During their last day in New Orleans last Tuesday, the teams presented hearts to the Orleans Parish Coroner, the director of Project NOLA, and Jeremi, one of the victims of the attack who was recovering in the hospital.

Lutheran Church Charities staff and LCC affiliate churches and volunteers were on the ground in New Orleans, Louisiana, this weekend through yesterday to bring HOPE to the brokenhearted and grieving community after the devastating New Year’s Day attack in the French Quarter that claimed 14 precious lives, ages 18-63.

“As we woke up in the morning of the new year, we were devastated to learn of the tragic news in New Orleans. Our hearts are broken for the 14 lives senselessly lost, for their loved ones and families, and for the many who were injured and scarred by this incident,” said Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO. “We lift our prayers up for them and ask that the Holy Spirit would be near to them now amid the sorrow and hurt. I am grateful for our teams who arrived in New Orleans, as they truly delivered the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”

Rev. Eric Johnson, President of the LCMS Southern District; Rev. Paul Ernewein, District Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Southern District of the LCMS; and Rev. Gregory T. Manning, pastor of Broadmoor Community Church and formerly of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Orleans, invited LCC to bring Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), K-9 Comfort Dogs, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care Teams to grieve with those who have been deeply affected by the tragic incident, including law enforcement officers, and to provide spiritual and emotional support. The teams ministered together in the French Quarter and in various other areas around New Orleans for four days.

​On Monday, the LCC Teams had the privilege of presenting Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to Police Captain Lejon Roberts and Lieutenant Travis Ward of the 8th District NOPD. These gifts were a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their unwavering service to the New Orleans community during these challenging times.
 
“You could tell that the Captain was deeply moved when he learned that his community members had signed the heart. The weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders as he realized he was not alone in his struggles; the love and compassion of those around him enveloped him like a warm embrace,” shares Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of HMC.

We were touched by NOPD 8th District’s Instagram post thanking us for the gesture: “A heartfelt THANK YOU to Sarah and the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion Ministry and Lutheran Church Charities, for honoring our brave officers with the beautiful hearts sign and the blue cross memorials on Bourbon and Canal Street for the victims. This kind gesture for the police officers of the eighth district is truly touching and appreciated.”
 
Day in and day out, law enforcement officers witness unimaginable tragedies and face challenges that many of us cannot comprehend. The weight of responding to mass casualties, violent crimes, and relentless calls for help takes a toll on their hearts and minds. Their work never truly ends, yet they continue to serve with courage and dedication, sacrificing so much for the safety of their communities.

We were blessed to be joined by Rev. Ernewein, who offered prayers with law enforcement, asking for strength, protection, and peace for those who serve. “The entire station house came together in a beautiful display of unity. They paused their meals and joined hands, lifting their voices in prayer, creating a powerful atmosphere of hope and healing. It was a moment where faith intertwined with community spirit, demonstrating that during times of crisis, we find strength in togetherness,” Sarah said.

We were honored and humbled to be present with the New Orleans community in their pain, offering comfort, compassion, and the hope of healing.
 
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support received from our donors and volunteers, whose generosity enables us to provide comfort to those in need in New Orleans.
 
Together, we can bring light into the darkest of times and continue to be a beacon of HOPE and healing to those suffering and in need. Thank you for walking alongside us!

We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the names of the victims, acknowledging their lives and the love they shared with others. Let us collectively hold their families in our hearts and prayers, as they seek healing.

Andrew Dauphin (26)
Kareem Badawi (18)
Brandon Taylor (43)
Hubert Gauthreaux (21)
Matthew Tenedorio (25)
Ni'kyra Dedeaux (18)
Nicole Perez (27)
Reggie Hunter (37)
Martin Bech (27)
Terrence Kennedy (63)
Elliot Wilkinson (40)
William DiMaio (25)
Edward Pettifer (31)
LaTasha Polk (47)

Happy birthday to our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry, which was launched on this day five years ago! Since January 2020, HMC has provided hearts and crosses to individuals, families, and groups who have suffered loss or are honoring a loved one. Hearts also are given to celebrate victories, recognize milestones, express appreciation, and uplift people during adversity.
 
“We thank God for the opportunity to share in the sorrows and celebrations of people He dearly loves,” said HMC Director Sarah Sekki. “The circumstances and settings change, but every heart given communicates the love, hope, and presence of Jesus our Savior.”
 
HMC hearts and crosses are hand-crafted and prayed over by woodworking volunteers in multiple locations across the country. The heart itself universally depicts love and is painted blue to represent hope. Hearts may also include a red, blue, yellow, or white stripe to acknowledge connection to service as a first responder. Some hearts are purple to recognize our veterans. All hearts have an Ichthus fish with a Scripture verse as a symbol of God’s grace

Hearts of Mercy are also given at the observance of Confirmation and Baptism. Presented as gifts, each heart is uniquely personalized with a name and often filled with hand-written messages of support.
 
“Lutheran Church Charities has grown as a ministry because of the emergence of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “HMC has opened up new means for us to offer care and show compassion in public venues and in private moments. Even after we leave, HMC hearts and crosses remain to show ongoing love and support for families and communities. We pray that the LORD would continue to use HMC to advance the good news of the Gospel and grow His kingdom across the country.”
 
This month, LCC will highlight significant HMC ministry moments and imagine how God might use this ministry in the future.

"Prayers for PK" echoed throughout the St. Louis area over the past nine months as Penelope Kate "PK" Karrenbrock (age 9) bravely fought cancerous tumors in her spine. A beloved member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, Missouri, PK was surrounded by the unwavering support of her church family, who lifted her up in prayer and hosted prayer vigils in her honor. Her journey touched hearts beyond the local community, with over 12,000 followers on Facebook keeping vigil and offering constant prayers for her healing.
 
Though PK has now passed, her father, Doug, shared these poignant words: “We didn’t get the answer we wanted, but we stand firm in believing that God’s ways are far better than we could ever comprehend.” Through it all, the family clung to the comfort and strength of Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."
 
In honor of PK, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team at Immanuel Lutheran crafted a beautiful heart and cross, a symbol of the love and faith that carried her through her battle. May the deep peace of God surround the Karrenbrock family in this time of grief, and may they find solace in the continued prayers and support of their faith community. Though the road is dark, may they be uplifted by the light of God’s love and the prayers that continue to surround them.

The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, MO, has been faithfully preparing to serve their community, and their efforts are already bearing fruit.
 
Since becoming an affiliate in June, they have been focused on building a strong team. Early this fall they completed their first cross-build and, more recently, four members of the team were certified in Spiritual First Aid. With these efforts in place, the team is now poised to serve in meaningful ways.
 
Last week, when a local family tragically lost their father in an unexpected fall, the team quickly responded with their first Heart of Mercy & Compassion. The father was a well-known member of the community, particularly in the soccer world, and a graduate of the local high school. In the wake of the family's loss, the HMC team delivered the heart and cross to the local high school, offering both their prayers and their presence in the midst of the community’s grief.
 
Immanuel Lutheran Church is ready to be a vigilant and compassionate presence in Wentzville, always willing to serve and reach out to those in need. As they continue to listen to the Spirit’s leading, they will no doubt find many more opportunities to bring Christ’s love and comfort to their neighbors.

Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, quickly responded to the heartbreaking news of local high school sophomore Krystal Buck's passing. Understanding the profound grief felt by her community, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team joined LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Team Zoara and quickly mobilized to offer support. Krystal had bravely battled leukemia before suffering a life-ending infection.
 
A vibrant cheerleader and active school member, Krystal's spirit left a lasting impact on her classmates. In tribute, the school administration welcomed both the heart and cross to be displayed in Krystal’s classrooms and the lunchroom, allowing her peers to share their memories and condolences.
 
Messages written by her classmates beautifully captured her essence: “Krystal was a bright light in this dark world… our sunshine on a cloudy day… always so kind and happy… she was so positive and loved by everyone.”
 
The heart and cross will be gifted to Krystal’s family, offering love and support as they navigate through this tragic time of loss.

The school counselor at Bluffton High School reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there as the students and staff learned the news of Krystal’s death. As soon the school learned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara would be there they said, "We all love Zoara, and thank you for responding so soon."
 
Zoara welcomed their hugs and touch as they sought her comfort. Zoara and her handlers visited several classrooms where Krystal was a student. It took one student to approach Zoara and then others would follow and spend time receiving her comfort and warmth. Often times the teachers would spend more time with Zoara than the students as they had seen how fiercely Krystal’s fought her battle with leukemia. Many staff members also knew Krystal’s older siblings.
 
READ MORE to learn how Zoara's team comforted the students and staff.

Last week was a difficult one at Bluffton High School, Bluffton, South Carolina, as they learned that their friend, classmate, and student Krystal Buck (pictured) had died after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Krystal fought hard against this disease, all the while pushing through with determination and positivity.  Krystal continued to attend Bluffton High School and to play sports which included being a cheerleader and soccer player. Krystal's goal was to become a Child Life Specialist one day and help children who had experiences like hers.

The school counselor at Bluffton High School reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there as the students and staff learned the news of Krystal’s death. As soon the school learned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) would be there they said, "We all love Zoara, and thank you for responding so soon."

Zoara and her handlers and the Heart of Mercy & Compassion team for Island Lutheran were there on Thursday, October 31 to comfort and support the students and staff at Bluffton High School. Zoara  and her team spent time with Krystal’s cheerleading and dance teams giving them time to process those thoughts and feeling of losing her.

Zoara welcomed their hugs and touch as they sought her comfort. Zoara and her handlers visited several classrooms where Krystal was a student.  It took one student to approach Zoara and then others would follow and spend time receiving her comfort and warmth.  Often times the teachers would spend more time with Zoara than the students as they had seen how fiercely Krystal’s fought her battle with leukemia. Many staff members also knew Krystal’s older siblings. 

The Heart of Mercy and Compassion was a great way for the students to share and express their thoughts and feelings. 

It was a very emotional day but through the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team from Island Lutheran, everyone felt loved, seen, and comforted.