Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their committed teams of volunteers sprang into action, offering their support and comfort in the face of multiple tragedies. Recognizing the importance of being present for those suffering and in need, these compassionate teams stood ready to provide solace and care wherever it was needed. Independence, Missouri - Tragic Death of Police Officer and a Civil Process Server Last week, heartbreak struck Independence, Missouri, when Drexel Mack, a Civil Process Server, and Independence Police Officer Cody Allen were shot and killed, and two police officers were wounded while serving their community. This devastating event has left the community in shock and mourning.
Burnsville, Minnesota - Memorial Service for Three First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty
We thank Gideon Comfort Dog and his team for being present at various vigils and prayer gatherings and handling two shifts a day at the city hall memorial over these past ten days. We're also grateful to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams Charity, Hagar, Mary, and Tobias for providing additional support by traveling to the memorial service. Pam from Team Gideon said, "When I signed on to this thing called LCC K-9 Ministries, I had no idea that I would acquire new 'family' members, people we can turn to in good times and in bad." In the face of darkness, these bonds serve as a reminder of the power of community and the profound impact of compassion and presence in times of need. We continue to pray for the community, the colleagues, friends, and beloved family of these first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. May God surround each person who is grieving with His love and comfort. "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress…May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support." (Psalm 20:1-5) East Dundee, Illinois - Sudden Death of a Beloved Music Teacher
Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois - Sudden Death of Eighth-Grade Student
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
It was an honor for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be invited to attend the Nebraska Association of Women Police & First Responders Conference in Omaha last week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Priscilla (Trinity - Lincoln, Nebraska), and their teams were blessed to be there to offer solace and support to attendees navigating heavy topics surrounding trauma and suicide. Lutheran Church Charities prepared and sent Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for the police officers and firefighters attending the conference to show support, encouragement, and appreciation for all they do for the community, acknowledging their sacrifices and the daily challenges and heartbreak. LCC K-9 Police Ministry Handler Jim with LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Phinehas and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Handler Troy with LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Eden were at the conference to bestow the hearts to these dedicated police officers and firefighters who serve each day. These brave women and men's calling is to serve, knowing they will face new challenges and uncertainty each day. We keep them in our prayers for God's protection. We thank their dedication and courage to serve and protect our communities. Psalm 23:4: "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, because you are with me; your rod and your staff, they protect me."
Last Friday, a horrible tragedy happened in the community of Osage Beach, Missouri, when four teenagers were in a serious car accident. Moses Claxton, a sophomore student at Osage High School, was killed when the vehicle struck a tree. Moses was only 16 years old. Moses’ parents are staff members at Osage High School, where he also attended. Moses’ loss is felt by his parents, brothers Sawyer and Gideon, friends, teachers, and all those who knew and loved Moses and his family. “Friends, family, and strangers alike were charmed by his gentle grace and generosity that belied an adventurous and fearless streak.” Two other students injured in the car accident on Friday were taken to the hospital with severe injuries, and a fourth teenager with mild injuries. We pray for these three young people for God’s healing, courage, and strength as they move forward after this tragedy.
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like this. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
In December 2023, Pastor Kurt Schilling of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Wisconsin and his wife Paulina suffered an unimaginable loss when they lost their four children - Daniel, Fabian, Lilian (9th grade), and Daniela (4th grade) - in a car crash. Paulina is originally from Ecuador, and Pastor Schilling was the children's stepfather. Shortly after the accident, Pastor Steve Kline of Shepherd of the Hills in Greenville, Wisconsin, and a friend of Pastor Schilling reached out to LCC requesting Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses to honor the children's memory. LCC was honored to provide Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, as well as crosses in memory of the children. We were deeply moved to see our crosses carried high in front of each casket during the funeral procession in Ecuador, where the children were laid to rest. We pray for comfort and strength for the Schilling family during this difficult time, and we stand ready to provide support and care to anyone experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. CLICK HERE to watch the video.
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