“At the very heart of our mission and purpose at Lutheran Church Charities is to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need. This is why we go. This is why we serve. That is our calling. That is our privilege.” - LCC President and CEO, Rev. Chris Singer

When tragedy struck the quiet town of Grand Blanc, Michigan, the community was shaken to its core. Four lives were lost, eight more were wounded, and an entire town was left grieving after a horrific mass shooting and fire.

When Pastor Robert Scott of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc extended an invitation for support, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) answered without hesitation. Within hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) volunteers were on their way—called to bring the mercy and presence of Christ into the heart of heartbreak.

Faith Lutheran: A Light in the Darkness

For Pastor Robert Scott and the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church, hosting the LCC teams was an extension of their own calling to be a refuge for the hurting.

“We want to help our neighbors, especially those who are hurting,” Pastor Scott said. “When I got home from church that day, as everything was unfolding, the first thing I thought of was the Comfort Dogs. By Monday, they were here. You could feel something healing about their presence.”

“People like to come together in tragedy,” Pastor Scott reflected. “There’s something healing about gathering together. Having LCC with us brought peace and comfort to people who were broken.”

Faith Lutheran will continue that healing work in the months to come through Spiritual First Aid™—a faith-based trauma care training that equips congregations to respond to crisis with LCC—equipping members to walk with those who grieve long after the headlines fade.

“This wound will have long-term consequences for our community,” Pastor Scott said. “Partnering with LCC helps us begin that healing—and prepares us to help others in the future.”

“We’re Called to Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus”

Among those walking closely with both the hurting and the helpers was Deaconess Christie Hansard, a parish nurse and deaconess at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc. Her voice carried both tenderness and conviction as she reflected on what these days had revealed.

“I think one of the distractions in this world is that we forget how much evil is out there,” she said. “And it isn’t until something like this happens that we’re reminded that there is evil in this world—and God can use that to His glory. When something like this happens, we’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. That’s why Lutheran Church Charities was here—to help and assist people on the ground.”

For Deac. Hansard, this deployment was not just about tending to others—it was about the ministry of mutual care. “If we’re the ones doing the ministering, we need care, too,” she added. “Our community needs care. And that’s why you’re here.”

Deac. Hansard has been instrumental in bringing Spiritual First Aid™ to the church and surrounding district.

“I’ve been doing this for twenty years,” she said. “And I can honestly say that Spiritual First Aid knocked it out of the park—above and beyond anything that’s ever come across my desk. It gives people the confidence to say, ‘I wanted to help, but I didn’t know what to do.’ It bridges that gap.”

Presence in the Midst of Pain

The first stop for the LCC teams was the community vigil outside Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. There, hundreds gathered to weep, pray, and remember. Volunteers gently set up the blue Hearts of Mercy & Compassion—handcrafted wooden hearts bearing the names of the victims. Each heart quickly became a sacred space, covered in handwritten prayers, Bible verses, and messages of love.

One woman hesitated before writing on a heart. “I have to think about what to write,” she said softly. A volunteer encouraged her, “Yes, it’s hard sometimes. How have you coped with loss in your life so far?” The woman paused, then replied, “My faith sustains me.” She smiled as she picked up the marker and began to write.

In that small exchange, faith became testimony. Hope was rekindled.

“The Dogs Bring Back a Sense of Reality”

While the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion created places for the community to gather and grieve, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs became living reminders of God’s presence and peace.

Six golden-furred friends—Caleb, Claudia, Damascus, Eternity, Jared, and Magdalene—traveled from Indiana and Ohio to Grand Blanc. They spent their days visiting hospitals, police departments, fire stations, and community gatherings, quietly sharing the love of Christ through gentle touch and compassionate presence.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye described what those moments meant:

“This incident brought a lot of emotions and heartache for me, my staff, and our community,” he said. “Being the police chief of such a terrible, evil act—and balancing public, operational, media, and employees’ needs—has caused long work days and sleepless nights. I’m not only a police chief; I’m a husband, a father of two beautiful girls, and a dog dad myself.”

“Being with the dogs brought calm, love, and a time to decompress for a moment. The dogs bring back a sense of reality—that the world is full of love and peace, not just what we experienced in this community. The Lutheran Church Charities team is doing great work healing our community. I believe these kind, compassionate acts will make our community stronger. We are better together.”

A City’s First Responders Find Comfort

Each day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams visited those who had carried the heaviest burdens. They met with dispatchers, firefighters, and police officers who had run toward danger that night, now left to wrestle with the memories.

Firefighter Michael Hertzberg, one of the first on the scene, shared through tears, “It’s an invaluable gift to have LCC and the Comfort Dogs here. There’s been a lot of emotion over the past four days. Seeing the support and love of all of these people means so much to me and to all of us.”

At the Grand Blanc City Police Department, Chief Brian Lipe echoed those feelings: “Being with the Comfort Dogs has allowed our blood pressure to drop,” he said. “In this stressful situation, it’s a relief to have the support of groups like LCC. With all of the bad happening in the country and the world, it’s comforting to have these teams come in from across the country

Moments of Mercy, Acts of Grace

For the LCC teams, the deployment was filled with sacred moments—quiet, powerful encounters where Christ’s compassion shone through.

Nancy Borders, deployment lead and Top Dog for Claudia Comfort Dog, described one she will never forget: “When we entered the Grand Blanc Township Hall, all the employees had gathered. Our six Comfort Dogs lined up before them, and when everyone was invited to pet the dogs, they eagerly rushed forward. The Township police chief couldn’t hide his joy when one of the dogs gently placed her paws in his lap. Later, our team prayed with the chief and the employees, sharing a moment of compassion and comfort that will not be forgotten.”

Nancy recalled watching a woman sit silently beside one of the Comfort Dogs, tears falling freely. “No words were needed,” she said. “In that simple moment of connection, peace began to replace pain. It was a powerful reminder that love and kindness can bridge every divide.”

Hearts That Heal

The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion became a central symbol of this mission of healing. Seven hearts were gifted to first responder departments across Grand Blanc and neighboring communities:

• Grand Blanc Township Fire Dept
• City of Grand Blanc Fire Dept
• City of Grand Blanc Police Dept
• Grand Blanc Township Police Dept
• Genesee County 911
• Genesee County Medical Examiner
• Burton Fire Dept Station 2
  
  

Each heart carried handwritten prayers, signatures, and Scripture—simple yet profound reminders that they are not alone.

“The leadership was very grateful,” Sarah Sekki, LCC shared. “Each person stopped to read the messages written. We heard many stories of that day, and we encouraged the responders in their continued recovery and healing.”

At the barricade site where the tragedy occurred, the hearts now stand as silent witnesses to love stronger than death—a place for the community to gather, to mourn, and to remember.

“Comfort, Comfort My People”

Throughout the deployment, one passage echoed again and again:
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” – Isaiah 40:1

That verse became both command and comfort. For the volunteers who served long days listening, hugging, and praying. For the first responders who found space to grieve. For the families and children who found peace in the soft fur of a Comfort Dog.

Rev. Chris Singer reflected, “Your presence is His presence. Your compassion is His compassion. Thank you for being His hands and feet in such a time as this."

Hope That Endures

As the teams prepared to return home, their hearts remained with the people of Grand Blanc. The wounds of that Sunday will not heal quickly—but even amid the sorrow, seeds of hope were planted.

Sarah Sekki shared, “The people of Grand Blanc showed remarkable kindness and warmth. Even in the midst of sorrow, their graciousness shone through. Prayers were not only welcomed but embraced, offering moments of shared comfort and hope. It reminded us that even in dark times, light shines brightest through the kindness of others.”

To the community, she offered these words of encouragement: “May the peace of Christ surround you and bring comfort to your hearts. God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. You are not walking this road alone. His love is present in every prayer, every act of kindness, and every tear shared. May His light shine through the darkness, reminding you that hope endures and His grace is sufficient for each new day.”

Why We Go

Lutheran Church Charities exists to bring the love of Christ into places of pain—to serve with humility, to listen with compassion, and to remind the brokenhearted that God is near.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3–4:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

That comfort—the comfort of Christ Himself—was shared again and again in Grand Blanc.
This is why we go.
This is why we serve.
That is our calling.
That is our privilege.

In every hug, every prayer, every paw print left behind, the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ were made known.

And through His people, Grand Blanc was reminded that even in the darkest moments, love has the final word.

Help LCC Be There — Crisis Response for Grand Blanc, MI

Your prayers and support make it possible for Lutheran Church Charities to be there in the moments that matter most—bringing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

Every donation helps us send K-9 Comfort Dog teams, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and crisis response ministries to communities like Grand Blanc—where hope is needed most.

👉 Donate Now to Help LCC Be There — Crisis Response for Grand Blanc, MI

See the Story in Action: For more coverage of LCC’s response in Grand Blanc, click here: Fox 2 Detroit coverage

With shock and heartbreak still weighing heavy on the community of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Lutheran Church Charities deployed teams of K-9 Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Care ministries on Monday to bring support and encouragement after a tragic mass shooting and fire resulted in four deaths and eight injuries.

On Sunday morning, a motorist crashed a truck into a Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse and began shooting, then set a fire that consumed the building.

“Our hearts are broken at the senseless loss of life in Grand Blanc, Michigan, this week,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. Lutheran Church Charities seeks to be present with those who are mourning and are devastated by this terrible tragedy. We have staff and volunteers on-site to listen, encourage, and pray with those who need a shoulder to lean on. Our prayer is that God will bring comfort through His holy presence today, this week, and over the weeks to come.”

Amid grief and loss of their neighbors and friends, Pastor Robert Scott of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc invited LCC to serve alongside them this week to offer care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to the hurting community.

Responding were six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana and Ohio, who were present at Faith Lutheran Monday night and will serve the community in the comfort of Jesus through Friday, visiting with families, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and community members.

LCC staff members are bringing Hearts of Mercy & Compassion in honor of the victims to be displayed at memorial sites. A community vigil will take place next week.

Additionally, LCC will have volunteers trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to provide support to the public, especially those who have been deeply affected by this tragic incident.

On Tuesday, Rev. Singer sent out a special appeal to assist LCC in responding to the Michigan tragedy and urged LCC supporters to pray for the families and individuals affected.

Comfort Dogs teams for Caleb (Immanuel Valparaiso, IN), Claudia (Trinity Toledo, OH), Damascus (St. Paul Napoleon, OH), Eternity (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene (Cornerstone Carmel, IN) began their ministry efforts at Faith Lutheran to meet with members of the congregation who knew victims of the shooting and fire.

The teams also connected with nurses outside Henry Ford Genesys Hospital to pray with them and relieve some of the stress of the week.

Later this week, K-9 teams will meet with law enforcement officers and attend a Wednesday night prayer service at Faith Lutheran, where community members have been invited to attend.

Sarah Sekki, director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Denise Snider, director of LCC Care Ministry, arrived Tuesday and coordinated setting up hearts and crosses at memorial sites and lining up help resources within the Grand Blanc community.

A community memorial event is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Lutheran Church Charities ministry teams with Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and K-9 Comfort Dogs continued to walk alongside the Minneapolis community, bringing the hope and love of Christ to places heavy with grief.

An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old from Annunciation Catholic Church were killed and 18 people were injured in a shooting during morning mass on August 27. After five days of on-the-ground ministry, stories of comfort and compassion linger.

LCC teams have partnered with Pastor Pat Simmons and the congregation of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, to visit first responders and school families in the days following the tragedy. The hearts and crosses for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were moved to different vigils and locations, allowing the community to gather, pray, and write messages of love and support.

A Prayer Interrupted by Grief
Outside of Annunciation Catholic Church, a young man was kneeling and praying in front of the hearts and crosses. After he stood up, he seemed lost as to what to do next. “I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked if I could stand there with him for a minute,” said Jessica Ganzen, HMC ministry coordinator at Faith Appleton, Wisconsin. “He fell into my arms and hugged me so tight and just sobbed for several minutes.” The man was a delivery driver, and Annunciation was on his regular route. He shared that his family had suffered some tragic losses and that his heart broke because he just knew that these kids’ lives would never be the same. The brokenness of the tragedy reached into quiet places and affected the everyday lives of people who are often unseen.

Children’s Strength Amid Tragedy
The children of Annunciation continued to visit the church and memorial, offering unwavering support. “One thing I observed was their strength and resilience,” said Debbie Endres, HMC ministry coordinator from Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield, Wisconsin. “They had just experienced such a heavy tragedy, but they were walking around serving all the people visiting the church – arranging flowers, cleaning up trash, putting water in coolers.” One young student, who had been there several days, offered a smile and shared that she was getting the support she needed. Another set of young girls simply replied, “This just seems like the best place to be.”

A Hug That Spoke Volumes
A young man at the memorial was alone and crying. Jessica Ganzen put a hand on his shoulder and asked if she could stand with him. A moment later, they hugged. “Each time I went to give him space, he wasn’t ready to let go yet,” she shared. Afterward, the man said that he wasn’t from Minnesota but attended college nearby, and his heart was just hurting for what happened. He shared that he was originally from Appleton, Wisconsin. “When I shared that Appleton is where I traveled from, he was shocked. He thanked us for being there and said that even if all we could do was offer a hug to those hurting, it made a huge difference. I was continuously in awe of who God led me to specifically comfort and speak to.”

Comfort for the Hidden Helpers
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and HMC teams from Faith Appleton and Brookfield, visited the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office during their morning shift change. “Their work is rarely seen by the public, yet it carries a heavy weight—especially the week of all the vigils,” said Pam Lienemann, Top Dog for Gideon and member of St. Michael Bloomington, Minnesota. “These workers step into the most difficult moments of tragedy with compassion and care, and the burdens they carry can often go unnoticed. Our teams were grateful to bring them a quiet moment of comfort, peace, and appreciation for all they do.”

Supporting the First Responders 
The HMC and LCC Comfort Dog teams also visited Hennepin 911 Dispatch, that provided calm voices on the other end of the line in moments of fear and chaos. “This week has been incredibly hard for them as they took the heartbreaking calls from Annunciation Catholic School,” said Tim Schwan with Hagar Comfort Dog of Faith Appleton, Wisconsin. “People don’t see their faces, but they are the first to respond. It was an honor to give them a chance to pause, breathe, and simply be surrounded by unconditional love.”

Hospitality in a Time of Service
The Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis/Bloomington served as home base for the LCC ministry teams while they served in the Twin Cities. But the hotel staff quickly showed their appreciation for their guests with the furry four-legged friends when they learned they were in town to serve. The front desk staff wrote multiple thank you notes to the group, expressing their appreciation for the team’s kindness and care. “They were so accommodating,” said Joann Schwan with Hagar Comfort Dog of Faith Appleton, Wisconsin. Katie and Brian Rollefson with Samaria Comfort Dog of Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, Wisconsin, received one too, thanking them for making a difference. LCC is grateful for the hospitality and support Hilton Garden Inn showed the group.

When Tragedy Hits Home
For Pam Lienemann, the tragedy was especially impactful because Minneapolis is her home. As the five-day deployment ended, opportunities to serve and care continued. But the support of K-9 Comfort Dog and HMC teams from neighboring Wisconsin and Illinois was deeply meaningful. In a note to the group, she shared: “Your willingness to drop what you were doing and travel here — to be present, to sit with those in pain, and to share the calm, comfort, and hope of Christ — was such a blessing. The love you brought through gentle interactions, listening hearts, and faithful presence brought the light and peace of Jesus to a season of shock, bewilderment, and grief. This time, it was our city, our children, and out people who were hurting. Your presence gave our team the strength to set aside our own shock and do the work God has called us to do.”

Thank you to the following teams for answering the call to serve: 

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams
Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Lutheran- Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Hagar Comfort Dog (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin)
Gideon Comfort Dog (St. Michael's - Bloomington, Minnesota)
Mary Comfort Dog (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin)
Samaria Comfort Dog (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin)
Samson Comfort Dog (Zion - Marengo, Illinois)

LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry teams
Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin
Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin

Please keep the Minneapolis community in your prayers. Thank you for being a partner of Lutheran Church Charities.

This year, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Raymore, MO, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Concordia, MO, to share love and encouragement with children receiving care at Children’s Mercy Hospital. As our local children’s hospital, it holds a special place in our hearts. Volunteers from HMC and members of Bethlehem Lutheran signed golden hearts that were delivered along with goodie boxes for the patients.
 
Roger Fox, HMC Ministry Coordinator at Bethlehem, shared:
“The director of the donation center was blown away by all the hearts and goodie boxes. He is a Christian and asked many questions about the HMC ministry. It was a great experience!”
 
We invite you to join our affiliate churches in praying for these children and their families as they walk through the challenges of cancer together.
 
Prayer
Dear God of all comfort, we ask that the hope and love of Your Son, Jesus, be powerfully shared with these families through this ministry. We entrust them to Your care. May Your Spirit comfort, encourage, and remind them of Your steadfast love during this difficult journey.

Lutheran Church Charities, in partnership with The Coming King Foundation, announced a Care & Remembrance Gathering featuring the installation of 95 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and the unveiling of the Hill Country Flood Memorial Wall honoring the 137 lives lost in the tragic disaster over the Fourth of July weekend along the Guadalupe River Basin.

This public event — led by LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and hosted by Kerrville artist Max Greiner — will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, on the grounds of The Empty Cross monument at The Coming King Foundation Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas.

“Our hearts are with the people of the Texas Hill Country after such a devastating tragedy,” Rev. Singer said. “Respectfully and compassionately, we desire to be present with the community for a time of reflection, prayer, and mourning. Even amid sorrow and grief, we believe God is close to the brokenhearted and offers hope and comfort. We invite all who are hurting and in need of support to attend this Remembrance Gathering with us and our ministry partner The Coming King Foundation.”

In addition to the 95 HMCs, which are being delivered from Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas, LCC will deploy a contingent of 29 staff members and volunteers, including eight K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma and a four-member LCC Care Team from Gloria Dei Houston

The Hill Country Flood Memorial Wall, a 160-foot undulating limestone structure designed by Greiner, traces the curvature of the Guadalupe River. Bronze plaques will bear the names of those lost in the flood and will recognize the first responders, volunteers, and churches that provided critical care and support.

LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMCs) will be displayed in front of the Memorial Wall as an interactive tribute. Attendees will have the opportunity to write personalized messages of hope, love, and encouragement for the families of those who passed away.

The Care & Remembrance Gathering also will feature eight LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma. These purebred Golden Retrievers and their trained handlers will provide emotional support, prayer, and peaceful companionship to help attendees process stress, grief, and loss.

In addition, LCC will deploy a four-member Care Team trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to offer compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Volunteers serving in Kerrville this week include:

Pax Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas 
Phoebe Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas 
Olive Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas 
Handlers: Janice & John Marut, LuAnn Kelly, Laura Lewallen, Bob Hampton, Veronica Vorva, LaRae Witsaman

Triton Comfort Dog, Messiah Plano, Texas 
Handlers: Marti Martz, Jane & Jerry Baedke

Elijah Comfort Dog, Our Redeemer Wichita Falls, Texas 
Handlers: Kelly Shivertaker (Bethany Austin, Texas) and Ken Wehmeyer (Bethany Austin, Texas)

Persis Comfort Dog, Christ The Redeemer Tulsa, Oklahoma 
Handlers: Roxy & Steve Hurry, Lori Knoepfel

Gabriel Comfort Dog, Messiah Houston, Texas 
Handlers: Janet & Charles Cook

Joy Comfort Dog, Gloria Dei Houston, Texas 
Handlers: Karen & Kim Gastler

The 95 hearts and crosses are being driven 22 hours from LCC headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, with stops at Christ The Redeemer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and St. Paul, in Fort Worth, Texas. Eric Wendelbo of Christ The Redeemer will deploy as an HMC volunteer.

An LCC Care Team from Gloria Dei Houston will include Susanne Franson, Fred Heiner, Roberta Heiner, and Dawn Petersen.

“We are so grateful for these servants of Christ to join us for the Remembrance Gathering and show comfort and care to the community of Kerrville,” said Rev. Singer. “We know that they are traveling hundreds of miles to be there for people who are still hurting and in need. We are so thankful for their help.”

The Gathering event marks LCC’s third ministry trip to the Hill Country region as part of its ongoing disaster response and community support efforts.

Junior High Youth Spread Sweetness for a Cause

Even more support emerged last week when the Junior High youth at Trinity Lutheran in Villa Park, IL, held a Lemonade/Cookie Sale fundraiser to help families impacted by the July 4 flood in the Texas Hill Country. 

With bright smiles, homemade cookies, and ice-cold lemonade, the youth set up their stand to raise funds for those still struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastating flooding in Texas. The floods, which left many families displaced and in need, struck a chord with the group, inspiring them to take action in the most heartfelt way they knew — serving up treats with a side of compassion.

Adding even more warmth to the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff) made a special appearance, greeting visitors with his gentle presence and wagging tail. Children and adults alike couldn’t resist stopping for a friendly pat, a quick photo, and a cool drink. Michael’s visit reminded everyone that comfort and care can come in many forms — sometimes with fur and four paws.

Neighbors, church members, and passersby came out to show their support, turning the sale into a community gathering filled with laughter, generosity, and shared purpose. Every glass poured and cookie sold helped bring hope to families hundreds of miles away.

The Junior High youth proved that you don’t have to be a grown-up to change the world — just willing to lend a hand, bake a cookie, and pour a little lemonade for those in need.

Lutheran Church Charities can provide this assistance because faithful, generous donors and volunteers are willing to support and serve. Thanks to you, LCC will BE THERE as long as necessary to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.

This year, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion is partnering with Bethlehem Lutheran in Raymore, MO, and St. Paul’s Lutheran in Concordia, MO—two affiliate congregations—to provide Hearts of Mercy and gift boxes to children at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Each Heart of Mercy and box is painted gold, symbolizing support for those battling childhood cancer. Both churches are passionate about supporting local families and bringing hope through these gifts.

This week, a team of 10 volunteers packed the boxes with toys and goodies, assembled the Hearts of Mercy, and signed messages of love and encouragement. The event also served as a time of fellowship, as volunteers from both churches connected over breakfast snacks and coffee.

Later this month, the churches will deliver the completed boxes and hearts to Children’s Mercy Hospital’s donation center. The teams expressed gratitude for all who contributed and pride in supporting such an important cause.

UPDATE: On Thursday, July 10, Deaconess Kathy O'Day, director of LCC Disaster Response, and Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care, will lead teams of volunteers in the Texas Hill Country to bring comfort, care, and support to LCMS churches, first responders, and community residents affected by the July 4 flash-flooding. Joining them will be Jason Johnson, Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. 

​A team from Gloria Dei Houston will meet them there — with LERT-trained volunteers working with Deac. O'Day and Johnson, and Spiritual First Aid™- trained volunteers going with Snider.

Two K-9 Comfort Dog teams also will deploy Thursday evening:
- Team Elijah from Our Redeemer Wichita Falls, Texas, with Eddie Carlton (retired police) and Willie Reneau
- Team Joy from Gloria Dei Houston with Karen and Kim Gastler

The home base for ministry work this week will be at Hosanna Lutheran Kerrville.

--

Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer announced Monday that LCC is planning to deploy to the Texas Hill Country to BE THERE to offer HOPE TO THE HURTING after catastrophic rains, rapid rises in river levels, and massive flash flooding overwhelmed multiple communities over the July 4 weekend. The tragic weather event took the lives of more than 100 people, including dozens of children at campgrounds along the Guadalupe River basin.

LCC has been invited by Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District President Rev. Dr. Jon Braunersreuther and Texas District Disaster Response Coordinators Julie Tucker and David Ricks as soon as it is safe to travel and perform much-needed ministry work.

“The scope of this disaster is massive, both in lives tragically lost and the wide area that has been impacted,” Rev. Singer said. “Our hearts are broken at the devastation. Lives have been upended and torn apart. We are praying fervently and eager to be on-site to help as soon as possible.”



Search and rescue operations continue with around-the-clock response from local, state, and national first responders. Hundreds of officers and support staff are working in Kerr County and the region northwest of San Antonio known for its rolling hills and winding rivers.

LCC staff — plus LCC volunteers in Texas and Oklahoma — are standing by to mobilize and travel to affected areas.



LCC is prepared to lend Disaster Response expertise and send LCC Care Teams trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those affected by this ongoing tragedy.

With several roads and bridges washed out, travel around Kerrville and the surrounding region is limited. LCC is planning to send K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams as soon as it can.

This week, LCC is focusing its assistance on serving the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District, plus working alongside LCMS pastors and congregations participating in community care efforts, including Kerrville, Boerne, San Antonio, and Houston. 

Rev. Singer has been in communication with LCMS district officials, while the directors from all four LCC ministry areas are talking daily with pastors in the region, assessing locations in the region to bring comfort and care.

Weather is another factor impacting deployment plans. The Texas Hill Country continues to see a pattern of rainstorms throughout the week.

Working with Hosanna Kerrville and other LCMS churches in the area, plus San Antonio and Austin, LCC is aggregating local resources to help residents, while preparing LCC volunteers when they arrive to help.

LCC can provide this assistance because of faithful, generous donors and volunteers who are willing to support and serve. 

“The financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations in the Texas Hill Country and bring HOPE TO THE HURTING,” Rev. Singer said.