss of her newborn child.
 
The missionary who worked with the Brookfield team learned about a woman, who had just welcomed twins into the world and faced the heartbreaking tragedy of losing one during delivery.
 
Last week, the missionary connected with her, offering not only heartfelt support but also a Heart of Mercy & Compassion brought by the team from Brookfield--a symbol of hope and empathy that transcends borders.
 
This experience is a testament to the incredible impact that LCC's HMC affiliates have on individuals and communities, reminding us all of the power of compassion in times of crisis, no matter where they are in the world.

The students and staff were devastated by the death of a sixth-grade student who lost her life tragically to suicide. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary and Rejoice from St. Paul's, Janesville, WI, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC staff) were requested to be a loving and compassionate presence at Eisenhower Middle School, Rockford, IL, for the students and staff as they processed this heartbreaking loss.
 
One handler shared, "Walking into the school we could feel the overwhelming sadness of the staff as they prepared for their day of 'unknowns'. The students showed their grief, sadness, and anger about the loss of one of their classmates, some through tears and hugs and many by petting Michael Comfort Dog silently. Some of the discussions we had with the students focused on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness with each other and the need to seek out help from trusted adults when feeling overwhelmed. We felt that we were instruments of God’s love and peace through our actions and prayers."
 
Another handler shared, "As everyone had a chance to be with our 3 Comfort Dogs over the length of the school day, we had many of them returning for another visit. Upon their return visit we noticed a calmer mood which allowed for a more relaxed and reflective visit. Many people from the school were truly appreciative of the Comfort Dog visit. God gave us the words to say and the ability to listen at the right moment!"

The loss of a student at Eisenhower Middle School serves as a painful reminder of the importance of open conversations about mental health. By adopting a compassionate, educated, and supportive environment, the community can honor the memory of the student while striving to prevent future tragedies.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

On Tuesday, February 18th, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, IL), and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, IN), were invited to Auburn Junior High School in Divernon, IL, to support the school as they continue to grieve the loss of Hunter, a seventh-grade student. Hunter passed away in a house fire along with his father and younger brother.

Esther and Jordan started the day in the gym during PE class.  They continued visiting classrooms giving staff and students support in the setting of the counselor/social work room. All three dogs met with seventh graders as the students finished lunch. 
 
Jael Comfort Dog and her handlers spent the time at Auburn Junior High School with the students, teacher and staff in the Life Skills class.  Their teacher Mrs. Amanda Castleman, along with classroom paraprofessionals, welcomed Jael into the classroom as she spent time comforting each student and adult.  Mrs. Castleman’s son Reed is also in this class and was close friends with Hunter. While there were tears when sharing memories of Hunter as a student and friend, Jael’s calming presence throughout the room and the joy she provided as she was pet and hugged certainly shared the compassion and presence of Jesus with those who were hurting.
 
We were present to bring comfort and smiles to a hurting school community. It is our prayer that the students and staff feel the love and comfort of Jesus through us. Our love and prayers go with you.  
 
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)