There are moments when God’s purpose becomes unmistakably clear—when place, time, and calling converge so precisely that there is no doubt He has ordered every step. The presentation of two Line of Duty Death Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to the Arizona Department of Public Safety was one of those sacred moments.

Though it was never planned to coincide with the Best Practices in Ministry (BPM) Conference in Phoenix, the timing unfolded perfectly. What seemed unplanned was, in truth, divinely arranged. God aligned our presence with a moment that called for compassion, honor, and remembrance, reminding us that His timing is never accidental.

In early February, State Trooper and Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett and Pilot Robert B. Skankey answered a call marked by courage and service. Dispatched by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to assist officers confronting an armed suspect near Flagstaff, they provided critical aerial support in a dangerous situation. Tragically, the helicopter crashed during the mission, and both men lost their lives in the line of duty.

Just one week later, LCC staff, the HMC team, and K-9 Comfort Dog Team Persis (Christ the Redeemer - Tulsa, OK) had the privilege of presenting Hearts of Mercy in honor of these fallen heroes. The first day of the BPM conference became a powerful opportunity for remembrance, as a fundraiser for the officers’ families was being held at headquarters. Hundreds gathered—colleagues, friends, and community members—and one by one they filled the hearts with handwritten messages of love, gratitude, and comfort.

The officers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety expressed deep appreciation for our presence. Yet it was clear to us: we were meant to be there. Not by chance. Not by coincidence. But by God’s design.
In the midst of heartbreaking loss, His presence was evident. In the weight of grief, His work was unfolding. And through acts of remembrance and mercy, hope quietly took root—assuring us that even in sorrow, we are never alone.

This week, the Gwinnett County community and law enforcement family were shaken by a tragic line-of-duty death that has reverberated across North Georgia and beyond.

On Sunday morning, Officer Pradeep Tamang, 25, of the Gwinnett County Police Department was killed while responding to a fraud-related call at a hotel near Stone Mountain. Another officer, Cpl. David Reed, was seriously wounded in the same shooting and has since undergone surgery and is reported to be recovering.

A nearby church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, GA, was ready to act.  Having just been trained in Spiritual First Aid in 2025, they understand the power of responding quickly, with compassion.  Trinity volunteers, working alongside Hearts of Mercy & Compassion staff, delivered a Heart of Mercy on a cross, just in front of Officer Tamang’s squad car.  Surrounded by all the tributes, flowers and memorabilia, the heart reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

This outreach from Athens goes back a step further.  An HMC volunteer cross builder in Louisville, KY, had just dropped off those crosses to Trinity just a couple of months prior, to be used in emergency responses just like this.  The depth of time, love and commitment this response shows can lift those who shoulder grief — reminding them that in moments of darkness, God’s love still shines brightly.

As Officer Tamang is laid to rest and Cpl. Reed continues his recovery, the thoughts and prayers of countless people remain with their families, the Gwinnett County Police Department, and everyone touched by these events.

LCC Cares Ministry recently received a request to send a Care Team to support the staff and residents of Transformation Village in Asheville, North Carolina. Last year, the state was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, prompting Lutheran Church Charities to deploy Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT), Care Teams, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to walk alongside communities during a time of crisis. During that deployment, team members spent time with residents at Transformation Village, a transitional living community serving unhoused women and children.

Today, the staff and residents continue to navigate the long-term effects of flooding, challenging life circumstances that have led to homelessness, and the grief surrounding the loss of a former resident. Over the weekend, an LCC Care Team returned to be present with them, as well as with the staff and residents of Safe Haven, the on-campus emergency shelter that serves as a pathway into Transformation Village.

The Care Team included Parish Nurse Heidi Thin (Faith Lutheran Church – Sussex, WI), Dawn Werner (Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Collinsville, IL), Sue Beck (Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team member from Brookfield Lutheran Church – Brookfield, WI), and Jessica Ganzen (Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Coordinator for the HMC Team at Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI).

Through the use of Spiritual First Aid, the team created safe and compassionate spaces where staff and residents could share their stories, process their experiences, and receive caring support, prayer, and scripture to offer encouragement as they continue their journey toward healing. Three Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were presented during the visit: the first heart was given to Transformation Village, the second heart was given to Wendy, a staff member who is grieving the recent loss of her mother, and the third heart was given to the staff at Safe Haven, the on-campus emergency shelter for Transformation Village.
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Reflecting on the visit, Jessica said, “God sure is on the move in this place.” Sue Beck, an HMC team member from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, also shared how grateful she was to serve and how blessed she was by the experience.

LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer shared remarks during the ceremony: “My heart breaks for each and every one of you that faces this Christmas in a way that you never thought you would have to. We are heartbroken with you. We grieve with you. … The One that came in the manger made sure that something was done about that — that death wouldn’t have the final word. I pray that each and every one of you would receive that gift anew this Christmas, even in the midst of grief. I know that any of your anger, any of your sadness, all the emotion, the manger is big enough to contain it.”

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Martha (Bethany, Austin) and Persis (Christ The Redeemer, Tulsa) and their handlers stood by for all those who needed hugs and a moment to be still. LCC staff and ministry partners were with them to listen, for conversation, or to pray.

“God was present in the midst of such sorrow,” one volunteer shared. “Loved ones proudly stood by the crosses, each cross naming their loved one, whom they will never forget and for whom they grieve deeply. Yet, as they move on from the Garden, they will take the Heart of Mercy & Compassion with them.” 

Each HMC has the verse Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

For years to come, that heart gift will remind them of God’s promise — and for the support from so many who will remember their lost loved one.

“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.