“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.

LCC has been blessed to walk alongside historic St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Chicago’s Pilsen community for many years. Though small in size, this faithful congregation shines brightly in a neighborhood where many families struggle to meet daily needs. With the help of devoted volunteers, St. Matthew’s offers clothing, shoes, food, and other essentials—often serving as the only church in the area providing this kind of care.

Yet their ministry extends far beyond physical support. Every act of compassion becomes an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ. Many who first came to St. Matthew’s seeking food or clothing have since discovered a church home, becoming part of a welcoming family of faith. Over the years, God has used this ministry to bring about baptisms, weddings, and countless lives transformed by the Gospel.

Pastor Cesar Sifuentes and his wife, Deaconess Elly, serve faithfully with humility and love. But they cannot do this work alone. They depend on the prayers and generosity of people like you to continue caring for their neighbors and pointing them to Christ.

Your support makes a lasting impact. Together, we can help St. Matthew’s keep its doors open—meeting needs, sharing hope, and welcoming all who seek both physical and spiritual care.

We recently received a letter from Pastor Steve Kass (pictured) asking for help to support Manuel and his family as they settle into our community.
 
Manuel, his wife, and their three young daughters recently made our community their home, relocating from Romania in search of a brighter future. Before coming to the United States, Manuel spent several years as a refugee in Italy, working tirelessly and saving every penny so he could provide his family with the opportunities they deserved. Life was full of challenges, and corruption and limited opportunities made it difficult for him to secure the future he dreamed of for his children back home.
 
Now in the U.S., Manuel is determined to build a better life for his family. One of the biggest hurdles he faces is the lack of a reliable vehicle. Having a car would make it possible for him to commute to work and take care of his family’s day-to-day needs with ease.

Manuel has become a cherished member of our church family, and we are committed to walking alongside him as he works toward a brighter future. We invite you to join us in supporting Manuel and his family—through your prayers and, if you feel led, by donating a vehicle or contributing toward the purchase of one. Together, we can help them move forward with hope and stability.
 
With gratitude,
Pastor Steve Kass
Family in Faith, Glendale Heights, IL

Interested in Donating a Vehicle?
Your unused or older vehicle—whether it's in great shape or needs a few repairs—could become a life-changing gift for a family in need. To learn more about how to donate, please email: [email protected].

Faith Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, IL, has once again witnessed how God can work through ordinary encounters to provide extraordinary care. This month, the church’s Hospitality House opened its doors to a veteran and his young family, offering them refuge in a time of crisis.

The family—parents with three small children—had been working hard to build a stable life. But when financial plans to purchase the home they were renting unexpectedly collapsed, they suddenly faced eviction with only weeks to find a new place to live.

By what many call divine timing, one of Faith’s Hospitality House Care Team members crossed paths with the father at a local radio station, where he was working. In conversation, he shared the heavy burden he was carrying—the challenges of adjusting to life after military service, and the devastating reality that his family was on the brink of homelessness.

Recognizing the urgency, she introduced him to Pastor Mark Frusti and invited the family to attend a church picnic. There, they met the Hospitality House Care Team, a ministry dedicated to walking alongside people in need by offering temporary housing, resources, and compassionate support for families in transition.

For this veteran’s family, the Hospitality House is more than just a roof over their heads. It represents:

• Stability for their children, who now fill the home with laughter.
• Breathing room for parents, allowing them to plan next steps without fear of losing everything.
• A caring community, reminding them they are not alone on this journey.
  
  

Church members have surrounded the family with encouragement, practical help, and ongoing prayer. The Care Team will continue to walk with them, guiding them toward a more permanent and secure future.
This kind of ministry is possible only through the prayers, generosity, and partnership of people like you. Your support ensures that when families in crisis knock on Faith Lutheran’s door, they not only find shelter—but also the hope of Christ.

Faith Lutheran invites you to support them in sustaining and growing this mission. Together, we can make sure that every family who needs refuge will find a place of care, compassion, and the love of Jesus—right when they need it most.

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.

The LCC Human Care team has a long-standing partnership with First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located in the heart of Chicago. Amid the city’s bustling urban landscape, this church has become a vital hub for compassionate care—bringing together a growing coalition of churches, nonprofits, and medical professionals to address Chicago’s most pressing needs.

In collaboration with the Chicago Help Initiative (CHI), Project 229, Catholic Charities, Church of the Ascension, Vituity Cares, St. Chrysostom Church, and AA, First St. Paul’s works tirelessly to ensure that refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, and families in crisis are not forgotten. Instead, they are met with dignity, purpose, and practical support.

This network of partnerships has mobilized volunteers and coordinated ministries that:

• Serve community meals on-site, at Catholic Charities, and directly to people living on the streets.
• Partner with local social workers to offer holistic support that fosters long-term change.
• Operate a collaborative free store providing clothing, shoes, and essential items.
• Host an on-site medical clinic offering basic healthcare, free prescriptions, and referrals to specialized providers.
• Welcome AA and peer support groups, fostering community through shared experiences.
• Launch Stephen Ministry, providing one-on-one, Christ-centered care to individuals facing life’s challenges.
  
  

In every ministry effort, the team offers spiritual care—praying with others, inviting them to church, and welcoming them into Bible study.

Through strong leadership and intentional partnerships, First St. Paul’s brings together the strengths of many organizations, ensuring that those in need receive not just temporary relief, but a pathway toward lasting stability.

LCC is deeply grateful for the transformative work happening through First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and is honored to be a partner in this mission. Churches and congregations interested in partnering with LCC to launch new human care ministries, strengthen existing outreach, and build a network of resources for a holistic approach to ministry, are encouraged to contact Denise Snider at [email protected].

The Care Team at Faith Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, IL, has nearly finished renovations to its Hospitality House and is preparing to welcome a new family in need in the coming weeks.

The team has overseen the installation of new flooring and made repairs throughout the two-story home, as well as added new living room furniture and performed a deep clean top to bottom. Outside, they have started work on the backyard fence, pulled weeds around the flowerbeds, and removed tree stumps.

Almost all the materials and some of the labor was donated from local vendors and craftsmen. The house has new bed frames and window curtains. It also has a freshly poured concrete and asphalt driveway and backdoor stoop. The team is also working on adding a ramp to make the home accessible to someone in a wheelchair.

“There has been dozens of good people who have helped with the initial work on the house and again with the new work that’s been put in,” said Larry Stemple, who has coordinated the renovation for Faith Carpentersville. “Electrical, plumbing, flooring, every corner of the house has been touched by people lending their talents or donating money. It’s incredible!”

Every effort that has gone into the home has focused on creating a warm, inviting space where a family in need can feel safe and cared for, said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry.

Hospitality House, a formerly unused parsonage next to Faith Lutheran, provides tangible help and is a spiritual symbol of God’s love through Christian hospitality. It provides low-to-no-cost, short-term housing for a family in need.

While the house is in between tenants, the church is using it for church meetings and prayer nights. The Hospitality House team will meet in next week to finalize the application process so they can identify the next family that will move into the house in early fall.

In the meantime, Faith is seeking to use a wood chipper and fencing supplies to complete work in the backyard. 

LEARN MORE:
https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/hospitalityhouse.html

“We spent time at command centers in Kerrville and Center Point, speaking with search and rescue responders and meeting FEMA disaster response center survivors who were registering for assistance,” said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care.

What they have endured is overwhelming, and the recovery will last for months. Survivors of a flooded subdivision were mucking and gutting their homes when LCC teams stopped by to talk and pray.

Joined by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, TX) and Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, TX), the LCC group also attended a vigil for the victims at the Memorial Wall in downtown Kerrville on Saturday night, hearing harrowing stories of survival and deep loss. 

“At all of these we were able to offer a listening ear to the many stories shared, a caring touch or hug, a prayer and hope in Jesus Christ,” said O’Day.

Along the Guadelupe River

The first thing you notice is the smell.

A waft of musty mud. The stink of trash and debris. All of it 20 or 30 feet over head. Smushed in branches.

“Large trees were uprooted and bending in the direction of the wall of water that came down the river,” said LCC Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day.

During the deployment, O’Day and Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Jason Johnson hiked along part of the Guadalupe River that recently had been combed by search and rescue first responders.

“You see washed up vehicles and other items swept down the river and deposited in places they shouldn’t be,” O’Day described. “You think about the lives lost and those missing and being searched for. And as you walk, you feel as though you are walking on sacred ground.”

A husband-and-wife self-rescue

When the flooding was at its peak, the rising water was halfway up the first floor window for a U.S. Army veteran who lived in Hunt, Texas.

Home with his wife, the man knew he had to make a plan fast.

LCC Director of Human Care Denise Snider heard his account during the deployment and marveled at his faith.

With sheer strength, the man managed to pry open the partially submerged window and turned to his wife with how to escape. “Hold your breath,” he told her.

He grabbed her hand and helped her squeeze through the window. As she made it out, he swam right behind her, still clinging to her hand.

Above raging river, the sky crackled with lightning, providing enough light to make out a branch dangling from trees overhead. They swam to it. Clinging to the branch, they swung around to the trunk, where the man tied his belt around his wife and a higher branch on the tree. Then he anchored himself to another part of the tree.

For the moment, they were both safe.
As the waters receded, they swam to safety. On solid ground, they made their way to neighbors’ homes, rescuing them from the water. His military training had prepared him for the moment, the man thought. But there was more.

Reflecting on the experience, the man shared that God’s strength gave him the ability to open the window, protect his wife, cling to the tree, and have energy to help others.
He gave all the glory to God, praising Him for His saving grace.

Tears at Camp LaJunta

Sitting at the entrance to Camp LaJunta in Hunt, Texas, a young man was in tears.

As Kathy O’Day and Jason Johnson approached, they noticed he was wearing a camp t-shirt. As a child, he had gone to camp here for many years and now had sent his son too.

Memories came back to him, and it hurt to know that so many boys were lost and traumatized by the flooding days earlier.  

Others were hurting too.

The man’s best friend lived along the river with his family, including an 18-month-old baby. When the flood waters hit, they were sleeping upstairs and awoke to a loud noise about 3:30 a.m.

Rushing downstairs, the discovered the first floor was filling with water, including the baby’s room. Their son was standing up in his crib with the water at his neck.

God had woken them up at the exact moment to save their child, he said. They made it to safety.

God is still working. Through the volunteers coming from all over. In the stories other families have told.

He thanked the LCC team for coming, listening to his story, and being a part of a God moment with him. 

A call back to faith

At the Kerrville town vigil on Saturday, LCC teams noticed a young woman who appeared to show signs of heat exhaustion. Kathy O’Day quickly got her some water. Denise Snider found a doctor to assist.

A short time later, the woman was refreshed, and they took a moment to thank the doctor. On her phone, the doctor showed a photo of a door at Camp Mystic, where she and a friend had helped recently. The image showed a beam of light shining through a crack in the door. But her friend, who took the same photo, had no light beam on hers.

“I’m not a Christian,” the doctor confessed.

But something about the light shining through the door crack made her believe God was reaching out to her.

O’Day invited the doctor to pray with her.

Was this encounter another sign? In the midst of this awful tragedy, was God using an unplanned moment to call her back to faith in Jesus?

She believed it was. 

LCC asks that supporters pray for this doctor in the weeks ahead. May she come more into the knowledge and love of Christ.