On Thursday, October 1, two hearts of Mercy and Compassion were presented to Pastor Tim Runtsch, lead Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colorado, and his wife Ann in memory of Tim's father, Larry Runtsch.

Larry passed away six weeks ago from complications of Alzheimer's disease.  The hearts were presented on what would have been Larry's 90th birthday. A large blue heart symbolizing hope was signed by numerous friends and members of the congregation and a purple heart in honor of Larry's service in the United States Marine Corp was signed by members of the board of directors at Redeemer.

Pastor Tim picked Revelation 2:10b "Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life" to be printed on the hearts in honor of his father's lifelong strong and unwavering faith.

On Tuesday, September 1, Redeemer Lutheran Church – Fort Collins, Colorado, presented a small blue Mercy Heart to Charlotte. Charlotte was at one time a Stephen Minister for Redeemer. She recently lost her husband, who was her caregiver, and is now living in an assisted care facility. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby also visited since Charlotte was missing her dog who could not make the move with her. 
 
We read the bible verse on the heart which was a reference from Psalm 23 and also some of the words of encouragement to Charlotte written by the current Stephen Ministers at Redeemer. We also left a Cubby Comfort Dog stuffie for her to love. After visiting, we prayed with Charlotte and she was very appreciative of our visit, the Mercy Heart, and a visit from Cubby. 
 
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want … and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23)

Mercy Hearts were requested by LCC volunteers John and Toni Thrash. With restrictions of COVID-19, it has been a difficult time to grieve after the loss of friends and family. John and Toni will be providing the hearts to family members in remembrance of their loved ones.
 
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”  (Psalm 119:50)

A Mercy Heart was presented by Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, to Barb Sedgwick after the passing of her husband Sgt. Major Wayne Walter Sedgwick, age 86, who served with the National Guard in Wisconsin for 41 years. Wayne was a beloved and founding member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Members and friends wrote messages of comfort on the heart.
 
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”  (Psalm 119:50)

On Tuesday, August 18, a Mercy Heart was presented by Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado, to Shirley Pedersen, in memory of her mom, Peggy Winter, who passed away. 

She was very touched and appreciative of us thinking of her and the loss of her mom. She shared some stories of how she feels the presence of Jesus and her mom watching over her as she grieves her loss.

She loves being a part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with Cubby Comfort Dog at Redeemer and truly believes in the power of prayer. 

On Thursday, August 13, a Mercy Heart was presented by Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado, to a church member friend whose first grandson, Lucas, who she was very close to, died unexpectedly at the age of 25. She was heartbroken. Then, 22 days later, her husband of 59 years died. It has been a difficult time for her. She was very emotional and touched by the heart presentation. The picture she is holding is of herself, her husband, and grandson. 
 
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Linda has been Top Dog for CUW’s LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Sage until recently. She and her husband, Doug, had been planning their retirement and stepped back to being handlers in anticipation of Doug’s retirement. Sadly after just retiring, Doug passed away last week. The news was devastating as they were to begin a new chapter in their life. As Doug was an Army veteran serving in the Wisconsin National Guard, a purple Mercy Heart will be provided to Linda in his honor.

Lois Harrison will be delivering the heart signed by team members.
 
“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

Members of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Pax & Phoebe team (St. Paul – Fort Worth, Texas) provided a Mercy Heart for handlers Chuck and Judy Wendt after the loss of their granddaughter in a tragic accident. Wonderful sentiments from the team members were shared on the heart that will make for a lasting memory. We continue to lift up the family in prayer.
 
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Remembrance & Healing for Shooting Victim Janari Ricks

After the recent shooting in Chicago of 9-year-old Janari Ricks, a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion cross was requested for remembrance and healing at Cabrini Green where Janari lived.

On the day he was shot “He said, ‘Mom, can I come outside and play?’ and she said, ‘Sure’. And when he went out, he never came back home.” Good at sports, good at math, and loved by everyone, Janari was on his way to the gifted program at his school.

On Saturday, August 8, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin, presented a Mercy Heart to Karla at a benefit held for her. She is making great progress in her recovery from a rare brain disorder.

Karla's family and friends were excited to write words of encouragement for continued healing. There were many members from the church at the benefit and it was a great opportunity for them to learn of the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry.

Please join us in praying for Karla’s continued healing during her recovery.

“My comfort in my suffering is this, your promise preserves my life” (Psalm 119:50)

LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Project Manager, Tim Laabs, passed on a Mercy Heart to his almost 92-year-old father, Charles Laabs, who requested one on behalf of Chuck’s nephew and his wife in Arizona who are fighting depression and illness respectively.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord is with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

After seeing firsthand the impact of the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion Ministry, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin, have become mission partners with Lutheran Church Charities in making crosses, painting hearts, and providing the hearts in the greater Janesville’s area.

Dianne and Tom Moore met with Rich Martin and Tim Laabs to pick up their first delivery of Mercy Hearts to be painted last week. We pray for God’s blessing on their work and the lives they will touch with His mercy and compassion.