Faith is one of 63 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs who are dual-vested, trading her traditional blue LCC K-9 vest for her camouflage one when she goes out for ministry visits with her handlers Mace and Quinlan who are veterans. Started in 2014, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry is carried out by veterans for veterans, serving current and past military members and their families. Faith and other Kare 9s regularly spend time in VFW centers, VA hospitals, Traumatic Brain Injury Care centers, clinics, expos, and military ceremonies and activities. At each stop, the mission is the same — to spread the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ.

At VTC, Faith’s impact is quiet, yet profound. Many veterans, struggling with PTSD, addiction, and the weight of their past, find comfort in her presence. Whether it’s a simple pat on her head or a quiet moment of companionship, Faith offers something words often cannot—a sense of peace.

“Everything was new, and I was kind of nervous with anticipatory excitement,” one veteran recalled about his first VTC experience. “Faith helped me focus on what was happening right then and there, instead of being scattered. She helped me center myself and just be in the moment.”

Faith’s presence has become so meaningful that veterans often ask, “Where is Faith?” if she is absent. Her ability to bring light into the courtroom is undeniable. One participant shared, “Faith really brings a light with her when she comes into the courthouse.”

Bryan, a veteran who spent over a decade homeless and battling addiction, found hope and transformation through VTC and the Comfort Dog’s ministry. From the moment he met Faith and her handlers, his journey took a turn toward healing. Through their encouragement, Bryan joined St. Stephens’ Warriors of Our Faith (WOOF) team where he found camaraderie and purpose. Despite his initial fears of judgment, he took a bold step and attended Sunday service at St. Stephens. “I was welcomed with open arms and became a member of the St. Stephens family,” he shared.

Meeting Pastors David and Shea further deepened Bryan’s journey. “They spoke to me as if we had known each other for years and assured me they were there whenever I needed them.” Now, after nearly two years of sobriety, Bryan’s life is unrecognizable from his days on the streets. “None of this would have been possible without the love and support from St. Stephens, their Bible study, and Faith Comfort Dog. Because of them and God, I am truly a better man.”

From the depths of hardship to the light of faith and healing, Bryan’s journey is a testament to the power of love, community, and God’s grace.

The Veterans Treatment Court is unique—it’s not just about legal proceedings but about healing. Unlike traditional courtrooms, VTC fosters camaraderie, mutual respect, and personal growth. Veterans facing struggles are met with compassion and given the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

Faith’s work begins before the court session even starts. Veterans arrive early, undergoing drug tests and preparing for hearings. During this time, Faith and her handlers, Melissa and John, move through the waiting area, offering comfort. A simple wag of Faith’s tail or a quiet moment of companionship helps ease the tension and anxiety that so many veterans carry.

The impact of this ministry extends beyond the courtroom. A Friday night Bible study, launched the Friday of Labor Day weekend 2024, has become an essential part of many veterans’ recovery journeys. This spiritual outlet has been so meaningful that the court system now recognizes it as a voluntary but highly encouraged class for VTC participants. The support of probation officers, court clerks, and law enforcement has also been invaluable, with many engaging with Faith during court breaks.

The Veterans Treatment Court and its extended community, supported by Faith Comfort Dog, is a powerful reminder of what it means to truly be there for someone. Through kindness, spiritual support, and the unconditional love of a comfort dog, veterans are finding a way to heal, rebuild, and thrive. In this unique setting, veterans are not just treated as cases; they are seen as individuals worthy of respect, compassion, and a chance at redemption.

The presence of Faith Comfort Dog has created a ripple effect of kindness and transformation. Veterans who graduate from the VTC often return to mentor new participants, offering the same support they once received. Some have gone on to become counselors, helping others overcome the struggles they themselves once faced.

Faith’s veteran handler, John, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “The judge knows everybody personally and checks in every two weeks,” he explains. “It’s rigorous, but it’s also full of support. Many participants say they’ve never had this kind of help before.”

For ministry partner Ralph, the calling to help veterans has become a way of life. “If somebody wants to go to church, I’m going to take them. I don’t care what their story is,” he says. From giving rides to helping find housing, Ralph has stepped in where help is needed most. “I was the last person I thought would be good at this, but it’s been a bigger blessing for me than for anybody I’ve prayed for or helped.”

“St. Stephens is my heart. This is where I belong. This is family,” shares a veteran who found not just a place of worship at the church but a family, recalling how the community welcomed her with open arms.

For Kirk Hymes, Lutheran Church Extension Fund District Vice President Southeastern District, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Lay Deacon at St. Stephens, ministry is about making connections—often in the most unexpected ways. “Isn’t it amazing that this is all the result of one little golden retriever named Faith? These are veterans who may have gotten out of their lane and into some trouble,” Kirk shares. “But through Bible study, they’re finding something familiar—strong bonds, leadership, and the kind of brotherhood they had in the service.”

“This is a place to come and learn. This is a place to come in and just have a good time and be able to be around other veterans,” they reflected. In each of these spaces, faith and community make all the difference.

What started as an outreach has grown into a powerful community of veterans discovering that they are stronger together—and even stronger in the Word of God.

LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog ministry is built on presence, love, and action. The work of Faith Comfort Dog and her dedicated team from St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Hickory N.C., is making a lasting impact in the lives of the veterans who bravely served our country.

As the team continues to serve, their mission remains clear: to offer unwavering support, comfort, PRESENCE and HOPE to those who need it most. With Faith Comfort Dog, the ministry is helping to rewrite the stories of these veterans, offering them not just a moment of comfort in court, but a new beginning in life.

If you feel called to support this ministry, we invite you to take the next step. Because of your generous donations to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, lives are being transformed. Thank you for making a difference!

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has built a meaningful relationship with the students and staff at North Newton JR/SR High School in Morocco, IN, through visits over the past couple of years. In November 2023, the Comfort Dogs were called to provide support after a sophomore's tragic death by suicide. Heartbreakingly, the ministry was recently asked to return following the loss of another student, Grant, who also died by suicide. Both students shared many friends and would have been juniors this year.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bethany (Trinity - Danville, Illinois), Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana), and Michael (LCC Staff), along with their dedicated handlers and ministry partners, responded swiftly to this call, offering comfort and presence to a grieving community. The dogs, with their gentle demeanor and unconditional love, created a space where students and staff could begin processing their loss.

The journey of grief is not one that anyone should walk alone. We are grateful to Jesus for sending these LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams to be present in the midst of sorrow, offering a source of comfort and strength.

Please join us in praying for Grant's family, friends, teachers, and classmates. May they experience the peace and love of Christ as they navigate this difficult time.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11 )

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was invited by the principal of Pontiac Township High School in Pontiac, IL, to offer comfort and support to students and staff following the recent death of beloved Spanish teacher, Ms. Brenda Martinez. Ms. Martinez was deeply committed to her students, ensuring they felt seen, heard, and valued in her classroom.

In the aftermath of her passing, students and staff processed their grief in different ways. One student shared that, although she thought she was done crying, waves of emotion continued to hit her throughout the day. Spending time with Honey Comfort Dog in training, and Michael Comfort Dog helped her process her feelings. Another person mentioned that the grief was especially poignant, as it was Ms. Martinez’s 39th birthday the day before her passing, making the loss even more challenging for everyone.

In a heartfelt tribute, students wrote messages on the classroom boards, expressing their gratitude for Ms. Martinez, how much they would miss her, and how much of an impact she had on their lives as both a teacher and a person.

The presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Michael (LCC staff), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Glory, Gethsemene, Honey, and Shamgar, along with their handlers and ministry partners, provided a sense of peace and support to those grieving the loss of such a cherished teacher. It was truly a gift to be there for the students and staff during this difficult time.

"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58: 7-9)

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Michael  (LCC Staff) and LCC Comfort Dogs in Training Gethsemane, Glory, and Honey attended the United Airlines Flight Attendant Safety Fair at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. 

The handlers and Comfort Dogs had the opportunity to connect with flight attendants, pilots, and administrative staff. Many pilots and flight attendants expressed their gratitude, sharing that their jobs prevent them from having dogs, making the chance to cuddle with the Comfort Dogs especially meaningful. Others who do have pets but were away from them cherished the time spent with the dogs. One pilot, preparing for a long and challenging flight, said that spending time with the comfort dogs truly made his day.
 
The importance of being present with the flight attendants, pilots, and staff of United Airlines was clear to the teams. These dedicated individuals bear significant responsibility each day, ensuring the safety and security of passengers aboard their flights. Witnessing their faces light up with smiles and their shoulders relax, finding comfort and peace in the moment, highlighted the value of these visits and the care and compassion provided by the handlers and ministry partners.
 
We lift up in prayer the flight attendants and pilots for God’s strength, wisdom, and patience as they navigate the challenges of their job. We ask for God’s protection, both in the air and on the ground. We pray they find joy in their work and a sense of purpose in serving others.
 
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8)

Held at Zion Lutheran School in Brighton, CO, the vigil drew hundreds of mourners, including classmates from various high schools, teachers, and coaches, all gathering to honor Zane's memory.

Zane was only 16 years old, but he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He valued his faith, family, friends, neighbors, education, sports, and the great outdoors. Many of his classmates and friends donned camouflage attire as a gesture to honor him, symbolizing their respect and admiration for the young man who touched their lives in so many meaningful ways.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus, alongside their dedicated team, provided a calming presence that truly made a difference. Attendees expressed their gratitude, sharing sentiments like, “Dogs make everything better” and “I feel better after petting the dogs.”

The students and staff were devastated by the death of a sixth-grade student who lost her life tragically to suicide. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary and Rejoice from St. Paul's, Janesville, WI, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC staff) were requested to be a loving and compassionate presence at Eisenhower Middle School, Rockford, IL, for the students and staff as they processed this heartbreaking loss.
 
One handler shared, "Walking into the school we could feel the overwhelming sadness of the staff as they prepared for their day of 'unknowns'. The students showed their grief, sadness, and anger about the loss of one of their classmates, some through tears and hugs and many by petting Michael Comfort Dog silently. Some of the discussions we had with the students focused on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness with each other and the need to seek out help from trusted adults when feeling overwhelmed. We felt that we were instruments of God’s love and peace through our actions and prayers."
 
Another handler shared, "As everyone had a chance to be with our 3 Comfort Dogs over the length of the school day, we had many of them returning for another visit. Upon their return visit we noticed a calmer mood which allowed for a more relaxed and reflective visit. Many people from the school were truly appreciative of the Comfort Dog visit. God gave us the words to say and the ability to listen at the right moment!"

The loss of a student at Eisenhower Middle School serves as a painful reminder of the importance of open conversations about mental health. By adopting a compassionate, educated, and supportive environment, the community can honor the memory of the student while striving to prevent future tragedies.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

On Tuesday, February 18th, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, IL), and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, IN), were invited to Auburn Junior High School in Divernon, IL, to support the school as they continue to grieve the loss of Hunter, a seventh-grade student. Hunter passed away in a house fire along with his father and younger brother.

Esther and Jordan started the day in the gym during PE class.  They continued visiting classrooms giving staff and students support in the setting of the counselor/social work room. All three dogs met with seventh graders as the students finished lunch. 
 
Jael Comfort Dog and her handlers spent the time at Auburn Junior High School with the students, teacher and staff in the Life Skills class.  Their teacher Mrs. Amanda Castleman, along with classroom paraprofessionals, welcomed Jael into the classroom as she spent time comforting each student and adult.  Mrs. Castleman’s son Reed is also in this class and was close friends with Hunter. While there were tears when sharing memories of Hunter as a student and friend, Jael’s calming presence throughout the room and the joy she provided as she was pet and hugged certainly shared the compassion and presence of Jesus with those who were hurting.
 
We were present to bring comfort and smiles to a hurting school community. It is our prayer that the students and staff feel the love and comfort of Jesus through us. Our love and prayers go with you.  
 
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Serving last week were the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams: Genesis with Tom and Sue Baldwin of Good Shepherd, Turlock, CA; Isaac with Julie Blyckert of Redeemer, Spokane Valley, WA, and Miriam Deuel of Christ the King, Coeur d’Alene, ID; Lois with Diana Bartholomew and Cheri Baker of First Good Shepherd, Las Vegas, NV; Micah with Marilyn Hunter and Jonna Dolinta of Light of the Valley, Elk Grove, CA; Rahab with Bobby and Laura Moore of St. Andrews, Stockton, CA; Salome with Drew Santibanez of Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV.

Lutheran Church Charities has been deeply engaged in bringing hope and compassion to those impacted by the devastating wildfires around Los Angeles. Over the weekend and into the first half of the week, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer led two Community Care Events hosted at First Lutheran Church in Venice and Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica. These gatherings provided a safe space for individuals to share their stories, receive prayer, and experience the hope found in Christ.

All six LCC Comfort Dog teams stopped by Los Angeles Fire Station #110 in Marina Del Rey, CA, just south of Santa Monica, to uplift firefighters logging long hours day after day. They delivered a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) and greeted members of the station house on the driveway with pets and wagging tails.
 
The teams also visited the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates LA’s emergency planning, training, response, and recovery efforts.
 
The teams presented another HMC to thank workers who face stress-filled days at the city’s crisis nerve center. The dogs’ calming presence brought smiles and a chance to catch their breath.

Across town, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers made an unscheduled appearance at the third annual Pasadena Neighbor Day for residents to get to know one another better. The celebratory event went on as a means of strengthening acquaintances and getting a breather from the stress.
 
Yesterday the Comfort Dog teams visited the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to encourage staff members working to limit insurance fraud, as well as Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA, to bring joy to service members and their families.
 
The deployment continues through the remainder of this week with visits to Flintridge Prep School, which is resuming classes today, and a pair of outings to the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner/Coroner.