Six Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Teams from three states, plus LCC Care Teams from Illinois, will deploy Friday to Southern California to offer compassionate care and support for Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations impacted by the devastating fires ravaging Los Angeles County.
 
LCC teams will lead two Community Care events on Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Venice, CA, and Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, CA. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from California, Nevada, and Washington will be on hand to listen to congregation members and area residents, pray with them, and offer pets and cuddles with the golden retrievers.
 
These events are designed to bring hurting community members together to process the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of a disaster, to be vulnerable in the presence of others, and, ultimately, to experience a taste of the hope found only in Jesus.

The need is great. About 20 families from Pacifica Christian High School, which conducts classes from Pilgrim’s campus, have lost their homes. Pilgrim also has welcomed members of Pacific Palisades Lutheran Church and is conducting joint worship services together. 
 
“The devastation from these tragic and truly unprecedented fires is widespread and stunning, and it will require a multifaceted response by our entire LCC team,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “We are blessed to be partnering with our churches on the West Coast. Our first step will be to care for the hurting with a ministry of presence, administering and training with Spiritual First Aid™ and providing that golden comfort of our K-9 teams."

On Sunday after worship, LCC Care teams will lead Spiritual First Aid™ Rapid Training workshops at First Lutheran Venice, CA, and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, CA, plus two more sessions at the Pacific Southwest District office in Irvine on Monday and Tuesday.
 
After training, LCC Disaster Response and Care teams will assist congregation members in engaging their communities with basic needs and the love of Christ.

“Please pray today for the families and individuals who have been impacted — so many have evacuated and are anxious about their loved ones and homes," Rev. Singer said. "Pray also for open doors as LCC meets together with Synod, District, and Church leaders to encourage, collaborate, and mobilize faith into action. Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Friends and Compassionate Community,
 
Nick is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, Illinois. Nick’s life took a devastating turn at the beginning of November when he fell from a ladder, resulting in a severe knee injury that requires surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
 
Struggling with a complex meniscus tear and facing the daunting realities of being uninsured, Nick has depleted his savings on medical expenses while desperately seeking work to replace his lost income. Despite our efforts to assist him with rides and gas, Nick is quickly falling behind on his responsibilities and obligations. His rent is due, child support is past due, credit cards are maxed, and very little is coming in.
 
Nick is a man who has always lifted others up, never wanting to burden anyone with his struggles. He went as far as starting a construction ministry to help the less fortunate. He’s stated many times that this is his calling and it is one of the main driving forces keeping his head up right now.
 
Now, he finds himself in a position where he needs our help to get caught up and put this behind him. Let us come together as a community to show Nick the love and support that he so selflessly gives to others.
 
Your contributions can directly aid Nick in his recovery process, allowing him to regain his footing. Every little bit counts and can make a world of difference in his life.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for considering this call to action. Your involvement embodies our commitment to serving those in crisis, reflecting the love of Christ in our community. Together, we can help Nick stand strong again and remind him that he is not alone in this fight.
 
With hope and appreciation,
 
Pastor Jamie Holt, Lead Pastor
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
St. Charles, Illinois
(written on behalf of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, IL)

We are overjoyed to share an inspiring story that exemplifies the compassionate spirit of Lutheran Church Charities and the profound impact of community support. Recently, we were informed by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell, Iowa, that a single mother faced a daunting challenge as she cared for her daughter and granddaughter, both of whom rely on wheelchairs for mobility. When her van, the lifeline for her family's transportation needs, broke down beyond repair, despair began to set in. The cost of repairs was simply out of reach, and the weight of her responsibilities felt heavier than ever.
 
Just when this courageous mother reached out for help, a divine intervention occurred. The very next day, we received an unexpected call from a generous donor who had a van equipped with a working wheelchair lift, ready to be donated. This act of kindness serves as a beautiful testament to the power of faith and community, reminding us that when we trust in God's timing, He provides for our needs in ways we could never imagine.
 
With immense gratitude, we are thrilled to present this mother and her family with a vehicle that symbolizes not just transportation but a renewal of hope and independence. The gift of mobility means they can attend medical appointments, engage in community activities, and simply enjoy the freedom of going where they need to go.
 
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible donor who made this possible and to everyone in our community for their unwavering support. Together, we have woven a tapestry of compassion that uplifts those in need and demonstrates the love of Christ in action.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to GiveNKind for their incredible donation of 1,625 pairs of Bombas socks, as well as to Trinity Lutheran Church in Galewood, Illinois, for their generous contribution of basic need items. These donations have been passed along to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Skokie, Illinois, which operates a community clothing closet dedicated to serving individuals who are unhoused or facing hardship.
 
The impact of these contributions is profound. Each pair of socks and every essential item helps to restore dignity and warmth to those in our community who need it most. It is through these acts of kindness that we are able to embody the values of mercy and compassion that are central to LCC's mission. Together, we can reach more individuals and families, providing them not only with material support but also with a sense of hope and belonging.

LCC Human Care received a request from Pastor Philip Robarge (pictured) of Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago to help a family in need.

LCC Human Care received a request from Pastor Eric Hollar of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont, North Carolina (pictured), to assist a young family in need.
 
Dear Lutheran Church Charities,
 
A young family with two children in our community is in need of financial support. Josh and Brittney are active in the community as Optimist Coaches while Brittney is a PE teacher and current volleyball coach for the local middle school.
 
On Tuesday of last week, while at his office job with a local trucking company, Josh started showing signs of a medical emergency. Before too long, he was first taken to the local hospital, then transported by helicopter to a larger Trauma Hospital with a major brain bleed. Nearly a week later he is still in ICU and on a ventilator, non-responsive. Doctors are not sure of the prognosis, but one thing is certain, the family faces a long road to recovery.
 
Already saddled with unexpected expenses due to house flood, they are facing many financial struggles ahead.
 
I am truly humbled to approach you with this request but know this family would be blessed by your generosity. Thank you for your prayers for this family and your consideration of financially supporting them.
 
Living Out His Love,
 
Pastor Eric Hollar
Bethel Lutheran Church
Claremont, North Carolina