“…they're warriors. They put on this suit of armor and no one's getting in. Except for a comfort dog…a dog will love you unconditionally. A dog will sit next to you regardless if you're right or wrong, if you’re hurting, or sad.” David A. Bartlett, Ch, Capt, USAF Chaplain, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada According to a 2020 report* conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the annual suicide rate in the active-duty military is 28.7 per 100,000 service members. “The majority of suicides within the Air Force, within the United States military, is enlisted under 30 years old,” shared David A. Bartlett, Ch, Capt, USAF Chaplain, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This tragic loss of life leaves many in the military looking for answers. Members of our Armed Forces are often isolated from their loved ones and seeking a source of comfort while enduring hardships many of us don’t understand.
Recognizing the uniqueness of the United States Military as having a different set of circumstances, LCC’s Kare 9 Military Ministry provides professionally trained and certified Golden Retrievers and handlers who are military veterans specifically trained in the unique nature of the military and how to provide human care through their LCC K-9 Comfort Dog. Having a military veteran as the handler is vital since military service members are more likely to open up to one of their own rather than someone who has never served in the military.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers walk alongside military personal to listen, pray and be a comforting presence. The support provided to the military service members shows the respect, love, and care they hold in their hearts for them. “It’s been such a blessing getting to serve at the Nellis Air Force Base! Visiting our amazing military members there is a highlight every month,” Lois & Salome veteran handlers shared.
The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and handlers serve as follows:
* Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Annual Suicide Report: Calendar Year 2020, Annual Report, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Defense, 2020), 5 https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/CY20%20Suicide%20Report/CY%202020%20Annual%20Suicide%20Report.pdf This video shows how interacting with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs has helped the military personnel at Nellis Air Force Base. “It was like a miracle come true because we didn't know what we needed to do, and you all answered the question.” James Breen Through the generosity of our donors, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry provides physical symbols of mercy and compassion and can bring comfort to individuals who are suffering and to families and friends of those who have been lost to violence, accidents, and illnesses.
The universal heart conveys love, and the color blue is hope. Given as a gift, each HMC provides the love and hope of Jesus through presence and prayer. Well-wishers can write their names and messages of support, hope, and healing on the painted wooden heart. Often, a simple act of writing a message can provide comfort and closure to people. The hearts and crosses serve as a bridge for conversations, allowing us to show mercy and compassion to those grieving. HMCs are often requested to honor a beloved family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, in addition to larger-scale losses from tragic events. In 2023, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry has responded to the following crisis situations as well as many individual requests: Star Ballroom Dance Studio Shooting in Monterey Park, California (January 2023) Michigan State University Shooting in East Lansing, Michigan (February 2023) The Covenant School Shooting in Nashville, Tennessee (March 2023) Old National Bank Shooting in Louisville, Kentucky (April 2023) Allen Premium Outlets Shooting in Allen, Texas (May 2023) Lewiston, Maine Shootings (October 2023) Wildfires in Maui, Hawaii (November 2023) University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Campus Shooting (December 2023)
In times of grief, individuals look for comfort, hope, and reassurance – someone who will BE THERE with them. In all we do, LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry seeks to come alongside of those who are hurting and to share the simple message of hope to those in times of need. This video shows how LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry was able to BE THERE for James and his community. “The interaction with the [LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs] opened the door for [Police Officers] to open their hearts and to begin to really recognize that it was okay to be impacted by the tremendous and impactful work that they do.” Tim Brown, Assistant Chief of Police of the Loveland Police Department, Colorado "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress…May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support." (Psalm 20:1-5) "Sure, bring [Cubby] in," Tim Brown, Assistant Chief of Police of the Loveland (CO) Police Department, said to Bonnie Fear, a handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado), over the phone. That one conversation a few years ago, and his response, started a relationship between the Loveland PD and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry that continues today.
Since partnering with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Tim Brown has seen a shift in the department. Interacting with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs has helped officers open up about the emotional impact of their work.
The comfort dogs definitely have a calming effect. The body of scientific research clearly indicates the calming effects of petting a dog can contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing heart rates. They also help with improving mood and allowing responders to focus on communities they serve. "We have regularly scheduled appointments every month, and we show up, and they look forward to it. It makes their day. We want to be there for them. They want to hold these dogs, and they want to lay on the floor with them. That is so meaningful for their mental health, their workday to be with the dog to bring the release of whatever they're experiencing. They can't thank us enough for showing up," shares Bonnie.
The LCC K-9 Ministry embraces the unique, calming nature and skills of AKC Purebred Golden Retrievers to interact with people of all ages and circumstances. LCC trains Comfort Dogs and handlers who serve every day in their local communities. When invited, they are also deployed in times of disaster and crisis to bring comfort to all those affected. LCC currently has over 130 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs serving in 27 states. * Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D. (December 15, 2022) What officers said were the biggest challenges of 2022 (and why leaders should pay attention), Police 1 Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference in the lives of First Responders serving their communities. This video shows how interacting with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs has helped Loveland PD officers open up about the emotional impact of their work. “It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. It's a blessing that you will find people to take the time to leave their homes, to come and help someone in need.” Thelma Diane Harris
Twenty-seven LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers completed work at sixty-two sites during two weeks of serving in Selma. They were able to provide debris removal and utilize chainsaws, lifts, and bobcats to remove many downed and damaged trees from tornado-devastated properties. "All I Could Do Was Cry Out to God to Protect Me" Selma resident Thelma Diane Harris walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the Civil Rights March in 1965 and now gives tours and shares stories of her beloved Selma. She has seen many changes during the last several decades, but the destruction she saw everywhere after the tornadoes brought her to tears and caused her heart to ache for her community. She was grateful that her home was not damaged by the three large pine trees that fell in her yard and next to her house.
She was grateful for all of the help that had arrived to help her community. She was incredibly thankful for the LCC LERT volunteers who worked at her home all day to make it safe again. "It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. God manages to have angels all around us. I say that they are our guardian angels," Thelma shares. Other homeowners affected by the tornadoes shared that many groups had stopped to assess their property damage, but no one returned to help. When LCC showed up with a boom lift and other heavy equipment, the homeowners couldn't believe the teams would bring all this equipment from so far away to help make their properties safe again, at no cost because of generous donors who support LCC’s Disaster Response.
LCC LERT volunteer teams walk alongside the people they serve to share the love of Christ and BE THERE for them as they rebuild their lives after a disaster. Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference in the lives of Thelma and other families affected by the tornadoes. This video shows how LCC Disaster Response volunteers were able to BE THERE and make a difference in the lives of residents of Selma, Alabama. “I thank LCC for all the donations. It’s hard being a single mom of six kids. I don’t know where I’d be without LCC right now.” Jessica, widowed mom of six In the wake of her husband's sudden passing and a new baby on the way, Jessica was overwhelmed and struggling to provide for her family. She turned to her church, Trinity Lutheran in Roselle, Illinois. Despite the congregation's efforts to support the family and obtain government assistance, the family’s needs were more than the church could support. In August 2022, Trinity contacted LCC’s Human Care Ministry.
“Pastor Doug Warmann and his wife have been my rock. They went above and beyond to help me and my children. They didn’t hesitate to act in my time of need. Lutheran Church Charities really helped out because they were able to take care of all the necessities that my family acquired at that time, including bills.”
Despite facing numerous hardships, this determined family has managed to not only survive but thrive, thanks to the kindness and generosity of those around them. Through the power of unity and compassion, Jessica and her children have found hope in an otherwise challenging world. Their inspiring story serves as a reminder that, with the power of community and faith, we can overcome any obstacle and create a brighter future. “I know that God loves me and he will always be there for me.” Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference in the lives Jessica and her six children. This video shows how the LCC Human Care Ministry, along with Trinity Lutheran in Roselle, Illinois, were able to come together to BE THERE and make a difference in the lives of Jessica and her children. “If it hadn’t been for them [LCC LERT teams], we’d still be cutting wood now. It was a miracle. They offered the help… They go out and help God’s people. It meant a lot to me and my family and I will forever be grateful,” Jodi shared. “I was beyond thankful. It could have been so much worse. We could have been without a home. Our neighborhood could have been destroyed. He [God] was protecting us,” Cathy shared.
Jodi was a new homeowner who had never dealt with tree removal before, while Cathy was a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) member who was used to helping others in disaster situations, but has never been on the receiving end. Where 31 trees once lined their properties, only 17 remained standing.
Jodi was deeply moved by their efforts and expressed her gratitude by hugging many of the volunteers and shedding tears of relief. LCC's quick response and compassionate assistance made a significant impact on Jodi's life, and she will forever remember their kindness.
The LCC LERT teams have once again proven their dedication by providing support and BEING THERE for those in need during times of disaster. Two families faced a crisis and were able to lean on the LCC LERT teams for assistance. This is just one example of the incredible work that LCC Disaster Response and LERT certified volunteers do to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference in the lives of Jodi and Cathy, and their families. This video shows how LCC Disaster Response volunteers were able to BE THERE and make a difference in the lives of these neighbors in Belvidere, Illinois "There are no coincidences in God. What I’m experiencing is a miracle. God keeps doing wonders.” Pastor Fernando Garcia Pastor Fernando Garcia dedicated his life to helping those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. He ran a rehabilitation center in Guanajuato, Mexico, where he helped people overcome their addiction and shared the Gospel with them. The local drug cartel saw him as a threat and threatened to kill him for preaching the Gospel, helping those who wanted to escape the cartel, and interrupting their drug operations. Despite the threats, Pastor Garcia continued his ministry, but the cartel opened fire on his church, killing two congregation members. Fearing for their lives, Pastor Garcia’s congregation and family asked him to flee from Mexico. God worked through a sister in faith in Aurora, Illinois, who had visited Mexico and Pastor Garcia’s church there. She offered her home in Illinois as a safe space for Pastor Garcia so he could prepare for his family to join him. She shared his story with Pastor Alex Merlo of Iglesia San Pablo in Aurora, Illinois. Pastor Merlo was able to assist him in finding work, and a home for his family.
This donation has made a difference in the lives of their family as well as the lives of the people he ministers to. Pastor Merlo connected Pastor Garcia with LCC’s Human Care Ministry. In God’s perfect timing, a senior citizen, who was moving into an assisted living facility, donated some of her furniture to LCC to be used for a family in need. This donation was enough to furnish a two-bedroom home for Pastor Garcia and his family. LCC was able to facilitate two congregations, Immanuel, East Dundee, and Iglesia San Pablo, Aurora, to work together to impact the lives of two families in their congregations. Immanuel’s congregation paid for the moving truck, provided volunteers to load a household of furniture in East Dundee, and volunteers to drive the donation to Aurora. Once in Aurora, Pastor Merlo, members of their congregation, and Pastor and Mrs. Garcia, now reunited with her husband, unloaded the furniture.
God brought together a donor, members of Immanuel and Iglesia San Pablo to provide the needed resources to furnish a duplex on the church's property, which is now the family’s new home. Because of your generous donations, we were able to BE THERE for Pastor Garcia and his family by providing them with clothes, furniture, and other supplies to start their new life in America.
Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference in the lives of Pastor Garcia and his family. Please watch the video to hear Pastor Garcia's incredible story and how you were able |
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