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LCC Responds to Crises and Mass Shootings in Three States Colorado, Indiana, Wisconsin

4/20/2021

 
In the midst of senseless killings, anger, and hatred
LCC responds to bring Love – Compassion – Mercy and the Presence of Jesus

DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND
DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION
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Lutheran Church Charities works to bring people together to combat the senseless anger and hatred that is far too prevalent around us!
 
Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams immediately responded after the horrific shooting that took place at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, April 16, resulting in the loss of eight precious lives.
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The LCC K-9 Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry were invited by Pastor Dan Hauser of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi, to be present throughout the community with employees, residents, and first responders who are trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.
Tim Hetzner and teams from Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois departed on Friday to be there for the hurting communities. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis) was joined by Nancy Borders (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC Staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), and Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), along with their handlers, to spend time visiting with friends and family members as they process the shock and grief of their loss. The K-9 Comfort Dog teams also visited the overworked and dedicated employees at the Marion County Coroner’s Office who needed time to decompress and feel the comfort and appreciation of the K-9 handlers and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.
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Other visits the teams had were with the firefighters from Plainfield Fire Station 121 and Beech Grove Fire Station 57, and they will continue to visit the other fire stations throughout the week. The firefighters were all smiles at seeing K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Hannah, Isaiah, Mercy, and Naomi.
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The K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended two vigils held by the community for the victims. On Friday night, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers were at Krannert Park, where community members gathered to support the families whose loved ones died during the shooting. It was at this vigil that the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers were first brought out for the community to sign, one marker for each of the eight victims. The teams were there with prayer, mercy, compassion and the presence of Jesus Christ for this hurting community.
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Helping Individuals Cope with Uncertainty

The K-9 Comfort Dog teams met Lillian, who was recently hired by FedEx and was supposed to start work on April 15 but didn’t go into work that day. She shared her concern about all the evil in this world with the team member and found it hard to stay positive. The handlers prayed with her for God’s comfort and peace.

DJ was struggling with so much anger and hurt over the shooting. He attended both of the vigils and spent a lot of time with the K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers as they surrounded him in prayer.
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The Sunday night vigil was hosted by the City of Beech Grove and the Mayor’s Faith-Based Roundtable. Mayor Dennis Buckley of Beech Grove knew one of the victims, 19-year-old Samaria Blackwell. The loss of Samaria was difficult on the Beech Grove community as they knew her and her family well. The vigil was attended by 150 or more people from all different backgrounds: Christians, non-Christians, Sikhs, and Mennonites gathered in unity.

Attendees lined up to sign each of the eight Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers for the victims to express their grief and share their support. The K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to bring comfort and unconditional love, and the handlers listened and prayed with the community members. There were no walls of hatred but instead unity, healing, and love. People of all backgrounds listened to one another and shared their grief, and most importantly, they shared hope of what could be. Each person left the vigil that night with hope and the beginning process of healing.
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The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will continue to visit with the hospital staff, 911 dispatchers, and the community this week to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.
 
CLICK HERE to view how our two LCC Ministries work together to bring comfort and healing to the community during this difficult time.
 
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never go where we are not invited and never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.
 
Please join LCC in keeping the families, first responders, and the community in your prayers as they move through these extremely trying times.
DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND
DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

Tim Hetzner & LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Visit Students & Staff at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Early Sunday morning, April 18, three people were killed, and three were injured during a shooting at The Somers House in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At the invitation of Rev. Kara Baylor of Carthage College, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are present with students and staff on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21, during finals week. Carthage College is located near The Somers House and frequented by students, some of whom were present during the shooting.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and their ministry teams spent time comforting students and staff during this stressful week.

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Students signed four Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, three for the victims, and one for The Somers House to share their condolences with those impacted.
 
Please pray for the students during finals week and all who were impacted by this tragic event
DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND
DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION
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LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Their Teams Participate in Annual Virtual Run for Respect for Pontiac Township High School, Illinois

4/20/2021

 
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Fifty-six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from twenty-two states participated in the 9th Annual Virtual Run for Respect for Pontiac Township High School (Illinois) Peers in Action from their home communities the weekend of April 17-18.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from all across the country enjoyed walking together to support our friends of the Life Skills class at Pontiac Township High School.
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Laura Baumgardner, teacher of the Life Skills class at Pontiac Township High School and Director of the 5K Run for Respect, shared this with us:
“I have been pretty overwhelmed with emotion all weekend. All of the LCC teams have gone above and beyond. I just wanted you to know what a difference the Comfort Dogs are making in my students' lives. The outpouring of pictures, emails, and messages has been nothing short of amazing! We are learning so much, and we love how our message of Respect has been shared with so many!
 
The message of the Run for Respect, in the beginning, was to end the use of the r-word (retard) and to replace it with respect. However, our message has evolved into Spread the Word Inclusion and Respect for All. It is now an Action, and you all have made it so! I think it is so exciting to think about how many people have been included in this message. Thank you for this!
 
Today we received the box for Michael. He was beyond thrilled. Michael came to us last year, right before the pandemic started. He had never been to public school before. He has come so far! And this was the first package he has ever received in his life! We are going to laminate the letter Team Zoara wrote him. Please know what a huge deal this was to him.
 
Again thank you for all that you do and have done to make this so successful and meaningful! I really hope that one day I can meet you in person."
 
Laura Baumgardner
Life Skills Special Education Teacher
Pontiac Township High School, Illinois
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It was much fun for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams to walk the 5K Run for Respect. The teams shared laughter, companionship, and the joy of walking with God as they completed their trek.
 
We are very grateful to Laura Baumgardner for inviting LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams to be part of this event. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have enjoyed meeting the Life Skills students through their Zoom visits and sharing the places the Comfort Dogs live and visit with the class.
LCC never goes where we are not invited. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve.
DONATE — LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

LCC Opens New K-9 Comfort Dog Training Center at St. Matthew, Barrington, Illinois, and Welcomes Five New Puppies

4/20/2021

 
"So God made the wild animals, the tame animals, and all the small crawling animals to produce more of their own kind. God saw that this was good." Genesis 1:25
The LCC K-9 Ministry is excited to announce the opening of our newest LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Training Center located at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington, Illinois. We are blessed to welcome new volunteers who have accepted the role of apprentice trainers for our newest pups. We could not continue the mission of training new Golden Retrievers without the volunteers who work alongside our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog staff trainers each week.
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LCC is pleased to welcome our new class of apprentice trainers:
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Amy Engstrom-Clugg
Kathy Kaczkowski
Joan Katterjohn
Anita Maher
Jerry Ming
Michaeline Orvis
Garland Ralston
Barb Richter
Sue Schmidt
Nara Sethuraman
Marsha Storzbach

Lutheran Church Charities is blessed to welcome five new golden retriever puppies to be trained as future LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs at our newest training center in Barrington, Illinois. Brothers and littermates Phinehas, Michael, and Daniel. Sisters and littermates Faith and Grace.

Phinehas
 

Numbers 23:19
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
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Follow Phinehas on Facebook
Michael
 
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
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Follow Michael on Facebook
Daniel
 
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
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Follow Daniel on Facebook
Faith
 
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
 
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Follow Faith on Facebook
Grace
 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
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Follow Grace on Facebook
Lutheran Church Charities is always recruiting new volunteers to help train these amazing animals. We will have more puppies arriving soon and need more volunteers to nurture and train them. If you are interested in joining us on this mission, please contact LCC at k9trainers@lutheranchurchcharities.org for further information or visit our website.
DONATE — LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

LCC Disaster Response Chainsaw Teams Bring Hope to Homeowners in Alabama During Tornado Recovery Assistance

4/20/2021

 
DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND
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On Thursday, March 25, the National Weather Service reported eleven tornadoes with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF- 4, ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, causing seven deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage.

Over the past two weeks, Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response responded with Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, and the following team of thirty-one Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) draggers, and chainsaw and heavy equipment operators from Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
 
Illinois
Good Shepherd – Frankfort: Joel Powless
Heartland – Normal: Tony Buchberger
Immanuel – Belvidere: Mike Buhl, Mark Gutzler, Wes Johnson, Carl Jurgens, Mike Perry
Immanuel – DeKalb: Pete and Christel Springmire
Lord of Life – LaFox: Chris Lewis, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski
Messiah – Sterling: Jacob Beets
Prince of Peace – Palatine: Jim Beckley, Dan and Bobbie Swyndroski
Shepherd of the Hills – McHenry: Alan Holm
St. John – Wheaton: Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, David Schlesselman, Rich Wren
St. John – Wilmette: Tom Morrison
St. Paul – Matteson: Dennis Pieper
Trinity – Lisle: Ed Boerman
 
Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin
First Lutheran – Paola, Kansas: Brian Mead
Good Shepherd – Gardendale, Alabama: Gary Decker, Rich Dender, Rusty Spiegle
St. John – Dillsboro, Indiana: Ruth Weisbrod
St. Paul – Grafton, Wisconsin: Mark and Beverly Brueggeman

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Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response L.E.R.T. teams completed chainsaw work at seventeen homeowner sites while serving through Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsen, Alabama, in Ohatchee Wellington, Jacksonville, and Piedmont. Almost all of these sites took 2-4 days to complete due to the size of the property and trees, amount of destruction, and complexity of work completed.
 
Blessing an Army Veteran


One of the homeowners was a 20 year Army veteran who sheltered in his home with his mom and daughter who were visiting as the tornado destroyed all of their vehicles, workshop, shed, and took down hundreds of trees on his 10 acres of rural property. He was very grateful for the help in clearing trees with all of the heavy equipment and chainsaw operators to access his road and property fully. He worked alongside the team and told us what a blessing we were to him.
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Restoring Hope
 
Donny and his family all lived in separate homes on the same property. Two of their homes lost their roofs, and one of the homes was destroyed when two large oak trees landed on it. We were able to remove the oak trees to access the home and salvage what they could. They couldn’t believe that we would offer to help them and return for three days to complete the work. They stated that they felt we restored their faith and hope for their future as they move forward in recovering from this disaster.
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The Cross
 
Joel Powless, one of the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team leaders, cuts beautiful crosses in the homeowner’s tree stump to remind them that Christ is present in the midst of this disaster and recovery. Joel states that when he is cutting the cross, his arms will begin to burn as it is difficult and heavy to hold the chainsaw high and cut against the grain of the tree to make the cross. He is reminded that Christ’s arms were hurting as He hung on the cross for our sins – and that thought carries him through as he completes the cross for the homeowners who appreciate the significance the cross represents.

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LCC Thank You
 
Lutheran Church Charities extends sincere thanks to John Strid, Regional President of Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, for delivering and loaning us a compact track loader after our bobcat broke down to use for the week at no cost. Without this, we would not have been able to complete all of the work on the sites we had scheduled.

We also extend a heartfelt thanks to John and Kathy Henner from Bakers Buddy in DeKalb, Illinois, for the generous donation of food items, bread, and desserts for our cooks to prepare and serve our volunteers for the week. It was very much appreciated and enjoyed by all.
 
Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

Mercy Hearts to Honor Three 911 Dispatch Centers

4/19/2021

 
Redeemer, Fort Collins, Colorado, presented Mercy Hearts to three 911 Dispatch Centers in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Boulder, Colorado, in honor of their service during National Public Service Telecommunicators Week. They also brought them snacks, cards, stuffies, dog tags and handed out 81 Gold Thin Line Coins to each dispatcher.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) also assisted in the visits. Team leaders Bonnie Fear and Jody Lockwood, said “They loved that we took the time to visit and were thrilled with the heart! They were very, very touched by the heart and coins and expressed mutual appreciation for what we do, especially after deploying to Boulder after the King Soopers mass shooting”.

DONATE – HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Squad Planning Luncheon

4/19/2021

 
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On Wednesday, April 14, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Squad met for fellowship and ministry planning. During this time of COVID, the original LCC Kare 9 Squad Dogs, Blitz, Brandy, Britta, Brutus, Butch, Flex, and Spike, have not been able to serve at the numerous events they did in the past. The Veteran Handlers also missed the opportunity to be with one another. Kare 9 Nigel joined the group. The handlers discussed how to serve in the Ministry as we live with the restrictions of the pandemic. Many good ideas were suggested.

As the teams prepared to leave, Kare 9 Britta and her veteran handler were approached by John, another patron of the restaurant, who had some questions. As the Ministry was explained and the Gospel was shared, John was presented with a “card” from each Kare 9. John wrote the following in an email to Kare 9 Britta's veteran handler:

"I met you at a restaurant in Rockford yesterday, April 15, along with many of your "Squad" members. Thank you for the work you do in furthering Our Lord's kingdom, in particular for ministering to our veterans by sharing the Gospel with them. I have made a small donation to your squad effort. God Bless you and the Squad members that work with you - not forgetting the beautiful Goldens.”

DONATE – LCC KARE 9 MILITARY MINISTRY

Sergeant Gregory Parks Funeral

4/19/2021

 
On Friday, April 16,  LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John’s - Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California) and their teams, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California) with his law enforcement handler James Casner spent the day in Marysville, California at the funeral for Sergeant Gregory Parks, Marysville Police Department.

The K-9 Ministry teams were honored to serve the Marysville Police Department during this difficult time. We ask for prayers for the family as he left behind a wife and three young children.
DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY
DONATE – LCC K-9 POLICE MINISTRY

SPECIAL APPEAL: LCC K-9 and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministries Deploy after FedEx Mass Shooting in Indianapolis, Indiana

4/16/2021

 
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LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry
Deploy in less than 24 hours to Comfort Community
Following Shooting at FedEx Facility in Indianapolis
 
Third Mass Shooting in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2021


 8 People Killed, 5 Injured, 1 Critical

Employees Run and Hide for Life


 "How Long, O Lord?" Psalm 13:1
 
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND
DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION
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Late Thursday, April 15, eight people were killed and five wounded at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Employees feared for their life after hearing gunshots in their workplace. The shooting started in the parking lot, and then the shooter entered the facility. The FedEx Indianapolis hub employs more than 4,500 people and is their second-largest facility. This is the third mass shooting in Indianapolis this year.

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Less than one month since we deployed to Boulder, Colorado for a shooting, another senseless mass shooting has occurred. First thing this morning, LCC K-9 Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry were invited by Pastor Dan Hauser of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi and will be on-site to be present throughout the community with employees, residents, and first responders who are trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.
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Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, will lead the deployment team and is working with LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, to deploy LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams and bring 8 hearts/crosses through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry to help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event. LCC Ministry teams will serve with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. People will be able to leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects for the 8 lives lost.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis, Indiana) will be joined by Nancy Borders (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), and Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), along with their ministry teams arriving today to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.
DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND
DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

Homeowners and the Learning Tree Are Blessed by LCC Disaster Response Assistance in Alabama

4/13/2021

 
“You are a blessing sent from God.” – Homeowner
 
L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Team Members Continue Serving in Devastated Areas of Alabama for Second Week

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND
On Thursday, March 25, the National Weather Service reported eleven tornadoes with EF ratings ranging from EF-1 to EF-4, ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia causing seven deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage.
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For a second full week, Lutheran Church Charities Director of Disaster Response, Kathy O’Day and Lutheran Early Response Teams (L.E.R.T.) are deployed and serving in Alabama. At the invitation of Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District, recovery efforts continue in the towns of Ohatchee, Wellington, Jacksonville and Piedmont. We are serving out of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsen, Alabama, with Pastor John Reynolds.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Erica Brown, Resource & Development Coordinator, The Learning Tree, Ann Cusey, Homeowner, and Mark Brueggemann, LCC L.E.R.T. volunteer share how the LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams brought mercy and compassion when responding to the Alabama tornadoes. Click on the image below to watch the video.
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Since arriving the Monday after Easter, thirty-one LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have joined the Southern District L.E.R.T. team members to assist those affected by these devastating tornadoes clear properties of downed and damaged trees, and debris utilizing the boom lift, dump trailer, bobcats, ditch witch, and tractors with grapples. This will help them begin their long road of rebuilding and recovery.
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Clean-up Continues at The Learning Tree and Staff Member Properties

Property damage has been extensive at The Learning Tree Residential Schools for Children & Adults with Developmental Disabilities but care and enthusiasm for their students and residents has not wavered. The director, property manager, and staff can’t believe LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members traveled such a great distance to help them in their time of need. They continue to see the hand of God provide for them during the tornado recovery efforts. They look forward to having safe properties, bringing back their students and residents, and helping everyone return to their normal schedule.
Helping Elderly Couple with Property Clean-Up
Mr. and Mrs. C. were so touched by the assistance the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team gave to remove many downed trees from around the home they share with their daughter, a staff member at The Learning Tree. The entire time we were there, they watched the work being done, and spoke with and hugged every volunteer. They felt we were a blessing sent from God.
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Serving Overwhelmed Staff Member with Property Damage
Pat, another staff member at The Learning Tree, is also very happy with the work being done at her home. She had many large cedar and evergreen trees down on her driveway, chicken coop, and animal pens. The recovery task seemed overwhelming. She expressed her gratitude for the LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team assistance and care shown to her. She will remember us every time she looks at the large slice of one of her cedar trees that team members signed.
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Removing Large Tree that Landed on the Home of Man with a Disability
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Bob and his family huddled in their bathroom wearing their bicycle helmets as they heard the tornado pass and the trees crashing onto their house and down on their property. When they came out, a large tree was resting on their roof but they were very surprised to see that it didn’t go through or damage the interior of their home.

Due to his disability, he knew there was no way he could begin to remove the damaged trees. He is very thankful that LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw teams came with their equipment to assist.

If it weren't for all of the faith-based groups helping the community, he doesn’t know how he and his neighbors would be able to clean up all the damage to their properties.

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Other LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw team members have been working on several large jobs that took several days. Property owners have been overwhelmed with the clean-up task and are overjoyed when they witness the hands and feet of Jesus helping them.
 
Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the families affected by the tornadoes in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff while we are deployed to Alabama.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Zoom to Pontiac Township High School

4/13/2021

 
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The LCC K-9 Ministry had a wonderful time visiting the Pontiac High School Life Skills class on Thursday, April 8. This was the second virtual visit that had been scheduled with the Life Skills class. Prior to the visits, the students researched the dogs and prepared wonderful questions to ask the teams and the K-9 Comfort Dogs.
 
As a result of the two Zoom visits held on March 18, and April 8, twenty-eight LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from fifteen different states were able to visit by Zoom with the class. The teams enjoyed meeting the students, seeing their beautiful artwork and answering their questions.
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Amos had fun meeting his new friends who were so well prepared in their research of the comfort dogs and he is excited to be walking again in his 3rd Run for Respect next weekend.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos and team at Our Savior’s Way, Ashburn, Virginia
Seth and I enjoyed the virtual visit with the Life Skills Class today. The teacher was so enthusiastic and the students were very excited to see the dogs. Each student had a dog they researched beforehand so they were prepared with good questions for each dog.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth and team at Eternal Shepherd, Seneca, South Carolina
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The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and teams are looking forward to joining the Life Skills class for the Pontiac Township High School’s Virtual 5K Run for Respect on April 17 and 18. The K-9 Comfort Dog teams that have received their 5K bibs are excited to walk as a team. Fifty-three LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from twenty-two states will be participating in this 5K walk from their home communities.
 
We look forward to walking together as the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to support our friends of the Life Skills class at Pontiac Township High School.
CLICK HERE to request a virtual visit with an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog
DONATE — LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY
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Lutheran Church Charities
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