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LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS DEPLOYED TO SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA TO BRING LOVE TO STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY FOLLOWING A TRAGIC SHOOTING AT SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL

11/20/2019

 
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Two students died, multiple injured
"For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13
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Thursday, November 14 started out like any other day at Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California as students gathered in the early morning hour in the common area. The day would quickly come to an abrupt halt as a 16-year-old student opened fire taking the lives of two students and then turning the gun on himself inflicting, what turned out to be, a fatal shot.

Within an hour of the shooting, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) was invited by Pastor Joseph Beran, Bethlehem Lutheran SCV (Santa Clarita Valley) Church in Santa Clarita, California to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be with the students, faculty, and community that surrounds Saugus High School. In less than 24 hours LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were on their way.
 
The first on the ground was LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Aaron (St. John - Napa Valley, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada) followed by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff) with LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Rich Martin. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were also assisted by St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Stockton, California and Faith Community Church in Las Vegas, Nevada who sent ministry team partners. Both churches are in the process of starting a K-9 Ministry.

Central Park in Santa Clarita located less than a mile from Saugus High School soon became a gathering place that was also used as the reunification center for students and their families. There, at the flagpole, a vigil was set up for remembrances where the flag displayed at half-staff.


The K-9s and their handlers met with many students, their families, and the community at Central Park, Mountain View Park, and Bethlehem Lutheran SVC. They also met with first responders to thank them for their services. One evening, the teams had a chance encounter with a Cal Fire Strike Team that was staging for the upcoming Santa Ana winds. The command station for the recent fires in the area served as the same one for the shooting.

There were many “divine” appointments where God had led individuals into the presence of the teams to share their stories.
 
Please keep the Santa Clarita community in your prayers as they continue to move forward after the tragic event.
 
LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.

DONATE - K-9 TRAVEL FUND

LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS DEPLOY IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL - SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA IN RESPONSE TO MASS SHOOTING

11/14/2019

 
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Two students died, multiple injured, some critical
 
"For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13

On Thursday, November 14, as the school day was getting started, another horrific mass shooting has occurred. At approximately 7:30am at Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California campus, gunshots were heard, students were injured, and everyone was placed on lockdown during an active shooter event.
 
At this time, of the reported shot, there are 2 students dead, some in critical condition, and several others injured. Countless number of students, faculty, and staff have been traumatized as well as their families who once again stand in fear of their child’s safety.
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Early Thursday morning, within hours of the shooting, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) has been invited by Pastor Joseph Beran, Bethlehem Lutheran SCV (Santa Clarita Valley) Church in Santa Clarita, California to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be with those devastated by the tragic event.
 
Arriving on Friday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, Nevada), and Ruthie (LCC Staff) and their teams will be present throughout the community to bring comfort and compassion to students, faculty, families, and the first responders who serve them.

LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
 
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this devastated community and the first responders who serve them.
 
Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.

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DONATE - K-9 TRAVEL FUND

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deployed to Fort Dodge Iowa to Bring Comfort to the Community After a Tragic Death of LCMS Pastor Allen Henderson

10/8/2019

 
Following an invitation after the tragic passing of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Pastor Allen Henderson last week in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams deployed on Friday, October 4 to St. Paul Lutheran School to comfort the grieving staff, students, and community.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Principal Barbara Kozisek and Rev. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President, Missions, Human Care and Stewardship in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Iowa District West.

 

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Pastor Henderson was described as not only a pastor to his congregation but also a friend to many. He was also the chaplain for the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, District 7 Iowa State Patrol, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department.
 
On Friday morning a convoy of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks with lights flashing traveled to St. Paul Lutheran School where a chapel service about Pastor Henderson was held for the students and faculty along with a special half-staff flag ceremony in his honor. Throughout the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited the classrooms and met the staff and parents. The K-9s also visited the local fire station and first responders.The following LCC K-9 teams served in Fort Dodge: Eddie (Peace Lutheran - Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michaels – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity Lutheran – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska).

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Late afternoon, the K-9s were stationed at the visitation for Pastor Henderson. It was evident that Pastor Henderson was very well thought of and had benefited many people in and near the community of Fort Dodge. In addition to the congregation and general public, many police, fire department personnel and first responders came to give their respects to Pastor Henderson and his family. The K-9s greeted the attendees as they moved through the visitation line.
 
On Saturday morning, the K-9s were present at the church for Pastor Henderson's funeral service planned for one thousand people. More than 60 pastors from the district were in attendance, as were large groups of police and first responders. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were on-site offering compassion and presence to all.  
 
Please join LCC in praying for Pastor Henderson’s family, the congregation and students, first responders, and all those within the community who grieve the passing of their beloved pastor and friend.

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LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG FUND

EMERGENCY APPEAL: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy to Dayton, Ohio for 2nd Shooting in 24 Hours - Dayton, Ohio, & El Paso, Texas

8/4/2019

 
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LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy Today to Dayton, Ohio,
for 2nd Shooting in 24 Hours
Dayton, Ohio – 9 People Killed and Over 27 Wounded
El Paso, Texas – 20 People Killed and Over 26 Wounded
There have been more mass shootings than days in 2019 - CBS News
“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

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Our Comfort Dogs are on the road to Texas and Ohio for the shootings as I write this – with the other Comfort Dogs clearing their schedules (yes, they have busy schedules and we have to honor commitments of individual needs each day in their community) to be able to deploy. 

My heart breaks when I think of all the individuals, families, and all the First Responders that are affected by these senseless acts. I want to cry out and say “HOW LONG OH LORD” will this continue. I know His answer – Be Faithful in Doing what I called you to do – Bring my PRESENCE to those suffering and show my Mercy and Compassion to them. Give them HOPE that the world can’t and never will.

So that is what we are doing! Keep all in your prayers as we have many moving parts in deploying and serving.

Another community is devastated by senseless shootings in less than 24 hours! Many are asking “when will this stop?” We don’t have the answers to all of these tragedies, but we do have comfort, reassurance and hope through our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ!
Early this morning, August 4, at 1:00am, people were still enjoying a beautiful summer night in the heart of Dayton’s Oregon District waiting in line to enter Ned Peppers Bar when a man approached and began shooting. Already, 9 people have been reported killed, over 27 wounded, and countless numbers traumatized as they ran to escape an unimaginable attack on their lives.
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Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Kevin Wilson, Ohio District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Mark Carlson from Emmanuel in Kettering, Ohio and John Pyron, Manager for Disaster Services with Lutheran Social Services. Rev. Phil Esala, former pastor at Emmanuel, is also assisting with deployment arrangements.
LCC K-9 Ministry teams are in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today for the Passing of the Vest ceremony for newly placed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Many teams are immediately deploying to be present and bring comfort in the midst of this tragedy to a devastated community.

The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are the first, with more coming, to serve this devastated and hurting community, and all of the first responders who bravely serve them: Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), and Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana).
DONATE - K-9 Travel Fund
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite.
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to another frightened community.

Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.

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Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy to El Paso, Texas After Shooting

8/3/2019

 
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LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS RESPOND AND DEPLOY TO SHOOTINGS IN EL PASO, TEXAS
20 PEOPLE KILLED AND OVER 26 WOUNDED

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
TRAGIC!  A community devastated by these shootings! In the midst of crisis – Jesus is there to bring comfort to those suffering and afraid! It’s what Christians do. We bring Jesus – We bring His Presence and Your Presence and support for the victims and their families and the El Paso Community. Join us in bringing this Mercy and Compassion and Jesus’s Presence.
On Saturday, August 3, a large crowd of back-to-school shoppers at Walmart in El Paso, Texas, were suddenly running for their lives when a young male began shooting throughout the store. So far, 20 people have been reported killed and over 26 wounded, with victims ranging from 4 months to 82 years old. Some of the injured are in critical condition.
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Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Roger Schlechte, Rocky Mountain District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, Pastor & CEO of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care and Pastor Stephen Heimer from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church both in the heart of El Paso, Texas.
 
Rev. Martin Danner from Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, and Janice Marut, Regional Director for the LCC K-9 Ministry Southwest Region, are assisting us with deployment arrangements.

The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are the first but not only deploying to serve this devastated and hurting community, and all of the first responders who bravely serve them: Abner & Martha Comfort Dogs (Bethany – Austin, Texas), Damaris (Memorial – Katy, Texas), Gabriel (Messiah – Houston, Texas), Joy (Gloria Dei – Houston, Texas), Phoebe (St. Paul – Fort Worth, Texas), and Ruthie (LCC Staff).
LCC is a ministry of compassion and presence. We know that comfort is needed at this time to help people heal from this senseless and horrific shooting. Help us be the presence of Jesus Christ to this community.
DONATE - K-9 TRAVEL FUND
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite.
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Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. In times of fear and hopelessness, God is our safe place!
 
Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.
Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
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Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

LCC Deployments in CA and FL Updates – Shooting – Fires – Hurricane Michael

11/10/2018

 
Comfort Dogs in Thousand Oaks California
Dear Partners in Ministry:

I wanted to give you an update on our multiple Disaster and Crisis Response deployments going on right now in California and in Florida. It seems like it is one thing after the other. The California deployment for the shootings is now also serving all the families displaced from their homes because of the fires happening right now – and we are in the middle of it.

People have been emailing me asking are they safe?  Folks – our Ministry is not done in safety zones but in the midst of disaster and crisis. They are as safe as all the people we are serving! We PUT and KEEP boots and paws on the ground to be with people who are suffering! It is what Jesus did – IT IS WHAT WE DO as we serve Jesus by serving others in HIS NAME. Please keep everyone in California and Florida in your prayers – as in both places we are serving people who have been traumatized (hurricanes, shootings, and fires).
 
We do a ministry of PRESENCE being there – knowing that Jesus loves them and is there with them, showing compassion, giving a human hug, and PRESENCE is essential. People need to know they are not alone, others care, and are there to help!  IT’S WHAT JESUS DID – IT IS WHAT WE DO!
map of comfort dogs deploying to florida
map of comfort dogs deploying to thousand oaks california
I appreciate the emails from some of you asking how we doing. We are keeping our heads above water just enough to see the Feet of Jesus walking on it! Knowing that we are never alone, and where we are, Jesus showed up before us and we follow HIS lead! It keeps us going! It keeps us serving!
comfort dog comforting california
I want to thank all of you for your support in California and Florida for all who are suffering! Please keep all the families that have been displaced in Florida for weeks in your prayers and continue to support them. They are no longer on the news – but they and those who have lost homes in Florida – have a long road ahead of them! But they will NOT BE ALONE thanks to all of you who participate and support the work that Jesus is doing! THANK YOU!

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, handlers, and helpers are on the ground and working to bring the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus to those suffering in Thousand Oaks and surrounding communities in California and also in Panama City, Florida.

In Panama City, Florida, our Disaster Response LERT volunteers are hitting the ground to do a week of chainsaw work, tarping roofs, and anything that needs to be done to help those who are still not in their homes from Hurricane Michael. We continue to work through Trinity Lutheran Church in Panama City and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, is on the ground with thirty of our Disaster Response LERT team members from Illinois. There is still a lot of destruction throughout the community.  

Team members from Lord of Life - LaFox, Illinois, arrived with a trailer and truck of needed supplies for Trinity. Terry and Mary Kramer from Lord of Life also cooked and served hot meals to 90 people at the distribution center on Saturday.
In addition, the semi-truck is arriving on Wednesday with food and other critical items donated to help the 6,000 individuals each week that Trinity is serving.

Donate - Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Fund
Donate - LCC Disaster Response Fund
forest fire
In Thousand Oaks, California, our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have been working not only with the victims of the shootings and others effected at Borderline Bar & Grill. They are also in the middle of the fires taking place now and are working with individuals and families that had to evacuate their homes. All around where our Comfort Dog teams are working, they can see the fires burning. They will continue to serve in that area as long as they can provided they are not asked to evacuate. They have served hundreds of people at California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, a reunification center for the victims' families that now serves as a shelter for those evacuated due to the fires, just to name a few. We are in contact with the Pastor from Christ the King who has evacuated his home.

Click here to watch a video on LCC K-9 Ministry teams comforting in California


comfort dog golden retriever calming a resident of california
Report from Rich Martin, LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, serving in California now:

God had our morning planned before we started. Our devotions did not start on time - no, they did not start at all. From the moment teams gathered in the breakfast areas they came. One by one, family by family. The worried, the tired, and the weary. Sad and teary eyed, their faces brightened as they saw them: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Emma, Cubby, Jacob, Hannah, Lois, and Aaron. 

It was just what the doctor ordered. A spiritual triage from the wounds of life and recent day's events. Evacuees, Red Cross workers, families from near and far. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to listen to their harrowing stories and pray with each one. Sometimes once, sometimes twice, and often as a group with everyone. 

comfort dog golden retriever comforting thousand oaks california resident
The teams moved on to California Lutheran University where they have been for the last three days. Meeting with students who stayed and were sheltering in place. Having the teams there every day gave them the hope and encouragement needed to get through their days.  
 
With 10's of thousands of people still under evacuation orders, the teams also continue to make daily visits to the evacuation centers around Thousand Oaks, California, again bringing comfort and hope to those we meet.  
 
The fires have put a pause on a time that would have been spent in different circumstances - on the grieving of those lost at the Borderline shooting. We continue to offer our assistance to those affected and to our first responders.  
 
We continue to pray for hope, healing, and restoration of lives.


Donate - Thousand Oaks, CA Shooting & California Wildfires - LCC K-9 Travel Fund
Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund
We know that physical help and a comforting presence is needed to help the individuals, families, first responders, and volunteers in all of these communities who are shocked, devastated, and feeling hopeless and helpless. Please continue to support us with fervent prayer and if you are moved, continue to help us with expenses.
 
Working Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME!
 
Peace in Jesus Christ,
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Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

Together We Continue to Make A Difference

10/27/2017

 
Sharing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need

California Wildfires Lutheran Church Charities is monitoring the wildfires in Napa and Santa Rosa, California. We are in contact with Pastor Zabell, the CNH (California, Nevada, Hawaii) District Disaster Response Coordinator. He reports that there has been approximately 5,700 homes lost in these communities. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napa reports that 2 staff members and 5 congregation members have lost their homes. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Santa Rosa reports that 20 congregation members have lost their homes. There are still 35,000 people displaced due to damage to homes or the very dangerous air quality. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California) and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) and their ministry handlers have been a constant presence in the shelters, with first responders, and throughout their communities providing mercy, compassion, presence and hope in Jesus Christ during these difficult times.
Donate - K-9 Travel Expenses Fund
Florida Update

Deac. Kathy O'Day, Director of Disaster Response, is returning to Southwest Florida next week to make plans with Amigos en Christo on how Lutheran Church Charities can support families affected by Hurricane Irma in their recovery. Pastor Glander and Pastor Selle from Amigos en Christo are completing the assessments of affected families from both of their sites in Immokalee and Bonita Springs. Kathy will also meet with Pastor Browning and preschool teacher, Katie Bachman, from Hope Lutheran Church in Bonita Springs.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Sasha (Island Lutheran – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) with Phil and Brenda Burden, and Luke (Christ the Shepherd – Alpharetta, Georgia) with Clay Zimmerman recently returned from spending a week in Bonita Springs, Florida and its surrounding communities. Working with the pastors from Hope Lutheran Church and the Amigos Center, these two teams visited people who have been greatly impacted by Hurricane Irma. Just a few of the many places they brought comfort and the hope in Jesus Christ to include:
Hope Lutheran Church – Bonita Springs
Estero Fire Rescue - Estero
Red Cross Shelter – Estero
Life Care – Estola
The Amigos Center – Immokalee
Arlington of Naples, a Lutheran Retirement Community – Naples
Lambs of Faith Preschool at Faith Lutheran Church – Naples
Marine Corps League meeting at Faith Lutheran Church – Naples
Naples Fire Department – Naples
NCH Healthcare – Naples
Peace Lutheran Church Early Learning Center – Naples
Good Shepherd Early Learning Center at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Donate - K-9 Travel Expenses Fund
Donate - Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief Fund
volunteers cleaning up and helping after hurricane harvey
Texas Update

LCC continues to work through our Texas District contacts and ministry partners to help impacted communities still recovering from Hurricane Harvey.

Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers Pastor Greg Hintz, Steve Goetsch and Ken Kiviranta (St. Peter – Schaumburg, Illinois) and Bob Pautsch (Trinity – Roselle, Illinois) returned on October 15 from a week of serving in Houston, Texas. Getting job assignments through Trinity – Klein, this group had many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, bringing both physical assistance and spiritual support to those still recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Pastor Hintz shared with LCC how being present during recovery and rebuilding gives hope to those impacted.

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destruction from a hurricane in texas
As we stood at the entrance of the garage on the cul de sac, we were trying to imagine how the water had been so high in the house as the foundation was already 6 ft. above the street. The homeowners told their story that the 52+ inches of rain that had fallen over the 3 day period had not been the main problem for them. It was when the waters were released at the reservoir when it became trouble. The waters had to be released so that the reservoir itself would not break and damage many more homes and businesses. That is when the waters rose and entered the home with 4 ft. inside! The wife said miracles abounded that they did not get shocked from the electricity that had still been working as they waded through the waist high water. They both told of the rescue raft that took them to the boat, with their 3 children, in the middle of what used to be their street ... all while avoiding the snakes swimming in the water looking for shelter too! Even though we had worked hard spraying down the bleach/water application and were sweating profusely in 85+ degree weather, she asked us for a hug and thanked us tremendously for making a sacrifice and a great difference to help restore their lives back to "normal." It truly has been a blessing to reach out with the love of Christ and bring relief in the opportunities He gives us!

God bless,
Rev. Greg Hintz
Associate Pastor
St. Peter – Schaumburg, Illinois
Volunteer in Texas
Donate - Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund

Lutheran Church Charities Serves Others in the Name of Jesus Christ

10/18/2017

 
Bringing comfort, volunteers and your donations to hurting communities

California Wildfires

Lutheran Church Charities is monitoring the wildfires in Napa, Santa Rosa and Monticeto, California. We are in contact with Pastor Zabell, the CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator. He reports that there has been approximately 3,500 homes lost in these communities. St. John Lutheran Church in Napa reports that staff members and several congregation members have lost their homes.
Following their deployment to serve in Las Vegas, Nevada, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St John’s – Napa, California) and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) returned home to out-of-control wildfires in their towns, even though they are about 2 hours apart in driving distance. LCC K-9 Ministry team members from both Aaron Comfort Dog and Reuben Comfort Dog initially evacuated from their homes but have since returned. We are thankful that they are all safe. As soon as it was safe to do so, both teams have been serving throughout their surrounding communities, visiting first responders, incident command centers, schools, families in shelters, and others who have been and still are impacted. Please continue to pray for all first responders who are heroically battling these horrible fires, all volunteers, and the individuals in the impacted communities who are struggling to cope with their losses.

Donate - LCC K-9 Travel Expenses Fund
dog giving love following las vegas tragedy

Las Vegas Update

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are still serving the Las Vegas community following the recent tragic event supporting LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada). Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio) and Bekah (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois) and their teams served with Lois Comfort Dog and her team. This week, Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) and Rich Martin, LCC Director of K-9 Deployments

Donate - LCC K-9 Travel Expenses Fund
destruction following hurricane in puerto rico

Puerto Rico Update


Through our generous donors, Lutheran Church Charities has and will continue to provide financial support and Walmart gift cards to Vicar David Blas from Sheboygan, Wisconsin who will get them directly to impacted individuals in need in Puerto Rico. Vicar Blas has been in Puerto Rico since last Thursday helping his family and their neighbors with basic needs and to assess current conditions. He is returning home this week and LCC will be talking to him about on-going support to help individuals during the long recovery process they face.

Donate - LCC Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Fund
Florida Update

These are some of the living conditions of people in Immokalee, Florida that the Amigos Center is working with. Jan Boerman (Trinity – Lisle, Illinois) and Denise Cupples (Cross – Yorkville, Illinois) have been helping Pastor Glander complete assessments. Housing was poor prior to Hurricane Irma. It is deplorable in many places now.
dog and handler handing off donations to hurricane survivors
LCC will continue to partner and work with the Amigos Center in Immokalee, asking churches to Adopt-A-Family, providing for basic household needs as families are able to move into safe, sanitary and secure housing. Pastor Glander, Director of Amigos Center, and staff are doing assessments of hurricane damaged mobile homes and apartments. He knows 80 have been condemned by the city and several others that have serious damage and mold. As these assessments are completed, they will begin determining needs and how LCC can ask all of our churches and teams to support and partner with them. This is a “forgotten community” and called a “Third World Country” within the United States.

This week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Sasha (Island Lutheran – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and Luke (Christ the Shepherd – Alpharetta, Georgia) and their handlers have been working with Hope Lutheran Church in Bonita Springs, Florida to bring comfort and hope in the name of Jesus Christ to impacted individuals in Bonita Springs, Immokalee, and surrounding communities that are still greatly impacted from the hurricane. Phil Burden presented Pastor Karl Glander from the Amigos Center with Visa gift cards sent by the people at Island Lutheran Church to help individuals during this time of need.

Donate - Disaster Response Florida

LCC Responds to Help Requested through Facebook

After Hurricane Irma hit Florida, LCC received a Facebook message from a concerned brother for his sister living in LaBelle who days after Hurricane Irma still had not received any assistance and was housing neighbors that had their homes destroyed.

"I have a sister who lives in LaBelle. She's a single mom who is housing a few others who have lost their homes, including an 88 year old woman. She could really use some people with chainsaws. How can I get her some help? Thank you for doing your important work. Blessings to you."

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, reached out to Marilyn immediately and listened to her story and pleas for help. Marilyn said the town was hit by the eastern eye of the wall of the hurricane and had flooding and a lot of trees down. Many of the homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. They had no power for a week following the storm. Marilyn sheltered 12 people during the hurricane and now has 3 neighbors still living with her as their homes have been destroyed and they have nowhere else to go. She lives on 5 wooded acres with at least 40 trees now down. She is an accomplished butterfly farmer shipping them all over the country, but her several greenhouses and a lab were destroyed or badly damaged. She was struggling to come to grips with this loss of everything after the hurricane.

Kathy O’Day was able to pass on this information to the Florida District Disaster Response Coordinators and Ed and Jan Boerman (Trinity – Lisle, Illinois) LERT team members who were in the Fort Myers area. They visited Marilyn’s home to assess the damage and began to send teams to assist. LCC was also able to give each family WalMart gift cards to help purchase basic supplies they needed.

Multiple LERT team members from the Northern Illinois District from our area were sent to her home over the last few weeks to help her remove downed trees and salvage her butterfly farm. The LERT team members from Illinois and Indiana who volunteered their time and talents were from Trinity – Lisle, Lord of Life – LaFox, Cross – Yorkville, Prince of Peace – Palatine, Grace – Paris, Immanuel – Freeport, St. John – Wheaton and St. John – Dillsboro, Indiana.

This week, LCC received a thank you note from Marilyn’s brother:

“Many of your teams helped my sister, Marilyn, in LaBelle, Florida these past few weeks. First of all, I want to thank you so much for your help. Marilyn could never have done the work herself. I cannot begin to thank you enough. God bless you.”

Texas Update

LCC continues to work through our Texas District contacts and ministry partners to help impacted communities still recovering from Hurricane Harvey.

Julie Tucker, Texas District Volunteer Relief Coordinator, reports that there are 330,000 homes damaged or destroyed in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. These damaged homes stretch from the Beaumont/Port Arthur area to the Houston area and down to the Rockport/Aransas Pass/Corpus Christi area with many towns in between as well. Many of the people affected in the coastal bend are retired and on fixed incomes or immigrants living below poverty level. Neither of these groups have the means to recover on their own and need assistance.

Julie is looking for volunteers willing to travel outside of the Houston area down to the some of these hard hit communities which still need outside assistance.

Michelle Karim, Volunteer Coordinator for Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein (Houston area only) reports that they are moving forward with plans for the build out phase of recovery which should begin next month. They have a warehouse of building material supplies and skilled volunteer construction supervisors to direct projects and instruct volunteers. LCC LERT volunteers Bob Pautsch (Trinity - Roselle, Illinois) and Ken Kirvanta (St. Peter - Schaumburg, Illinois) have been serving in Texas, receiving their job site assignments through Trinity Klein. Lou Jander, Crown Point Ministries reports that he is in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area providing spiritual and emotional support. He will be teaching how to do this this to the local congregations in the circuit in early November.
Volunteer in Texas
Donate - Harvey Disaster Relief Fund

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Lutheran Church Charities
3020 Milwaukee Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Local: 224-257-4389
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