 On Sunday, September 26, Lutheran Church Charities staff members Kathy O’Day, Deb Baran, and Marta Rees presented a special Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to Senior Pastor Karl Fay, Pastor Matt Koenig, and Susan Klemstein, Director of Outreach & Financial Controller at Prince of Peace, Palatine, Illinois. Prince of Peace celebrates 50 years of ministry in Palatine; groundbreaking at their current location in September 1971 and being officially charted as Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in October of that same year. LCC celebrates with the members of Prince of Peace for all that they do and the wonderful partnership in ministry they have with them in serving the same King and building the same Kingdom! “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, … to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19   In response to the tragic death of Officer Brian Russell Pierce, Jr. in the line of duty on August 4, 2021, Terri Albright, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator, presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Chief Thomas Jeffery of the Brooklyn, Illinois, Police Department for his department in memory of Officer Brian Russell Pierce, Jr., and another to be shared with the officer’s parents.
The Chief shared, "his parents loved it.” Terri tells us, “The department and entire community are still struggling with such a loss. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you for making such an amazing difference for people whom you may never meet”. Officer Pierce was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips on the McKinley Bridge during a vehicle pursuit. On Friday, August 13, LCC was honored to pay tribute to murder victim Keishanay Bolden, who was 18 when she lost her life in May 2020. Delivered by Pastor John Brazeal of Christ the King, Chicago, Illinois, a Heart of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses was presented to Keishanay’s mother, Crystal. Pastor John spent time with Crystal and two of her children, sharing prayers and encouragement. The Heart and Cross will stand as a beacon of hope and love to this grieving family.
Heart of Mercy & Compassion and Crosses for Losses in Memory of Chicago Police Officer Ella French8/17/2021
A Cross and Heart of Mercy & Compassion Continue to Serve as a Place of Mourning and Reflection8/3/2021
 In February of this year, St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, placed a Cross and Heart of Mercy & Compassion on behalf of the community of Buffalo, Minnesota, following a mass shooting at Allina Health Clinic in Buffalo that occurred on February 9. As a result of the shooting, Lindsay Overbay, a Medical Assistant at the clinic, was killed, and three others were critically injured. In the last week, St. Michael’s ministry team has been back to Buffalo twice to support the community through public events and a sunflower field planted to honor Lindsay Overbay, the Allina Clinic, and the City of Buffalo. The heart marker placed in February still stands at the entrance to the Allina Clinic, and lawn signs were added last Tuesday. On Sunday evening, at a community event to support the clinic and community of Buffalo, the ministry team laughed, cried, and prayed with several of the nurses and staff members of the clinic. They did not know who had placed the marker until last Sunday but quickly associated LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota) and the lawn signs with the heart. When the team placed the marker that Sunday in February in -40°F weather, they wondered if it would stand the test of the elements. It did, and it continues to stand the test of time. God has used it far beyond our intent, and now the little memorial is the first thing visitors pass as they enter a field of sunshine and hope. St. Michael’s ministry team received this message via social media: "Thank you for doing what you do. Placing the cross at our clinic allowed us a place to mourn and reflect on what Lindsay meant to each of us. This cross has given so many an important place on their journey to healing. Thank you for your compassion; we felt it."
LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in North Miami, Florida, placed hearts and markers at the memorial site in Surfside, Florida. One was placed for each life lost as a result of this horrific tragedy. Visitors to the memorial site signed and left condolence messages. The K-9 Ministry teams were present to share love and compassion to help everyone who visited process the grief they are experiencing. Watch the video for a tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Champlain Tower Collapse.  “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isaiah 40:1 LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charges those we serve. Please prayerfully consider a donation to the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Bring Comfort and |
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Later that day, the teams delivered hearts and markers to the memorial site in Surfside, Florida sent by LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. One will be placed for everyone who has not survived this horrific tragedy. Visitors to the memorial site can sign and leave condolence messages.
The children from Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School signed the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for those who died in the horrific collapse.
The children from Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School signed the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for those who died in the horrific collapse.
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Watch the short video below to see how LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion is serving Surfside, Florida.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams were present at the memorial site to share love and compassion to help everyone who stopped by to process the grief they are experiencing.
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The teams were blessed to spend time with the brave and dedicated fire rescuers who have been working long shifts in pretty extreme conditions to find the missing loved ones.
Many of these courageous men and women have been missing their families. The team shared some LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffies with them to take to their children.
One of the firefighters placed the Comfort Dog stuffie he was saving to give to his daughter in his boot, as his hands were filled with his personal protective equipment at the end of his shift. Seth Comfort Dog sensed this firefighter needed some comfort and attention and gently leaned into the firefighter letting him know he was loved.
Many of these courageous men and women have been missing their families. The team shared some LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffies with them to take to their children.
One of the firefighters placed the Comfort Dog stuffie he was saving to give to his daughter in his boot, as his hands were filled with his personal protective equipment at the end of his shift. Seth Comfort Dog sensed this firefighter needed some comfort and attention and gently leaned into the firefighter letting him know he was loved.
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We received the following note of appreciation from a Lieutenant from Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue A-Shift, Station 64:
Hello,
I am a Lieutenant Firefighter/paramedic with PBG Fire Rescue with the assignment on 7/7-7/8 throughout the night of finding victims in this horrible tragedy.
I met Peace, golden retriever, at Surfside, right after recovering victims from the pile approximately around noon on 7/8 and prior to leaving the site, awaiting the bus for transport. I felt a sense of happiness overwhelm me with meeting Peace as well as the other comfort dogs that were there. All the people that were associated with the dogs were very kind, and a warm feeling came over me. After searching on that pile and recovering victims, it leaves a sense of sadness, fear, and somberness in your heart. It makes me wonder about the families that were directly affected by the losses of their loved ones.
You are a group of kind people, and dogs were definitely a good thing to see right afterwards and gave me a happy feeling that, believe it or not, is all I needed to elevate my mood and sad feeling at that time. I want you to know that your job is not unnoticed, and your mission is definitely worth it. Me and my crew of 3 all feel the same. Thank you for giving me the stuffed little brown dog. The woman that was holding the dog left a good memory in my heart.
Please keep it up.❤️
Thank you kindly,
Lieutenant, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue A-Shift, Station 64
On Friday, July 9, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to Trinity Christian Academy in Miami Gardens to meet the children participating in their Freedom Schools Summer Daycamp.
At Trinity Christian Academy, students learn about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him every day. The students welcomed us with their version of the Hallelujah Chorus. Tom Moore, handler and caregiver for Mary Comfort Dog from Brookfield, Wisconsin, read to the students. The students were able to meet and interact with the Comfort Dogs. We were thrilled to have this time with them. May God bless these wonderful students, their families, the school, and their administration and teachers.
CLICK HERE to watch Trinity Christian Academy Hallelujah Chorus.
Trinity Christian Academy offers the Step Up For Students Scholarship, a private school scholarship for K-12 schoolchildren offering lower-income Florida families education choices so they can find the best learning environment for this child. 98% of the students at Trinity Christian Academy benefit from the scholarship.
On Saturday, July 10, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present during shift change to give comfort and encouragement to the fire rescuers who continue to recover the loved ones still buried in the rubble.
CLICK HERE to watch Trinity Christian Academy Hallelujah Chorus.
Trinity Christian Academy offers the Step Up For Students Scholarship, a private school scholarship for K-12 schoolchildren offering lower-income Florida families education choices so they can find the best learning environment for this child. 98% of the students at Trinity Christian Academy benefit from the scholarship.
On Saturday, July 10, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present during shift change to give comfort and encouragement to the fire rescuers who continue to recover the loved ones still buried in the rubble.
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When Judy, her husband Steve, and Jewel Comfort Dog left their church Christ of Savior, Loudon, Tennessee, for Miami, the women of the congregation had sent three prayer shawls with Judy to give out.
CLICK HERE to read how receiving a Prayer Shawl deeply touched a woman they met at the Memorial Wall.
On Sunday, July 11, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended services and Sunday School classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami. The LCC K-9 Ministry has been blessed to work with Rev. Dennis Bartels and his congregation. We thank them for inviting and helping us as the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams served in the community of Surfside and with the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers.
The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6 6
CLICK HERE to read how receiving a Prayer Shawl deeply touched a woman they met at the Memorial Wall.
On Sunday, July 11, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended services and Sunday School classes at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami. The LCC K-9 Ministry has been blessed to work with Rev. Dennis Bartels and his congregation. We thank them for inviting and helping us as the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams served in the community of Surfside and with the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers.
The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6 6
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Rev. Dennis Bartels and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Miami members continue the mission of placing the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers at the Surfside memorial wall. Nine more Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers were placed yesterday in honor of the loved ones recovered and identified. Thank you Holy Cross for continuing the mission.
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We received the following note of appreciation from a Holy Cross member:
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the Surfside, Florida community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they mourn their loved ones and friends perished in the Champlain Towers South collapse.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Please keep the Surfside, Florida community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they mourn their loved ones and friends perished in the Champlain Towers South collapse.
Follow us on @K9Comfort (Facebook), @comfortdogs (Instagram), @K9ComfortDogs (Twitter)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams pictured with some of the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers. We will place additional hearts and markers for each of those as confirmed dead.
36 People Confirmed Dead, 109 People Still Missing
After the horrific partial collapse of the 12-story wing of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited in by Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, LCMS District President for the Florida-Georgia District, and Rev. Dennis Bartels, Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School in North Miami. Pastor Bartels has served this community for 35 years and is well connected to the community where we will be serving. Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, are working closely with Pastor Bartels to determine where the K-9 Ministry teams will visit.
| LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hope (Faith – Marietta, Georgia), Jewel (Christ Our Savior – Loudon, Tennessee), Lizzie (Trinity – Savannah, Georgia), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin), Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd – Seneca, South Carolina), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) and Zoara (Island Lutheran – Hilton Head, South Carolina), along with their ministry teams, will bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving. |  |
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will serve first responders and their families who are working around the clock doing search and rescue for the 109 people who are still unaccounted for, as well as family members who have lost loved ones. First responders include emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, firefighters, police officers, city, state, and federal personnel. They are all working tirelessly with the destruction of the Champlain Towers. In addition, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will serve all in that area who are working selflessly.
On Tuesday, July 6, LCC K-9 ministry teams arrived in Miami early and visited the host church Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School. Comfort Dogs Jewel, Mary, and Seth greeted 50 summer school students as they arrived and went to each classroom. The news has been filled with many stories of this tragic event, so the K-9s brought much comfort and friendship during these difficult times.
On Tuesday, July 6, LCC K-9 ministry teams arrived in Miami early and visited the host church Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School. Comfort Dogs Jewel, Mary, and Seth greeted 50 summer school students as they arrived and went to each classroom. The news has been filled with many stories of this tragic event, so the K-9s brought much comfort and friendship during these difficult times.
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LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion sent hearts and markers for the memorial site in Surfside, Florida. One will be placed for everyone who has not survived this horrific tragedy. Currently, 36 people have been confirmed deceased with 109 still missing. Visitors to the memorial site can sign and leave condolence messages. The K-9 Ministry teams will be present to share love and compassion to help everyone who stops by process the grief they are experiencing.
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Seventy-five volunteers from eighteen congregations plus LCC staff responded very quickly to cut, paint, customize, and load 170+ Hearts of Mercy & Compassion markers that were driven down to Surfside, Florida.
CLICK HERE to see LCC volunteers preparing HMC’s for Surfside, Florida.
Our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams will be driving to and staying in Miami. Travel and accommodations in the area will be expensive. 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.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds as we prepare to deploy to serve the first responders and this devastated community.
CLICK HERE to see LCC volunteers preparing HMC’s for Surfside, Florida.
Our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams will be driving to and staying in Miami. Travel and accommodations in the area will be expensive. 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.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Funds as we prepare to deploy to serve the first responders and this devastated community.
In the News
 | ‘Paws on The Ground': K-9 Comfort Dogs Deployed to Help Bring Healing to Surfside Families LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - NBC Miami) CLICK HERE to read the article |
 | Local dog goes to Florida to comfort building collapse victims LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jewel (Christ Our Savior - Loudon, Tennessee) (Sunday, July 4, 2021 – WBIR/Vinay Simlot) CLICK HERE to view broadcast |
 | Loudon comfort dog travels to Florida building collapse LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jewel (Christ Our Savior - Loudon, Tennessee) (Friday, July 2, 2021 – WATE 6 Knoxville/ Hannah Moore) CLICK HERE to view broadcast |
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