From January 1 to March 8, 2024, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have responded to 40 Emergency Site Visit requests. This translates to 40 instances where our dedicated teams offered their support and comfort within just 68 days. Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their committed volunteers swiftly took action, extending their care in the wake of multiple tragedies. Their unwavering dedication to being present for those in distress and offering solace exemplifies the compassion and empathy that define our organization. We are immensely grateful for your generous support and the tireless efforts of our K-9 Comfort Dog teams and their invaluable contributions to those in need. Sterling, Virginia - Death of a TeacherThe community of Sterling, Virginia, suffered a loss last week when Monica Ashworth, a teacher at Rivers Bend Middle School, died two weeks after giving birth to her new baby boy. Monica was a loving mother, wife, daughter, teacher, coach, mentor, colleague, and friend. She grew up in Sterling, and after graduating from college, she became a teacher at Rivers Bend. Her heart was drawn to middle school students, and she devoted her life to serving them and others. Monica’s unexpected death has left a hole in the hearts of her students and colleagues at Rivers Bend Middle School.
On a cheerful note, one student caught the team's attention. She was intentionally combing Comfort Dog Solomon's fur and adding his fur to her black attire! She said, "I want a souvenir to take back with me!" Solomon was agreeable to making a generous furry donation! The comfort dogs were a bridge to connection and healing, and their handlers were the reflection of Jesus' love, hope, and comfort in their actions, words, and presence. The Rivers Bend Middle School staff expressed their gratitude to the comfort dogs and the school for allowing the teams to visit. On more than one occasion, a student would look at the handlers and say, "Thank you for coming here." They truly felt seen, loved, and supported as they learned to overcome a tragic loss. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams are grateful for the opportunity to BE THERE as a part of their healing journey. We pray for Monica's baby boy, husband, family, and all who knew and loved her to take hold of God's strength, peace, and comfort as they move through each hour of their grief. Lemont, Illinois - Death of a Seventh-Grade Student Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs brought peace to Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Illinois, where they offered solace and compassion to staff and students during a difficult time. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers were at Old Quarry Middle School throughout the week as the students and staff learned that 7th grader Joe Fornero was nearing the end of his precious life here on earth. Friday morning, although students had been aware that Joe was sick, the finality of learning that he had passed away was heartbreaking for all. Old Quarry Middle School supported the students and staff as they processed the news of Joe's passing. Joe's basketball teammates were told this by their coach, who shared the news in a gentle and comforting way. It was a quiet moment of reflection and sadness for them all. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) moved in and put her head gently on the knee of one of Joe's teammates while LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff) leaned in to comfort the other students. The rest of the school learned of Joe's passing and were given time to seek the comfort and calm they needed. On Friday, some of the students spent time with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Jeremiah and Michael (LCC Staff). Earlier in the week the students and staff also spent time with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Meshach and Shadrach. From Joseph's Obituary: Although Joey's life ended before we were ready, Joey was full of energy every moment of the day. He was always on the move from when he woke up until he went to bed. Joey had a deep passion for sports, a love for basketball, and an enthusiasm for baseball. Joey had an adventurous spirit that was shown by his nonstop, on-the-go, vibrant personality. There were times when he left the house when he woke up, found a group of friends in the neighborhood and did not come home until bedtime. In Joey's 13 years of life, he has made an impact on each and every person he met, whether it was in school, at a sport, or in the neighborhood. Joey had an unwavering kindness and spirit for life. Joey's kindness was infectious, which made it easy to love him and want to be with him. His family and friends will miss him dearly. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later, JoJo. We lift up in prayer Joey's family, friends, coaches, and teachers to feel and know the strength and comfort of God as they grieve his loss and the heartbreak they are experiencing.
Glen Ellyn, Illinois - Death of a High School Senior
We pray for God’s comfort, love, and healing for Lonnie’s parents, extended family, friends, coaches and teachers. Lenexa, Kansas - Visitation for 11-year-old Mckenna
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity. Independence, Missouri - Visitation for Police Officer Cody Allen
Officer Allen's family's strong faith in Jesus resonated throughout the event, with one officer emphasizing the importance of faith in their daily duties. Traveling long distances to offer comfort, these dedicated teams shared God's love and hope with Officer Allen's loved ones, law enforcement colleagues, and the grieving community, receiving heartfelt gratitude from many for their presence during a time of immense sorrow.
The presence of HMCs at the ceremony not only honored Mack's life but also symbolized the hope and love found in Jesus, embodying the essence of mercy and compassion in times of grief and loss. They are grateful to be able to BE THERE with the community.
LCC received a request from Pastor Bill Yonker of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois, to help support the school's 4th-grade teacher after her husband suffered a stroke. Recently, a tragedy happened to one of our school teachers and her family here at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois. Chad Pieper, 49-year-old husband of our 4th grade teacher, Shelly Pieper, had a massive stroke while at a school basketball tournament in Peoria, Illinois. For the last three weeks, Shelly and Chad have been in Peoria at the hospital. Chad‘s recovery has been very slow-going to the point where they have not even been able to transport him back to our home area hospital. Shelly and Chad have four children. Their oldest son is out of college, their second son is in college, their daughter is a senior in high school getting ready to go to college, and their third son is an eighth grader at Immanuel. Twice, Chad has been admitted to the ICU in Peoria and continues to need advanced care for his recovery and rehabilitation. Immanuel, church, and school, as well as a neighboring church are seeking funds and assistance for Chad‘s hospital stay and future care. If you are able to contribute any support to past hospital bills or future rehabilitation and healthcare, the family and our church and school would be so grateful for the blessings you could give. Please prayerfully consider this request, and I also ask that you would offer prayers of comfort, peace, and future hope for the Pieper family. Yours in Jesus, Pastor Bill Yonker Immanuel Lutheran Church and School East Dundee, Illinois Please prayerfully consider donating to help the Pieper family in their time of need. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way in easing their burden. Let's come together to support this family in need. LCC received a request from Vicar Nathan Linehan of First Lutheran Church in Yuba City, California, to help a devoted volunteer pay property taxes to keep his home. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Our small church in Northern California touches over 1,000 people each week with food. It is only possible with the sacrifice of time from our amazing volunteers from the community. One of those volunteers is a disabled gentleman who contributes a minimum of 30 hours a week to cooking and food distribution. He has had many surgeries, but the most recent is a double fusing of his back last week. It has come to our attention that he may lose his house due to back property taxes, which are around $4,000. He and his wife also provide housing to their daughter and her family. In addition, he also suffers from Guillain-Barre syndrome. His dedication to the food programs and God's work in the community is beyond description. Please help us keep his family in their home. Please prayerfully consider donating to help First Lutheran's devoted volunteer and his family keep their home. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way in easing their burden. Let's come together to support this family in need.
Last week, church members at Immanuel Lutheran Church lovingly packaged 100 hygiene kits. The LCC Human Care team shared the hygiene kits with Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago, which is providing housing for immigrant families and ministering to unhoused people in their community. We are grateful for these church partnerships! We are better together!
A total of 31 individuals participated, representing various teams and churches across Illinois.
It is good to see how the disaster response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need.
On Tuesday, March 5, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus, Nigel (LCC Staff), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and their veteran handlers spread love and compassion to sailors and recruits at the USO at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago.
The monthly visits of the Comfort Dogs bring joy and comfort to those serving our nation, especially to those experiencing being away from home for the first time. The Comfort Dogs and their teams always receive a warm welcome and are honored to bring love and support to our heroes.
We received the following comments from Paula, the visit facilitator:
You may not be aware that many of our students are newcomers learning English. Having an opportunity to speak to an adult in a new language is tremendously beneficial for growing their confidence. Many of our students do not have dogs and getting to get close to a gentle, safe, big dog also gave them a positive experience with animals. Thank you for making positive ripples throughout our Hoffman community. It is a real pleasure to see and hear about how you have trained these dogs to be helpers not just for our students, but also for supporting families in trauma after disasters. Please let them know what a positive impact they made on our families, and how much they helped our Literacy event. We thank you again for blessing our event with your kind handlers and your patient pups! Paula |
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