LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bring Support to Perry, Iowa, after Students Return from Spring Break3/26/2024
 "You have no idea how thankful we are that you are here and how much of an impact you have made on us.” These were the first words the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams of Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) heard as they stepped out of their cars to be there at Perry Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Iowa last week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by the school district to provide much-needed comfort and support to students and staff returning from spring break. “We cannot believe you are here again and would drive the distance to be here for us.” The teams heard this sentiment repeated often last week from students, staff, and community members. People often ask the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team volunteers why they would travel so far to be there for a community in crisis. The answer is simple: Jesus. He leads this ministry to where we need to be, to love and walk alongside one another, all in the name of Jesus. The teams reflected their love for Jesus and the people of Perry by being there for them so they were not alone, providing them a safe place to feel loved, understood, seen, and heard. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) As the handlers and ministry partners reflected on the power of prayer, they were reminded that God is in control, and we need to remember that and actively keep Perry in our prayers. We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
 On Monday and Tuesday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and their dedicated teams, spent time with the teachers, walking alongside them as they entered the high school for the first time since the shooting. Today, they will be at the open house, followed by the first day of classes, to provide strength and comfort to those who are scared or anxious.
We pray that God's presence be felt and that the teams will help the Perry community come together and heal during this difficult time.
 In this time of anguish and uncertainty, we draw strength from our faith, knowing that God's boundless love transcends all pain and sorrow. As we engage with the community more throughout this week, we will continue to share a message of hope, reassuring everyone that they are not alone and that there is a path to healing through faith. We invite you to join us in prayer, as we ask for God's love to flow through us, bringing peace and healing to the hearts of the Perry community. Together, let us be the vessel of God's boundless love, spreading hope and strength in these uncertain times.  Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for saying, "Here am I; send me!" and answering the call to serve: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Eden (Peace – Columbus, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska). We thank Gary Kilvinger, Dawn Gilfry, and Pam Lienemann for their leadership and for managing the teams on the ground Thank you for BEING THERE by working through Lutheran Church Charities
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team from Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Katie and Phinehas, was present last night at two candlelight vigils, bringing love and comfort to the community gathered to support each other. Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of Perry Chamber of Commerce, to bring additional LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, as well as LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, to the shocked and hurting community that this horrific event has greatly impacted. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Eden (Peace – Columbus, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and their dedicated handlers, will arrive in Perry on Sunday to be present and BE THERE with those who are grieving, bringing them comfort, love, friendship, hope, and prayer.
Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!  |
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