Lutheran Church Charities
  • Home
  • About
    • Staff >
      • Leadership
      • All Staff
      • Disaster Response
      • Ministry Development/Donor Relations
      • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
      • K-9 Ministries >
        • Staff
        • Trainers
        • Volunteer Trained Dog Handlers
      • Communications/IT
      • Operations
    • Board of Directors >
      • LCC Board of Directors
      • Spiritual Advisors to the President/CEO
    • Mission
    • Employment
    • LCC In the News >
      • Recent
      • Affiliates
      • Featured
      • Archives
    • Articles
    • LCC Events
    • Social Feed
  • Ways to Give to LCC
    • Donation Policy
    • LCC General Fund
    • Disaster Response
    • LCC K-9 Ministries
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Disaster and Crisis Response
    • Disaster Response >
      • Give Now
      • Training and Certification
      • Volunteer
    • Crisis Response
    • Care Carding
  • K-9 Ministries
    • Request a K-9 Comfort Dog Visit
    • K-9 Comfort Dogs >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet the Dogs >
        • Affiliate Ministry Members
        • Affiliate K-9s Map by State
        • LCC Staff K-9 Comfort Dogs
        • K-9 Comfort Dogs In Training
        • LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - Permanently Deployed
      • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
      • Articles
    • Kare 9 Military Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The Kare 9s
      • Meet The Kare 9 Squad
      • Kare 9 Articles
    • LCC K-9 Police Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The K-9 Police Ministry
      • LCC K-9 Police Ministry Articles
    • LCC K-9 Court System Fund - Ezra
    • Partners in Comfort >
      • Veterinary Services
      • Grooming Services
    • Acquiring an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog
  • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Request a Mercy Heart or Cross
    • About
    • Volunteer
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Coloring Pages
  • Current Needs
    • Families in Need
    • Ministries in Need
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Your Donations Make A Difference
    • International Missions >
      • Turkey and Syria
      • Ukraine
      • Haiti
      • Ghana >
        • C-WoW Health for Ghana
        • C-WoW Wells for Ghana
      • Ethiopia
      • Israel
  • Volunteer
    • Disaster Response/LERT
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
    • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • WORD Bible Study
    • WORD - Live Course
    • WORD - Online Courses
    • WORD - Short Courses & Small Groups
    • WORD Classroom
    • Daily Devotions
    • Travel Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Food Equipment Ministry Outreach
    • Listen to Learn / Speak to Serve
    • Ministry Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Face Mask Project
    • People EncourAGING People
    • Bag Mat Project
    • Items Available >
      • Items Free for the Asking
      • Items Available to a Ministry
      • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Request for Prayer
    • Subscribe
  • Media Center
    • In the News
    • Crisis Response
  • Shop
    • Store
    • Amazon Smile
    • Christianbook.com

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Deploy Within 24 Hours Following Mass Shooting at July Fourth Parade in Highland Park, Illinois

7/5/2022

 

7 Killed & Dozens Wounded and Traumatized

Picture
"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
The Independence Day celebrations turned to tragedy on Monday, July 4, when a gunman killed seven people and injured dozens of others at a July Fourth parade in Highland Park, Illinois, about 25 miles north of Chicago.
 
Hundreds of attendees started to flee in terror, abandoning their belongings strewn on the streets. Eyewitnesses described grabbing their children and families and running for their lives, some hiding behind dumpsters or in nearby stores for safety amid the chaos.
Picture
Picture
The same afternoon, Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Rev. Jim Buckman, Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses, to the shocked and hurting community that has been greatly impacted by this tragic event.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited to several locations in and around Highland Park to offer comfort and support to the community.
Picture
On Tuesday, July 5, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses were present at a Prayer Vigil at Highland Park Presbyterian Church to help bring comfort and hope to those grieving.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams will continue to serve the Highland Park community as requested.
Picture
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Emma (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jacob (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)
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
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.
 
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
Picture
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities

LCC K-9 MINISTRY TEAMS COMFORT CAL FIRE TEAMS BATTLING THE CALDOR FIRES IN CALIFORNIA

9/4/2021

 
Picture
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were invited by Cal Fire to visit with the courageous fire fighters at their base camp in Placerville, California. The Caldor Fire is threatening South Lake Tahoe.
 
Several days last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron and Gomer (St. John’s – Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, California), with their handlers, each spent time with these brave men and women. So many were happy to see the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams. A number of them remembered the Comfort Dogs from the Dixie Fire, as well as other fires from last year.

Picture
The Cal Fire base camp personnel was reduced on Friday but the Comfort Dog teams still met people from Alabama, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. Some have been gone for over two months, most are gone 2-6 weeks. Several Cal Fire managers went out of their way to come and thank the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams for being there.
 
Please join us in praying for God’s continued safety and protection for all these brave men and women as they continue to battle these aggressive fires.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges those we serve. Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel 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 K-9 TRAVEL FUND

LCC Disaster Response Deploying on Palm Sunday to Alabama to Help Assess Tornado Damage

3/26/2021

 
7 Deaths, Multiple Injuries, Widespread Devastation

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
On Thursday, March 25, multiple catastrophic tornadoes ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee causing seven deaths, people trapped in their homes, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage. One long track super storm cell tornado was on the ground for 260 miles across three states.
Picture
Early this morning, LCC Disaster Response received an invite from Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, LCC staff member Tim Laabs, and Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team leaders Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire will arrive in Alabama on Sunday, March 28, to help Pastor Brashier assess widespread tornado damage to help determine where L.E.R.T. teams will be needed in the coming weeks.
LCC NEEDS YOUR ASSISTANCE TO HELP FAMILIES, HELP CHURCHES, AND PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT!
GIVE NOW - LCC Disaster Response
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.
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

SPECIAL APPEAL: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams Deploy Today after shooting in Boulder, Colorado

3/23/2021

 
Donate - LCC K-9 Travel Fund
Donate - Hearts of Mercy & Compassion

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Teams Deploy

in less than 24 hours to
Comfort Community

Following Shooting in Boulder, Colorado

10 People Killed including Boulder Police Officer
Employees and Shoppers Flee for Life

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13
Picture
Picture
On the afternoon of Monday, March 22, 10 people were killed, including a Boulder Police Officer, and employees and shoppers traumatized when an individual began randomly shooting in the store. Schools in the area were immediately put on secure lockdown and residents instructed to shelter in place during the incident and investigation.

In less than 24 hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited 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.

Picture
Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, are working with Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Director of Crisis Deployment. Bonnie, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and their ministry teams were in Boulder Tuesday afternoon to help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event. Upon arrival, Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah brought much needed smiles and comfort to the Alpha Phi and Chi Omega Sorority Houses on the University of Colorado Boulder Campus, which has 35,338 students.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eddie (Peace – Grand Island, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), and Priscilla (Trinity – Lincoln, Nebraska), along with their ministry teams, will arrive Wednesday to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.

Picture
Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley heroically died in the line of duty and is survived by his wife and seven children. His father stated that he took his job as a police officer very seriously, loved his family more than anything, and he believed in Jesus Christ.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges 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

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

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

 
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.
Picture
Picture
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.

Picture
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.

 

Picture
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).

Picture
Picture
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.

Picture
Picture
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

 
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

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.
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.

Picture
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

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

8/3/2019

 
Picture

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.
Picture
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.
Picture
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.
Picture
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,
Picture
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities
<<Previous

    Categories

    All
    "22"
    Alabama
    All
    Boulder
    Cal Fire
    California
    California Wildfires
    Colorado
    Crisis Response
    Crosses For Losses
    Dayton
    Disaster Response
    Displaced Children
    El Paso
    Ethiopia
    Families In Need
    Florida
    Ghana
    Haiti
    Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion
    Hurricane Florence
    Hurricane Harvey
    Hurricane Ian
    Hurricane Ida
    Hurricane Irma
    Hurricane Maria
    Hurricane Michael
    IL Flooding
    Illinois Tornadoes
    International Missions
    In The News
    Israel
    Jefferson City
    Job Openings
    K-9 Comfort Dogs
    K-9 Court System - Ezra
    K-9 Police Ministry
    K-9 Travel Expenses
    Kansas
    Kare 9 Military Ministry
    Kentucky
    Kind Words For HMC
    Kind Words For K9s
    Kind Words For LCC
    Kind Words For LCC Disaster Response
    Las Vegas
    LERT
    LERT Mercy In Action
    Linwood
    Madison
    Maryland Great Falls
    Military-ministry
    Milwaukee
    Ministries In Need
    Ministry Resources
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Molson Coors
    Myanmar Scholarship
    Nebraska Flooding
    NE Flooding
    Ohio
    Parkland
    Prospect Heights Fire
    Recommended Reading
    Santa Fe
    Scrub Buckets
    Special Appeals
    STEM School
    Sudan
    Sutherland Springs
    Taylorville
    Texas
    Thank You From LCC
    Thousand Oaks
    Tornadoes In Tennessee
    Turkey And Syria Earthquake
    Ukraine
    Uvalde
    Watseka
    WI Flooding
    Wisconsin
    Your Donations Make A Difference

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017

    RSS Feed

Location

Contact Us

Lutheran Church Charities
3020 Milwaukee Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Local: 224-257-4389
Toll Free: 866-455-6466
Fax : 866-451-1476
LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Follow Us

Lutheran Church Charities
LCC Disaster Response
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry
LCC K-9 Police Ministry
LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
  • Home
  • About
    • Staff >
      • Leadership
      • All Staff
      • Disaster Response
      • Ministry Development/Donor Relations
      • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
      • K-9 Ministries >
        • Staff
        • Trainers
        • Volunteer Trained Dog Handlers
      • Communications/IT
      • Operations
    • Board of Directors >
      • LCC Board of Directors
      • Spiritual Advisors to the President/CEO
    • Mission
    • Employment
    • LCC In the News >
      • Recent
      • Affiliates
      • Featured
      • Archives
    • Articles
    • LCC Events
    • Social Feed
  • Ways to Give to LCC
    • Donation Policy
    • LCC General Fund
    • Disaster Response
    • LCC K-9 Ministries
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Disaster and Crisis Response
    • Disaster Response >
      • Give Now
      • Training and Certification
      • Volunteer
    • Crisis Response
    • Care Carding
  • K-9 Ministries
    • Request a K-9 Comfort Dog Visit
    • K-9 Comfort Dogs >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet the Dogs >
        • Affiliate Ministry Members
        • Affiliate K-9s Map by State
        • LCC Staff K-9 Comfort Dogs
        • K-9 Comfort Dogs In Training
        • LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - Permanently Deployed
      • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
      • Articles
    • Kare 9 Military Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The Kare 9s
      • Meet The Kare 9 Squad
      • Kare 9 Articles
    • LCC K-9 Police Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The K-9 Police Ministry
      • LCC K-9 Police Ministry Articles
    • LCC K-9 Court System Fund - Ezra
    • Partners in Comfort >
      • Veterinary Services
      • Grooming Services
    • Acquiring an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog
  • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Request a Mercy Heart or Cross
    • About
    • Volunteer
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Coloring Pages
  • Current Needs
    • Families in Need
    • Ministries in Need
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Your Donations Make A Difference
    • International Missions >
      • Turkey and Syria
      • Ukraine
      • Haiti
      • Ghana >
        • C-WoW Health for Ghana
        • C-WoW Wells for Ghana
      • Ethiopia
      • Israel
  • Volunteer
    • Disaster Response/LERT
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
    • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • WORD Bible Study
    • WORD - Live Course
    • WORD - Online Courses
    • WORD - Short Courses & Small Groups
    • WORD Classroom
    • Daily Devotions
    • Travel Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Food Equipment Ministry Outreach
    • Listen to Learn / Speak to Serve
    • Ministry Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Face Mask Project
    • People EncourAGING People
    • Bag Mat Project
    • Items Available >
      • Items Free for the Asking
      • Items Available to a Ministry
      • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Request for Prayer
    • Subscribe
  • Media Center
    • In the News
    • Crisis Response
  • Shop
    • Store
    • Amazon Smile
    • Christianbook.com