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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)  Officer Krystal Rivera A Dream Fulfilled, A Life Sacrificed All Krystal Rivera ever wanted was to be a police officer. That dream came true in 2021 when she was sworn into the Chicago Police Department. Officer Rivera quickly became a beloved presence in the 6th District, known for her dedication, her heart, and her deep love for her 10-year-old daughter, Bella. On June 5, 2025, Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty during a foot pursuit in Chatham. She had served with distinction for four years. Her tragic death sent waves of sorrow through her fellow officers, her family, and the wider community she served so faithfully. A Community in Mourning, United in Prayer Hundreds gathered outside the Gresham District police station on Wednesday, June 11, for a solemn prayer vigil to honor Officer Rivera’s memory. Friends, family, and community members stood side-by-side with dozens of Chicago police officers—some in uniform, others wearing shirts bearing Rivera’s image. CPD Chaplain Rev. Kimberly Lewis-Davis encouraged all present to lean into their faith for healing and strength.  Chicago police officers who were part of Krystal Rivera’s team wear a shirt commemorating her during a prayer vigil Wednesday outside the Gresham police station at 7808 S. Halsted St. in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times) A Ministry of Presence: LCC Offers Support and Hope Among the mourners was Lutheran Church Charities, whose compassionate presence brought hope and spiritual care to both officers and grieving family members. Responding to a request from the Chicago Police Department, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams attended roll call for the officers of the 6th District and stood with the community at the vigil. Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President and CEO, was present alongside dedicated teams that included LCC Comfort Dogs Gethsemane & Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake - IL), Michael (LCC Staff), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff), each accompanied by their trained handlers. Also in attendance was Tim Laabs, Project Manager for Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, who helped facilitate the meaningful tribute with the Heart and Cross memorials. Together, this team provided comfort through their calm presence, empathetic conversations, and unwavering support, reminding all who gathered that they were not alone in their grief. One of the most profound moments came from young Bella, Officer Rivera's daughter. Initially hesitant to join others, she lit up when she saw the dogs. Jeanette, one of the handlers, shared that Bella—still reeling from celebrating her birthday just days after her mother’s passing—found a moment of joy as she bonded with Gethsemane. “She is hurting and has a long road ahead,” Jeanette said, “but she smiled and enjoyed the moment. One of the officers stated that the dogs made all the difference today for Bella. God is good!” Handlers stayed close to the family, walking with them through grief. Jenni shared, “I was surprised at the level of access we had to Krystal’s daughter. She lit up when she met our sweet dogs. That connection—that was God.” She also spoke with Officer Rivera’s friends and coworkers, recognizing the enduring support system that would surround Bella. Hearts of Mercy, Messages of Love At the heart of the vigil—both literally and figuratively—stood the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. Tim Laabs brought one heart and cross for public messages and another to be gifted to Officer Rivera’s family. Messages like “I will forever miss your good mornings and talking about our girls,” and “Powerpuffs for life” reflected the deep affection and camaraderie Rivera inspired. Other notes offered encouragement: “The pain you feel is all the love you poured into Krystal,” and “May God lift you.” The second heart, passed among Rivera’s fellow officers, bore signatures and sentiments like “We love you and we will always miss you!” and “Great officer—and a BETTER friend.” When complete, the heart was presented to the family by CPD Commander Michael Tate and LCC President Chris Singer. “You are in our hearts and prayers as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful daughter, mom, and officer,” Singer said.  A Chicago police officer writes a message on a memorial board [LCC HMC] for Krystal Rivera during a prayer vigil in her honor Wednesday outside the Gresham District police station at 7808 S. Halsted St. in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times) Answering the Call to Bring Hope for the Hurting Each handler present shared how divine timing and meaningful conversations unfolded throughout the day. Danielle reflected, “It isn’t always about the experiences you expect—it’s the connections that happen when you show up.” Valerie added, “To be there to love on those who knew and loved Officer Rivera was a blessing.” Jim, another handler, summed it up best: “What I experienced yesterday was one of God’s miracles. The love, compassion, and mercy displayed by everyone present could not have occurred without divine intervention. The Comfort Dogs brought mercy. The officers brought love. And the community brought honor. It was a beautiful thing to behold.” In the face of unspeakable grief, the ministry of Lutheran Church Charities offered a tangible expression of God's comfort. Through Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and the quiet faith of those present, they helped carry a community through a moment of heartbreak—reminding all that love, indeed, still lives.
Support the ongoing ministry of Lutheran Church Charities as we bring hope and healing to first responders, families, and communities in crisis. Together, we can be a light in the darkest moments. Bringing Hope, Honoring the Lost: LCC Comfort Dogs and HMC Minister to Fire Survivors in Milwaukee5/27/2025
On Mother’s Day, a devastating fire tore through the Highland Court Apartments in Milwaukee, WI, claiming the lives of five residents and displacing nearly 100 more. In the aftermath of this tragedy, amid the rubble and grief, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) teams stepped in—not only to honor the lives lost but to bring hope and healing to the survivors.  On Memorial Day, the community gathered for a heartfelt vigil to remember the victims. Led by Red Cross Spiritual Care leader Catherine Neal and volunteer John Draper, the event aimed to reflect not only on national sacrifices but also on the personal, painful losses still unfolding in the shelter housing the displaced residents. Recognizing the emotional toll, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office extended a hand of compassion—bringing lunch and inviting the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to join the vigil. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and Comfort Dog in Training Gethsemane with their dedicated volunteer handlers offered their calming presence to those overwhelmed by grief and trauma. The comfort dogs didn’t just comfort—they opened hearts. Survivors, many still reeling from the fire, found moments of peace and courage in their company.
What emerged was not just sorrow, but resilience. Residents opened up about the emotional bond they shared with their 90-year-old landlord, who had given many of them a second chance at housing and stood with them as flames consumed their homes. Their grief was not just for their belongings or lost neighbors, but also for the woman who had become family.  Hearts of Mercy for Hurting Souls Recalling the impact the HMC ministry had on the community during a previous engagement in Waukesha, WI—following the 2021 Christmas Parade attack—Red Cross Spiritual Care leader Catherine Neal requested their presence in Milwaukee. Debbie Endres, HMC Ministry Coordinator from Brookfield Lutheran, WI, and team member Mary Stafford-Nunez brought five Hearts of Mercy to honor each life lost. Survivors signed the hearts with heartfelt tributes—one remembering a man as “such a joy, always checking on people.” These symbolic blue hearts, filled with handwritten memories and love, will be presented to the families of the victims. The simple yet profound act of sharing a memory and placing it on a heart brought comfort. It allowed residents to grieve together and begin healing—one name, one memory at a time.
A Ministry of Presence, A Message of Hope LCC's presence reminded everyone that healing begins with being seen, heard, and loved. The Red Cross volunteers, themselves exhausted from weeks of support, welcomed the encouragement and care. As one K-9 handler observed, "They were so happy to have the comfort of the dogs and listening ears." Though many survivors are still struggling to find stable housing and rebuild their lives, the spirit of hope remains strong. Their courage, faith, and gratitude were visible in every story shared, every tear shed, and every embrace exchanged with a gentle dog or a compassionate volunteer. Join Us in Spreading Comfort and Compassion
Your support helps LCC Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams continue to respond in times of crisis. Together, we can continue to honor the lost, comfort the hurting, and bring hope where it’s needed most. A few weeks ago, the quiet community of Fredonia, WI, found itself in the national spotlight when a 38-hour standoff with an armed and barricaded individual unfolded in a residential neighborhood. The incident tested the resilience of the town, locking down homes and unsettling families as law enforcement and first responders worked with patience, discipline, and care to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. Thanks to the skillful and methodical response by first responders, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported—a remarkable outcome for a situation fraught with danger and uncertainty.  In the wake of this traumatic event, St. John Lutheran Church in Fredonia became a place of both action and healing. During the incident, the church served as a staging area for drone teams and first responders, offering space, shelter, and support. In the days following, it became a sanctuary once again—this time for spiritual and emotional healing. During Sunday worship, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs and Care Teams were present to help the community begin its journey toward recovery. Recognizing the extraordinary effort and sacrifice of those involved, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) ministry team from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, WI, mobilized to say “thank you” in a meaningful way. Honoring the Helpers The HMC team visited three critical partners in the response effort, presenting hand-crafted Hearts of Mercy & Compassion as symbols of appreciation, prayer, and encouragement.
Pastor Frisque closed the visit with a moving prayer, highlighting how the Fire Department’s peaceful resolution reflected God's mercy and justice. He drew powerful imagery from Scripture, likening the incident to biblical acts of deliverance—turning potential destruction into an opportunity for hope and healing. A Prayer for First Responders “We give You heartfelt thanks for the Fredonia Fire Department—for their courageous service, wise assistance, and steady hand... Through their effort, the suspect was drawn out, and no lives were lost. We see in this moment a reflection of Your mercy and justice.” — Excerpt from Pastor Frisque’s prayer A Grateful Community The gratitude shared by Pastor Frisque, the Sheriff's Office, and the Fire Department was humbling and heartfelt. Their humility, strength, and grace stood as a testimony to the power of community and faith in difficult times. To all those who serve--in ministry, law enforcement, fire departments, and every role in between—thank you. Your work does not go unnoticed. We lift you in prayer and stand with you in gratitude. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9 Help Us Share God’s Mercy—One Heart at a Time When crisis strikes, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion is there—bringing hope, healing, and heartfelt thanks to those who serve and suffer.
Whether it's honoring first responders, comforting grieving families, or supporting communities in distress, your gift makes a difference. Each handcrafted heart is a symbol of God’s love and presence in times of hardship. Donate today and help us continue to deliver compassion, prayer, and encouragement wherever it’s needed most. Every dollar helps us lift hearts, one act of mercy at a time.  Students from Mt. Calvary Lutheran School’s Junior Honor Society, located in Diamond Bar, CA, recently organized a heartfelt donation drive to honor the brave firefighters who responded to the wildfires earlier this year. Through their efforts and the support of the community, the students raised enough funds to provide care packages to five local fire stations. Each station received a basket filled with practical items like gum and ChapStick, along with a special treat—Crumbl cookies—to show appreciation for the firefighters’ hard work and dedication. In addition to the goodies, the students also presented each firehouse with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion—a hand-painted wooden heart symbolizing gratitude, hope, and encouragement. When the middle schoolers delivered the items, they shared a simple yet powerful message: “Thank you for what you did and what you continue to do.” The firefighters were pleasantly surprised and visibly moved by the thoughtful gifts and personal connection. Rev. Chris Singer spoke at a chapel service at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School following the Pacific Southwest District–LCMS 2023-2024 "Hearts for Jesus" project, which featured support for Lutheran Church Charities. Inspired by that earlier visit, 7th grade homeroom teacher Joseph Siekmann—a former confirmation student of Rev. Singer—proposed an idea to thank local firefighters who had responded to past wildfires. The students, led by Siekmann, thought of this initiative as a way to recognize the difficult work their first responders endured earlier this year. Their actions are a powerful reminder of the impact young people can have when they come together with purpose and compassion. The community is proud of these students for their leadership, generosity, and kind hearts. Redeemer Lutheran Church’s HMC (Hearts of Mercy & Compassion) team in Spokane Valley, WA, has been actively reaching out to those experiencing grief, offering meaningful support through heartfelt gestures.
 Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, IN, recently rejoiced on a special occasion—the birth of baby Hope, daughter of Pastor Rudolph and his wife, Tirzah.
To celebrate her baptism, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team presented a Heart in her honor on behalf of the congregation. This meaningful gift symbolizes love, hope, and God's saving grace. Notably, this is the first baptismal Heart ever given by the Peace congregation—a beautiful expression of faith and a touching reminder of the new life we have in Christ. What a joyful way to mark both a physical birth and the spiritual rebirth found in baptism! LCC Comfort Dogs and HMC Bring Hope to Grace Lutheran School  Last week, heartbreak swept through the halls of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Jacksonville, Florida. The sudden and tragic death of Don Wolff—a beloved husband, father, and pillar of the school’s teaching community—left students and staff reeling with grief. In the midst of that sorrow, comfort arrived in an unexpected but familiar form. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida) and Zoara (Island - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina), alongside their devoted handlers, made the journey to Grace Lutheran just hours after the news broke. As they walked through the doors, the weight of sorrow was palpable. Teachers tried to hold it together for their students. Young hearts wrestled with confusion and pain. And yet, with every gentle nuzzle, every patient presence, the Comfort Dogs offered what words could not—a tangible reminder that no one grieves alone.
When Tragedy Strikes Without Warning
“What happens when that horrible tragedy happens unexpectedly in your community? That’s what happened for us,” Barbara Wendorf, member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, IL shared solemnly. “By afternoon, four beloved members of our community were gone. We needed a team of people to help us”
On April 28, tragedy struck the close-knit town of Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School camp. The devastation was immediate and heartbreaking: four young girls lost their lives, and six others were left injured. The incident shook not only the families directly affected but also the broader Chatham community—children, educators, first responders, and local organizations alike. In the wake of this unimaginable event, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) quickly mobilized its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams, answering the call to bring presence, peace, and the comfort of Christ to a grieving town. A Glimpse into the Ministry in Action
The short video highlighting LCC’s presence in Chatham offers a glimpse into the quiet yet powerful work of Comfort Dogs at schools, vigils, and with first responders. Watch as children gently embrace the dogs, people write messages on Hearts of Mercy, and a grieving town begins to heal—together.
Presence at the Point of Pain
Just days after the tragedy, nine LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams returned to Chatham. Their mission was simple yet profound: to BE THERE.
At the request of YNOT Outdoors and the Chatham School District, Comfort Dogs and their handlers visited Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and YNOT Day Camp. Each school bore the weight of collective grief, and each child carried a story of fear, confusion, and sorrow. Alison, the daughter-in-law of the camp owner, reflected: “The dogs were wonderful! Many kids and staff loved on them. You could see the nerves and hesitation on many of their faces, but they lit up when they saw the dogs.” Comfort Dogs Esther, Jael, Jordan, Michael, Noah, Rachel, Tabby, Zion, and Kare-9 Britta (with Veteran Dale) sat beside the children, laid their heads in trembling laps, and silently communicated: “You are not alone.” A Vigil of Sorrow—and Strength
The first vigil saw young people weep openly, clinging to parents and teachers. A young girl who had witnessed the tragedy firsthand stood silently by the crosses, processing unspeakable pain. LCC team members gently offered presence and the assurance of God’s enduring love.
Bianca, a grieving mother, spoke through tears: “My daughter was best friends with Rylee. They had plans to go to the University of Iowa together. Rylee’s mom will be so happy to receive the cross and heart.” The second vigil took place at Glenwood High School’s football field, drawing hundreds. There, messages covered the Hearts of Mercy, and tears fell alongside flowers, candles, and stuffed animals. Students embraced tightly, whispering prayers, sharing memories, and holding space for each other’s grief. Words from the Field: Reflections of Hope
In the aftermath of such sorrow, each Comfort Dog team carried home memories etched with emotion. When asked to describe the vigil in one word, here’s what they said:
A Healing Gift for First Responders
In the days following the vigils, signed Hearts of Mercy were delivered to first responders in Chatham. Each one bore words of gratitude and encouragement—visible reminders that their courage and compassion had not gone unnoticed.
Accompanied by Comfort Dogs, the visits offered brief moments of peace for the men and women who had witnessed the horror firsthand. One firefighter’s 18-year-old son, also on the scene that day, was visibly shaken. The ministry teams offered not just kind words, but connection, prayer, and presence. “Just being there brought a smile, a tear, a moment of comfort,” said Chuck. “The response we kept hearing: ‘Thank you for coming. Thank you for being here.’” The Power of Showing Up
Be Part of the Healing
The healing in Chatham has only just begun. As a community rebuilds its heart, you can be part of the continued support:
 Held at Zion Lutheran School in Brighton, CO, the vigil drew hundreds of mourners, including classmates from various high schools, teachers, and coaches, all gathering to honor Zane's memory. Zane was only 16 years old, but he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He valued his faith, family, friends, neighbors, education, sports, and the great outdoors. Many of his classmates and friends donned camouflage attire as a gesture to honor him, symbolizing their respect and admiration for the young man who touched their lives in so many meaningful ways. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus, alongside their dedicated team, provided a calming presence that truly made a difference. Attendees expressed their gratitude, sharing sentiments like, “Dogs make everything better” and “I feel better after petting the dogs.”
 Earlier this year, the dedicated HMC team from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI, traveled on a mission trip to Guatemala, where they built a home for a family in need, and shared a powerful Heart of Mercy & Compassion with them.
A second HMC brought by the team was just recently gifted to a Guatemalan mother (pictured) grieving the loss of her newborn child. The missionary who worked with the Brookfield team learned about a woman, who had just welcomed twins into the world and faced the heartbreaking tragedy of losing one during delivery. Last week, the missionary connected with her, offering not only heartfelt support but also a Heart of Mercy & Compassion brought by the team from Brookfield--a symbol of hope and empathy that transcends borders. This experience is a testament to the incredible impact that LCC's HMC affiliates have on individuals and communities, reminding us all of the power of compassion in times of crisis, no matter where they are in the world. |
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