For LERT volunteer and team leader Mark Razny, serving the community doesn’t always require a chainsaw or a muck bucket. Sometimes, all it takes is being there when someone asks.

When he heard that the neighboring community of Crete, IL, had endured a very tragic week, he knew the townspeople needed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — and ready to respond were the teams for Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff).

Crete’s tragic week began on March 23, when a woman allegedly shot an ex-boyfriend and then killed his mother and father in their home. Later that week, a grandfather and his three grandchildren were trapped in a burning home and perished. Three days later, a large family gathering allegedly turned into a domestic dispute and gun battle with three people shot, one of whom died at an area hospital. Two others are still in critical condition.

For a community of 15,000, Crete was rocked by this series of tragic events.

Recognizing the impact on its residents, Crete officials organized a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) last weekend and requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present for help in offering mental health and support services for the community.

Over two days at the Crete Public Library, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers sat with, encouraged, and prayed with residents, children, town officials, and first responders who needed a few moments of quiet, peace, and encouragement.

On Thursday, Caleb and Michael visited with children and Crete residents, bringing smiles and joy. Their soft fur and waggy tails served as a welcome break from the anxiety and hurt felt around town.

On Saturday, Jael joined Caleb and Michael for a second afternoon of presence, cuddles, and friendly pets. Handlers listened to stories and offered support for the trauma that the community was still feeling.

“In a small community, to have three incidents like that in a few days is heavy and heartbreaking,” one handler said. “The people we met were so thankful to have some time to put that out of their minds and connect with a caring person. We were grateful to be able to be present with them.”

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers: 
Hollye Blossom (Jael)
Joe Cunningham (Caleb)
Dan Fulkerson (Michael)
Kristen Kearney (Caleb)
Nancy Lashenik (Jael)

For Mr. and Mrs. G of Kankakee, IL, the damage started on their block — but the real destruction of homes and a church was just down the street.

The powerful EF-3 tornado that tore through Illinois and into Indiana on March 10 had left their home among the 500 in Kanakee County that were damaged or destroyed. From their basement, they could hear the 150 mph winds slamming limbs against the house, and when it was all over, the tree damage was astounding. How would they ever clean this all up?  

But this week, some “angels in orange” were in their yard with the 64-foot Nifty Lift and rigging to remove dangerous trunk splits, hanging limbs, and leaning trees. “[They] were sent by God to restore hope to us and our community.”

LCC Disaster Response and Luthern Early Response Team volunteers continued a second week of tree cutting, debris removal, and cleanup work in Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne out of home base St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee.

Since March 12, about 70 LERT helpers from 25 LCMS churches in the Northern Illinois district have completed 547 volunteer hours at 29 homes and the church building.

With national storm relief groups leaving at the end of the week, LCC is making plans to stay.

Invited by Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Kankakee, LCC Disaster Response anticipates more requests for assistance and stands ready to respond. 

LCC volunteers have been helping church members and community residents take the first steps of the long road to recovery. In hard-hit neighborhoods like Aroma Park, teams are not just cutting limbs and clearing debris — they’re salvaging belongings, listening to survivors’ stories, offering prayer, and bringing comfort in moments of deep loss.

The National Weather Service calculates that the Illinois/Indiana tornado was a half-mile wide at its strongest and cut a swath on the ground for about 37 miles. It touched back down again in Indiana for another 22 miles. The storm resulted in three deaths and scores of injuries.

One St. Paul family had a downed oak tree in their front yard so large that LCC volunteers had to use the 36-inch saw to cut the trunk into slices that could be safely moved the street for pickup. Other homeowners had tree damage and no resources to clear them on their own. LERT volunteers stepped in.

“Each family expressed their thanks for the gracious assistance and caring shown to them,” said Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response. “We were thankful for the beautiful weather — finally!”

At the mayor’s house in Aroma Park, IL, it was another two-day job. The mayor himself helped the team drag limbs and sort through debris, thankful for all the work done to make his yard safe again for his family and friends.

“He told us that he knew the lives of this tight-knit community would be changed forever and the destruction was difficult to see, knowing that so many people are displaced,” O’Day said.

Over the weekend, large properties in Kankakee and Aroma Park also were two-day sites due to the number of trees downed and damaged. One homeowner told the team she couldn’t believe the progress they made — but she was particularly touched by the joy they showed in serving.

A Storm That Changed Everything

On the evening of March 10, a powerful EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 150 mph tore through Kankakee County, Illinois, and into Indiana—leaving behind a trail of devastation that spanned nearly 37 miles and stretched half a mile wide.

Communities including Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne were hit hard. Homes were flattened. Trees were uprooted. Entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Three lives were lost, and many more were injured.

For countless families, everything changed in a matter of minutes.

Homes, vehicles, businesses, and treasured belongings were gone. In their place stood debris, uncertainty, and the overwhelming question of where to begin.

A Rapid Response Rooted in Compassion

The call for help came quickly.

At the invitation of Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee, IL,  Lutheran Church Charities mobilized both its Disaster Response and K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

By the very next morning, LCC Director of Disaster Response Deaconess Kathy O’Day and Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leader Mark Razny were on the ground, meeting with the pastor, contacting affected congregation and school families, surveying accessible damage, and coordinating with the Emergency Operations Center to offer support. 

Within 48 hours, LERT volunteers were already serving.

Operating out of St. Paul’s, they stepped into devastated neighborhoods, ready to do whatever was needed.

The Work Begins: Clearing Debris, Carrying Burdens

By Thursday, March 12, chainsaws roared to life and teams got to work.

LERT volunteers began helping families salvage what they could from uninhabitable homes—sorting through debris, packing belongings, cutting downed trees, and clearing yards.

But the work quickly became about much more than cleanup.

It became about people.

Throughout the week, teams listened to story after story, accounts of the terrifying sounds of the storm, the chaos of the aftermath, and the emotional toll that lingered long after the skies cleared.

Families were overwhelmed. Exhausted. Trying to navigate insurance, loss, and uncertainty all at once.

And in the middle of it all, LERT volunteers stayed.

They listened.
They prayed.
They offered hugs.
They showed up—again and again.

“I Felt Lost… But You Gave Me Hope”

In one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in Aroma Park, volunteers spent three days working alongside a family connected to St. Paul.

Their home—and their vehicles—had been completely destroyed, just like so many others in the neighborhood.

Over those three days, the team helped salvage, pack, and move what belongings remained. They cleared debris scattered across the yard and used chainsaws to remove multiple downed trees.

But what stayed with the team most wasn’t the work—it was the words of the homeowner.

She shared that she felt “so sad, lost, and disoriented” after losing her family home and treasured items passed down from her parents.

And yet, in the middle of that grief, she clung to her faith—and saw something meaningful in the presence of the volunteers.

She believed they were sent to bring her hope, help, and care exactly when she needed it most

The Power of Presence

For much of the week, LERT volunteers remained in the same hard-hit Aroma Park neighborhood.
That consistency made a difference.

As days passed, neighbors who had initially been strangers became familiar faces. Conversations grew deeper. Trust was built.

“It is amazing how being present for three days in the same neighborhood makes a difference,” one team member reflected.

Not just in the amount of work completed—but in what couldn’t be measured:

Restored hope.
Shared tears.
Moments of connection in the middle of chaos.

Even beyond Aroma Park, teams traveled to other affected areas—helping congregation and school families remove fallen trees and begin the slow process of recovery.

Meeting Needs at Every Level

As the response continued, LERT volunteers also served at the Kankakee County Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)—a one-stop location where disaster survivors could access support from government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

There, the teams connected residents with chainsaw and debris removal services, helping them take the next step forward.

But just as importantly, they offered something else:

A listening ear.
A prayer.
A reminder that hope still exists—even in the hardest moments.

That same spirit of service extended beyond the immediate tornado zone.

On Thursday, as Northern Illinois experienced powerful wind gusts reaching 45–70 mph, new damage continued to impact families already facing difficult circumstances. When a large tree fell in the yard of a family connected to Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, LERT volunteers responded immediately.
Jon Bartelt, Carl Fischer, and Steve Wright arrived that same day to cut and remove the tree, working alongside the homeowner and his father to clear the yard. The wood was even hauled to a neighbor’s home for future use.

It was a simple act—but a meaningful one.

In a time when needs continue to emerge, their quick response reminded this family that they were not alone , and that help can arrive right when it’s needed most.

Healing Beyond the Debris: Comfort Dogs in Indiana

While chainsaws and cleanup efforts continue in Illinois this week, another kind of healing is taking place just across the state line in Indiana.

In Lake Village and Roselawn—small communities deeply impacted by the same storm—families were navigating their own devastating losses. Twenty-six homes were destroyed. Dozens more were left unlivable. Over 1,100 power lines were down.

In the midst of cleanup efforts, tragedy struck again when a volunteer lost their life after being hit by debris.

The heaviness in the community was undeniable.

When students finally returned to school, many carried fear, grief, and uncertainty with them.

That’s when the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry stepped in.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity and and Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana) visited Lake Village Elementary in Lake Village, IN, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), and Michael (LCC Staff) were present at Lincoln Elementary. 

Moments That Matter

Throughout the day, small moments carried enormous meaning.

Two young girls whose home had been hit smiled as they gently petted the dogs.

A third-grade boy, after spending time with them, declared:
“This is the best day ever!”

One handler described the day in a single word:
“Uplifting—to see so many people smiling in the face of adversity.”

Another chose the word:
“Supportiveness.”

They witnessed teachers delivering food and milk to families, checking in on students, and supporting one another in the days after the storm.

They saw students doing the same—comforting friends, sharing stories, and showing deep care for those who had lost more.

Resilience in Its Purest Form

“I was most impressed with the resilience of the children,” one team member shared. “Despite the recent tragedies, most of the kids seemed happy to be back at school with their friends—and grateful for the comfort dogs.”

Even students who hadn’t experienced damage themselves were deeply aware of others.

“They almost all knew someone who did,” a handler noted. “And they were very concerned for them.”

One young boy, hesitant at first, didn’t want to interact with the dogs. But later, when his class returned, he sat on the floor. A Comfort Dog named Michael gently placed his head on the boy’s knee.

That was all it took.

“He was a happy camper.”

A Quiet Moment of Healing

One of the most powerful moments came from a quiet fifth-grade boy.

At first, he stood at a distance while others gathered around the dogs. He left—but then returned. And then came back again.

Finally, he stepped into the circle of students, sat down, and wrapped his arms around two Comfort Dogs—pulling them close and holding them there.

No words.
No explanations.
Just a moment of healing.

“He stayed with them for a very long time,” the handler shared.

Unity in the Midst of Loss

Another word used to describe the day:
“Unity.”

“The school, the community showed amazing unity,” one handler reflected. “It was refreshing to be a part of people loving on people.”

In classrooms and hallways, students hugged one another, shared laughter, and told stories—small but powerful signs that healing had already begun.

The Work Continues

The road to recovery will be long for these communities.

Homes must be rebuilt. Lives must be pieced back together. Grief must be processed.

But they are not alone.

Lutheran Church Charities’ Disaster Response teams will continue clearing debris and walking alongside families. Comfort Dog teams will continue bringing calm, connection, and moments of peace.

Because long after the storm has passed, the need remains.

And so does the response.

Last week, three Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) members from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, IL, traveled to Spartanburg, SC, to meet with local agencies and assess ongoing recovery needs nearly a year and a half after Hurricane Helene. Their visit followed a conversation with Sally Hiller, Southeastern District Disaster Response Coordinator (SED DDRC), at the LCMS Disaster Conference in September 2025, which highlighted that significant unmet needs still remain.

While in Spartanburg, the team met with Lilia Millner from Spartanburg County’s Recovery Mitigation Team and Mayana from SCOR (South Carolina Office of Resilience). These agencies work at the federal level to provide disaster case management. They shared that long-term recovery is expected to continue through 2030, with approximately 300 homeowners still needing some form of assistance. Current needs range widely and include chainsaw work, removal of fallen trees and root balls, major mold remediation, home rebuilding and repairs, replacement of household items, heating and air conditioning sources, wheelchair ramps, and more.

Lilia identified three specific homeowners whose houses are nearly complete, thanks to volunteer Mennonite construction crews and the Salvation Army, which is providing appliances and beds. However, additional support is still needed to help these families fully transition back home. This includes household supplies such as kitchenware, linens, and basic furnishings. The Trinity team met with each homeowner to better understand their individual situations and to develop detailed wish lists.

Trinity Lutheran’s congregation and LERT volunteers will work to help meet these needs so the families can move back into their newly rebuilt homes by the end of March.

Lilia also noted that Southeastern District LERT’s chainsaw and construction work has been “a godsend,” while emphasizing that much more work remains. Lutheran Church Charities will continue conversations with these agency partners, along with Sally Hiller, SED DDRC, to explore how they can further collaborate to support families affected by Hurricane Helene in both North and South Carolina.

When Loss Strikes

Daniel Kevin “Danny” Bayles was an energetic 11-year-old who lit up every room he entered. A beloved Sunday School student at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, Danny’s sudden death from an unexpected medical issue left his family and community in shock. For the town of Manhattan, Illinois, grief was immediate and overwhelming.

In these moments of heartache, the presence of compassion can make the unbearable a little more bearable. For Danny’s family and friends, that compassion came in the form of Michael, Jael, and Caleb—the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs—and the dedicated volunteers of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT).

Comfort in Motion

Pastor Doug Hoag requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for Danny’s wake and funeral. But the sheer scale of the anticipated attendance required more than dogs alone. The Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) was called in to assist with logistics, crowd management, and spiritual care. Some LERT members, trained in Spiritual First Aid, worked side by side with the comfort dogs' teams to meet both practical and emotional needs.

Handlers with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb, Jael, and Michael recall powerful, quiet moments: Danny’s grandmother sitting on the floor, surrounded by the gentle presence of the Comfort Dogs, finding solace in their warmth. Children, uncertain and grieving, would pause on their way to the snack room to pet a dog, allowing a moment of comfort to soothe their hearts. One handler said, “Like God is always there for us, the dogs were there for them to bring them comfort.”

A Community Comes Together

LERT volunteers coordinated overflow parking, shuttle buses, and the post-service luncheon, working alongside church members to ensure every aspect of the funeral and reception was handled with care. Team members—Michelle Buell, Tom Buell, Mike Voight, Jennifer Kojro-Badziak and family, Jenny Kwasniewski, Mike Hemme, Kim Blecke, Deaconess Barb Hemme, and Team Lead Mark Razny—demonstrated how collaboration multiplies comfort.

Just four days later, Manhattan faced another heartbreaking loss when Chance Hunnicutt was killed in a bicycle accident. Grief rippled across the community, and a support network called “Manhattan Strong” formed to aid both families.

A Unique Partnership in Ministry

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs trained to provide comfort, LERT volunteers trained to provide spiritual and practical care, and congregations ready to support—all working together to meet the deep needs of a hurting community. Their partnership turns tragedy into an opportunity for connection, faith, and healing.

St. John Wheaton, IL, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers spent this past weekend working at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Using the Nifty Lift 64, they removed numerous broken and hanging limbs, while others trimmed and cleared overgrown evergreens and small trees that had been covering tombstones and pathways.
 
With the help of a bobcat and tractor, the team filled a 24-foot dump trailer with cut wood and branches, which was hauled away three times throughout the day. Volunteers also straightened tombstones that had shifted during past lawn maintenance.
 
Over the past several months, Byron Heidorn and Rich Wren have dedicated a few hours each week to clearing brush and realigning rows of tombstones. They organized this larger workday to tackle the bigger projects that remained.
 
Immanuel Lutheran Church expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication to beautifying the cemetery and making it a safe, peaceful place for visitors. They extend their deep appreciation and blessings to the following LERT volunteers: Kristin Bilar, Steve Chester, Byron and Carol Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Dave Schlesselman, Christopher and Ethan Williams, and Rich Wren.
 
The team is already planning another workday to remove additional hanging limbs from two more trees using the lift and to continue straightening rows of tombstones.

On August 16, powerful microbursts and straight-line wind storms tore through towns across the LCMS Northern Illinois District, leaving behind widespread destruction. Uprooted trees, broken limbs, damaged homes, and downed power lines created dangerous conditions for many families and congregations.

In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response staff and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers immediately stepped in to serve. Equipped with compassion and chainsaws, they began assessing needs and providing hands-on help to those affected.

Last week, LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers answered God’s call to serve, traveling from across the country to Hendersonville, North Carolina. Serving out of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, these teams brought more than chainsaws and construction tools—they brought compassion and spiritual encouragement to those still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

LCC disaster response staff, chainsaw instructors and experienced volunteers helped two new New York teams from St. James Lutheran Church in St. James and Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadows received in-depth chainsaw training while serving on homeowner sites, which has prepared them to serve with skill and confidence in future deployments.

With 15 chainsaw sites and 2 construction projects completed—totaling 554 volunteer hours—this week’s ministry demonstrated that LERT’s work is about more than cleanup. It’s about restoring hope, encouraging the weary, and sharing Christ’s love with every saw cut, every conversation, and every prayer lifted in service.

Here are the stories. 

Feeding Body and Spirit
Behind every chainsaw and hammer was the dedicated team from Trinity Lutheran, Athens, GA, serving meals out of their food trailer to nourish both body and spirit. Their faithful service ensured volunteers stayed energized, ready to continue sharing God’s love through action.

A Nationwide Mission of Service
This ministry was made possible by the faithful partnership of churches and volunteers from across the country:

Atlantic District
Calvary, East Meadows NY – Nick Caputo, Pastor Sean Chapman
St. James, St. James NY – Alex Hartmann, Eric and Meredith Johansson, Doug Miller, Jacob Mittelstaedt, Pastor Neil Mittelstaedt, Tony Romano, Jim Sauer, Ken Seltzer, Don Smith
St. John, Holbrook NY – Chris Polley
St. John’s, Sayville NY – Steve Lindfors
Florida-Georgia District
Trinity, Athens GA – David Bacastow, Charles Bissett, Pastor Tim Davis, Marty Lambert, Jessica O’Rear
Our Redeemer, Jacksonville FL – Richard Paris

Northern Illinois District
Immanuel, Dekalb IL – Pete Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee IL – Matt Flynn
Prince of Peace, Palatine IL – Jim Beckley
St. John, Dillsboro IN – Steve Black, Ruth Weisbrod
Southeastern District
Hope, Wake Forest NC – David Critchley

South Wisconsin District
St. Paul, Janesville WI – Lark Sanders

LCC also thanks Mt Pisgah in Hendersonville and Trinity in Tryon for sending many flood recovery supplies back with us for the South Wisconsin flooding that just occurred.

Make This Ministry Possible
LCC Disaster Response relies on the generosity of donors to fund training, equipment, and deployments like this one. Your gift helps volunteers continue bringing God’s love to families in need.

With rooftops blown apart, homes devastated with damage, and tree limbs scattered across yards and streets, Missouri has endured a week and a half of severe weather and heavy hearts. From St. Louis to Springfield, communities across the state have been hit hard following multiple tornadoes and straight line windstorms. 

Lutheran Church Charities has been on the ground this week with Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to help local LCMS churches with damage assessments, chainsaw work, debris removal, food and resource distribution, and spiritual care and comfort. 
​

Disaster Response

In Springfield, Missouri, last week and into this week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jason Johnson, LCC Disaster Response & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, have been assessing damage from an EF-1 tornado with 95 to 100 mph winds, followed by a second storm with 80 mph straight-line winds. 

The damage is widespread with more than 200 households impacted, according to Katie Kovach, Green County Emergency Manager.

After weather delays on Memorial Day, LCC LERT volunteers arrived Tuesday to work with Hope Lutheran Church, Republic, Missouri, and Trinity Lutheran in Springfield — both are assisting with the volunteer camp at the Lutheran Student Center and providing meals for LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers who will serve until Saturday.

O’Day and Johnson report widespread devastation, with numerous homes and properties bearing the brunt of severe tree and structural damage. Among those affected was an elderly, disabled veteran whose property was left in ruins—12 massive trees toppled across his land, and his home suffered significant harm. On Tuesday, the teams used chainsaws to cut through the fallen trees and worked tirelessly to clear his property. He was very grateful for their help and mercy shown to him. As a heartfelt gesture, they presented him with a cross, lovingly carved from one of the downed trees and signed by each team member. Deeply moved by their kindness and the mercy shown to him, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the help he never expected but desperately needed.

The man shared how frustrating it is that he can no longer take care of his own property. He expressed great thanks that LCC could send chainsaw volunteers to help him clean up his yard this week. O’Day said they met several elderly homeowners that are grateful for the offer of assistance and a willingness to listen to their stories.
 
In St. Louis, another crew of LCC Disaster Response chainsaw and lift volunteers have joined forces with other LERT volunteers from around the country to clear tree damage at Concordia Seminary, which was swept by an EF-3 tornado on May 16. Officials estimate that more than 100 trees were uprooted or leaning on the campus and nearby park. Some caused damage to the chapel and several dormitories and apartments on the grounds.

Faced with challenging cleanup maneuvers, crews have been using heavy equipment and lifts — even climbing trees — to remove fallen and dangerous branches and limbs off buildings and clearing walking pathways.

LCC Care Teams

Two LCC Care Teams partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran St. Louis to distribute food, blankets, and essential care items to individuals affected by the storms. With stores closed, these are among the first supplies to reach the residents in the area.

One team included members from Living Word Galena, Ohio, along with staff from LCC. The second Care Team was from Trinity Green Trails Lisle, Illinois. They distributed gift cards and children’s activity back packs, with grooming supplies, hygiene kits, toys, books, and a blanket.

As they served the community, they provided Spiritual First Aid™ to those in need of emotional and spiritual support to take their next steps in their journey to recovery and healing.

While assisting community members, LCC Care Team volunteers spoke with Wanda. She expressed deep gratitude, saying she believed God had carried them through everything. Speaking quickly and with urgency, Wanda explained that she was helping her 80-year-old neighbor, who couldn’t leave the house. She had come to the distribution center to pick up food and supplies for her, as no one else was offering assistance.

Though thankful, Wanda also voiced concern about how long it might take for her neighbor to feel safe and comfortable again. Her stressed body language was noticeable, so one of the Care Team members placed a hand on her arm gently and spoke to her softly. As she began to calm down, Wanda shared how much she appreciated the team's presence and said she believed God had sent them to help.

K-9 Comfort Dogs in action

On Sunday, LCC church affiliates St. Paul Des Peres, Missouri, and Timothy St. Louis, brought K-9 Comfort Dogs Tabby, Zion, and Noah to partner church Bethlehem St. Louis, which has served as a hub for community members, distributing food and supplies, operating as a call center, and welcoming those who need shelter. Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling invited the community to attend the Sunday service and spend time cuddling with the comfort dogs.  

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries volunteers were:
Sheryl Schucart with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion
Ruth Agne with K-9 Comfort Dog Tabby
Ministry Partners Sue and Jon Burford with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion and Tabby
Glenn Nielsen with K-9 Comfort Dog Noah

At LCC, we never go where we are not invited. We never charge those we serve.
 
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the May 2025 Tornado Outbreak Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.