Just days before Christmas, an apartment fire in Milwaukee displaced dozens of families—many with young children—leaving them without homes, possessions, or the ability to provide even the simplest comforts.

Because Lutheran Church Charities had resources ready before the crisis, we were able to respond immediately.

An LCC Care Team from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin, served at a Multi-Agency Resource Center coordinated by the Red Cross. The team—Mark Brueggemann (LCC Crisis/Disaster Response Coordinator for the South Wisconsin District), Beverly Brueggeman, and Dave Koopman—came ready to listen, to care, and to act.

They distributed prayer shawls, hygiene kits, quilts, devotionals, and gift cards. But just as importantly, they paused with each family. They listened to stories of loss. They acknowledged fear and exhaustion. They offered presence.

Many of the families were struggling to imagine how they would care for their children—especially with Christmas just days away.

In the middle of that uncertainty, small moments of hope emerged.

Dave spent time with a young non-verbal child who had spilled crayons across the floor, gently engaging him with conversation and fist bumps until a shy smile appeared. A young couple rushing back to work received supplies, a devotional, and a gift card. Overwhelmed, the man broke down in gratitude and said through tears, “We can’t believe this. This will help so much,” as he received a compassion-filled hug.

Some families were unable to attend the resource center at all. Because funds were available, the team partnered with the Salvation Army to personally deliver essential items—making sure no family was missed.

These moments mattered. Not because they erased the loss—but because they brought stability, dignity, and care when families needed it most.

Why the Emergency Family Fund MattersNone of this happens by accident.

The Emergency Family Fund exists so LCC can move quickly, without delay, when families are in crisis. It allows us to provide immediate assistance—gift cards, basic needs, transportation, follow-up care—before red tape slows the response.

When emergencies happen near holidays, the need feels even heavier. Children are watching. Parents are desperate to hold things together. The window to help is small.

Because donors had already given, we were ready.
That readiness turned chaos into compassion.
Loss into presence.
Fear into moments of peace.

As We Begin a New Year
Emergencies don’t wait for the “right” moment. Fires, floods, violence, and sudden loss will come again. The question is whether we will be ready.

Your gift to the LCC Emergency Family Fund ensures that when the next family faces crisis—tomorrow, next week, or next Christmas—we can respond immediately with care, dignity, and the love of Christ.
Together, we can continue bringing good deeds when they matter most.

Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership in caring for families in their most vulnerable moments.

We recently received a letter from Pastor Steve Kass (pictured) asking for help to support Manuel and his family as they settle into our community.
 
Manuel, his wife, and their three young daughters recently made our community their home, relocating from Romania in search of a brighter future. Before coming to the United States, Manuel spent several years as a refugee in Italy, working tirelessly and saving every penny so he could provide his family with the opportunities they deserved. Life was full of challenges, and corruption and limited opportunities made it difficult for him to secure the future he dreamed of for his children back home.
 
Now in the U.S., Manuel is determined to build a better life for his family. One of the biggest hurdles he faces is the lack of a reliable vehicle. Having a car would make it possible for him to commute to work and take care of his family’s day-to-day needs with ease.

Manuel has become a cherished member of our church family, and we are committed to walking alongside him as he works toward a brighter future. We invite you to join us in supporting Manuel and his family—through your prayers and, if you feel led, by donating a vehicle or contributing toward the purchase of one. Together, we can help them move forward with hope and stability.
 
With gratitude,
Pastor Steve Kass
Family in Faith, Glendale Heights, IL

Interested in Donating a Vehicle?
Your unused or older vehicle—whether it's in great shape or needs a few repairs—could become a life-changing gift for a family in need. To learn more about how to donate, please email: [email protected].

With more than 250 people from Island Lutheran Church and the Hilton Head Island community surrounding them, Rev. Kevin Duff and his wife Holly celebrated how the LORD has cared for him and his family during a difficult season at a benefit concert over the weekend.

Earlier this year, Rev. Duff, Care Pastor of Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, S.C., was diagnosed with three meningioma tumors on his brain, with one determined to be aggressive and an immediate risk to his life. After undergoing urgent surgery and completing radiation treatment, Pastor Kevin continues his journey of healing as doctors monitor the remaining tumors.

“It was a joyous event,” said Deaconess Grace Bergt. “In the midst of this journey, there’s a steadfast trust in the LORD, despite the uncertainty. As Pastor Kevin has said to us, God knows what is around the bend. It’s not something to despair over. Instead, let’s rejoice in the middle of what is unfolding.”

The event, which featured big band music, dancing, and fellowship, raised funds to help the Duff family cover medical bills and related expenses.

The highlight of the evening came when former Island Lutheran pastor Paul Zimmermann and the church’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team presented a personalized heart to the Duffs, which drew a huge smile from Pastor Kevin and Holly.

Pastor Kevin was an enthusiastic supporter of Island Lutheran becoming a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion affiliate church and played a key role in the support and growth of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry there, training with team Zoara Comfort Dog.  

Lutheran Church Charities is calling on volunteers and supporters to pray for Pastor Kevin and his family and consider making a gift to the Pastor Duff Support Fund.

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
At St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles, IL, we have witnessed a profound journey of transformation. Michael, a devoted member of our congregation, has battled alcoholism for much of his life. Today, by the grace of God, Michael is celebrating 1 year and 3 months of sobriety — a remarkable milestone that speaks to his courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to recovery.
 
Michael’s path has not been easy. Freed from the numbing grip of alcohol, he is bravely confronting life’s realities — rebuilding his career, deepening his faith, and striving to create a stable and healthy environment essential for his continued healing.
 
One of Michael’s most urgent needs is stable housing. He knows that living on his own is crucial to maintaining his sobriety and wellness. To take this vital step forward, Michael needs our support to raise $5,000 to help cover rent for the year. Your gift will provide more than just a roof over his head — it will offer safety, dignity, and the peace of mind necessary for him to thrive in his new life.
 
Will you help us reach our $5,000 goal to give Michael the fresh start he so greatly deserves?
 
Every prayer, every dollar, and every act of kindness makes a real difference. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering hope, healing, and a home.
 
Thank you for your prayers and your generous heart.
 
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jamie Holt
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
St. Charles, IL

The LCC Human Care team has partnered together with The American Red Cross, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Partners for Our Communities (POC), a local non-profit, to provide essential support to the survivors.
 
This collaborative effort focuses on helping families find new housing and acquire vital items for their daily lives. Partners for Our Communities will manage the casework for each family, while Lutheran Church Charities will assist by providing funds for security deposits and necessary furniture.

Blessings to all, and thank you for your continued support of those in need.
 
Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Michigan, is currently helping a Syrian refugee family who arrived in the U.S. a little over a year ago through legal channels. The family is here legally and has the right to work. The father, Mustafa, holds a degree in English and works as a translator. However, he is unable to work at this time as he is caring for his wife, Hala, who is receiving treatment for stage 3 colon cancer.
 
The couple has a baby, as well as a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old. Despite doing everything they can to care for their children, they are in need of financial support during this difficult time. Risen Christ Lutheran Church is surrounding this family with love, and emotional and spiritual care, and is doing all it can to provide financial assistance.
 
We ask that you prayerfully consider joining us in supporting the family during this challenging period. Your generosity would be a true blessing to them.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Rennie Kaufmann
Risen Christ Lutheran Church
Plymouth, Michigan

Dear Friends and Compassionate Community,
 
Nick is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, Illinois. Nick’s life took a devastating turn at the beginning of November when he fell from a ladder, resulting in a severe knee injury that requires surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
 
Struggling with a complex meniscus tear and facing the daunting realities of being uninsured, Nick has depleted his savings on medical expenses while desperately seeking work to replace his lost income. Despite our efforts to assist him with rides and gas, Nick is quickly falling behind on his responsibilities and obligations. His rent is due, child support is past due, credit cards are maxed, and very little is coming in.
 
Nick is a man who has always lifted others up, never wanting to burden anyone with his struggles. He went as far as starting a construction ministry to help the less fortunate. He’s stated many times that this is his calling and it is one of the main driving forces keeping his head up right now.
 
Now, he finds himself in a position where he needs our help to get caught up and put this behind him. Let us come together as a community to show Nick the love and support that he so selflessly gives to others.
 
Your contributions can directly aid Nick in his recovery process, allowing him to regain his footing. Every little bit counts and can make a world of difference in his life.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for considering this call to action. Your involvement embodies our commitment to serving those in crisis, reflecting the love of Christ in our community. Together, we can help Nick stand strong again and remind him that he is not alone in this fight.
 
With hope and appreciation,
 
Pastor Jamie Holt, Lead Pastor
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
St. Charles, Illinois
(written on behalf of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, IL)

LCC Human Care received a request from Pastor Philip Robarge (pictured) of Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago to help a family in need.