“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.

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.