"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

On Tuesday, July 5, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses were present at a Prayer Vigil at Highland Park Presbyterian Church to help bring comfort and hope to those grieving.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams will continue to serve the Highland Park community as requested.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Emma (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jacob (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.
 
Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
 
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

I feel like the Psalmist when he writes, “How Long O Lord, How Long!” Psalm 13:1

I ask myself – where does LCC start to respond? In the United States or Internationally, South, West, East, and between?

I know from past experience God works in the Midst of Disaster and Crisis – and He works in Mighty Ways! I know God’s Word is true and it should always be what guides us!

So my friends, humanly - I DO NOT KNOW where to begin!

Spiritually and from past experience – I KNOW GOD HAS IT ALL FIGURED OUT!

We start with what God has put in front of us! One step at a time.

Each of the items above has a link to find out more!

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all who are suffering and in need. Help us to show them that they are NOT forgotten – God has it!

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Serving Together, Serving Jesus, so we can serve others in HIS NAME!

On August 29, the 16th anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida made landfall in southern Louisiana with Category 4 strength of 150+ mph winds, slamming into Port Fourchon, Leeville, and Grand Isle. One of the strongest storms to make landfall is now a massive tropical storm moving slowly at 8 mph but plowing a destructive path through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida.

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been monitoring the storm since Sunday and are in close contact with Rev. Ross Johnson and Rev. Michael Meyer from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, as well as District Presidents and Disaster Response Coordinators.

Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, will begin assessments in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama as soon as it is safe to do so. Mid-South District President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola stated he would closely watch the storm’s path through his district in Mississippi and Tennessee. Both intend to keep LCC posted on the effects of Hurricane Ida on their respective Districts and how LCC can assist with recovery efforts.

Packing a powerful punch, Ida continues to produce flash flooding as well as tornadoes as it moves inland over the next several days. Emergency Management is currently reporting one homeowner death from a fallen tree on a home in Ascension Parish. Other residents are being rescued from attics and rooftops in LaPlace, Louisiana. Over one million residents and businesses are without power which may take weeks to restore. Much of Louisiana has lost water supply due to the storm. Both Louisiana and Mississippi will experience major power outages, water and gas shortages for several weeks. Extensive damage has been reported in the following cities so far:

Louisiana: Delacroix, Golden Meadow, Gray, Grand Island, Houma, LaPlace, Leeville, New Orleans, Port Fourchon, Raceland, Venice
Mississippi: Gulfport, Jackson

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and involvement to help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.

Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

A 12-story oceanfront condominium tower partially collapsed in the early hours of Thursday, June 24 on Collins Avenue in the town of Surfside, Florida, spurring a massive search-and-rescue effort with dozens of rescue crews from across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The partial collapse of the 12-story wing of Champlain Towers South resulted in four confirmed deaths and more than 159 persons still unaccounted for. Search and rescue crews continue to carry on the dire but delicate work of picking over and tunneling through tons of crumbled concrete and twisted steel in search of survivors.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited in by Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, LCMS District President for the Florida-Georgia District and Rev. Dennis Bartels Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in North Miami. Pastor Bartels has served this community for 35 years and is well connected to the community where we will be serving. Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, are working closely with Pastor Bartels to determine the appropriate time to have Boots and Paws on the ground.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will come in to serve first responders and their families that have worked around the clock doing search and rescue for the 159 people who are unaccounted for (at the time of this writing). First responders include: emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, firefighters, police officers, city, state, and federal personnel. They are all working tirelessly with the destruction of the Champlain Towers. In addition, LCC K9 Comfort Dogs will serve all in that area who have worked selflessly, as well as family members who have lost loved ones.

Our LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams will be driving to and staying in Miami. Travel and accommodations in the area will be expensive. LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Travel Fund as we prepare to deploy to serve the first responders and this devastated community.

Please join LCC in keeping the families, first responders, and the community in your prayers as they move through these extremely trying times.

Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities

At 10:45 pm, Sunday, June 20, an estimated EF-2 tornado and catastrophic storms raged through Northern Illinois, causing extensive damage in the hardest-hit areas of Woodridge, Naperville, Darien, as well as Burr Ridge and Downers Grove. Straight-line winds of at least 70mph tore through other communities. Buildings have collapsed, homes heavily damaged or leveled, multiple power lines down, large trees uprooted, and dangerous debris scattered. Major destruction has left many roads and neighborhoods impassible. At least 250 homes were damaged, 26 are reported as uninhabitable.

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been monitoring storms and damage reports since it began. In less than 12 hours, LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T) chainsaw team leaders began tornado and storm damage assessment to help determine where L.E.R.T. teams will be immediately needed. Pastor Mark Schultz from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle has extended an invitation to serve out of their church. We are also working with Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville.

The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Please keep the families affected by the tornado and storms in your prayers, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Northern Illinois to help during the long recovery process.

Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.

Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

At 6:45 am on Wednesday, May 26, shooting began at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail yard in San Jose, California, during the morning shift change. At least eight of the nine people reported killed were employees, and many other employees were injured. The shooter, who was also an employee, took his own life as first responders arrived. Victim age ranges are from 29 to 63 years old.

In less than 24 hours, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, received an invite for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Pastor Andy Koschmann from Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Los Gatos, California, and Rev. Michael Lange, LCMS District President for California, Nevada, and Hawaii District.
 
Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John's – Napa Valley, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), along with their ministry teams, are deploying and will arrive this afternoon to be present with employees, throughout the community, and first responders who are trying to cope with another mass shooting tragedy. They will attend the public vigil at the San Jose City Hall plaza this evening. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, California) and her handlers will join the K-9 Ministry teams on Saturday.

Lutheran Church Charities will also place nine hearts on crosses or markers through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry at a memorial site for people to leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects for the lives lost.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry
Deploy in less than 24 hours to Comfort Community
Following Shooting at FedEx Facility in Indianapolis
 
Third Mass Shooting in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2021

 8 People Killed, 5 Injured, 1 Critical

Employees Run and Hide for Life

 "How Long, O Lord?" Psalm 13:1
 
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Late Thursday, April 15, eight people were killed and five wounded at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Employees feared for their life after hearing gunshots in their workplace. The shooting started in the parking lot, and then the shooter entered the facility. The FedEx Indianapolis hub employs more than 4,500 people and is their second-largest facility. This is the third mass shooting in Indianapolis this year.

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, will lead the deployment team and is working with LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, to deploy LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams and bring 8 hearts/crosses through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry to help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event. LCC Ministry teams will serve with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. People will be able to leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects for the 8 lives lost.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis, Indiana) will be joined by Nancy Borders (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), and Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), along with their ministry teams arriving today to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.

LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

Early this morning, LCC Disaster Response received an invite from Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, LCC staff member Tim Laabs, and Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team leaders Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire will arrive in Alabama on Sunday, March 28, to help Pastor Brashier assess widespread tornado damage to help determine where L.E.R.T. teams will be needed in the coming weeks.

Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

On the afternoon of Monday, March 22, 10 people were killed, including a Boulder Police Officer, and employees and shoppers traumatized when an individual began randomly shooting in the store. Schools in the area were immediately put on secure lockdown and residents instructed to shelter in place during the incident and investigation.

In less than 24 hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited and will be on-site to be present throughout the community with employees, residents, and first responders who are trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley heroically died in the line of duty and is survived by his wife and seven children. His father stated that he took his job as a police officer very seriously, loved his family more than anything, and he believed in Jesus Christ.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

Please join LCC in keeping the families, first responders, and the community in your prayers as they move through these extremely trying times.

Lutheran Church Charities continues to work with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman, Julie Tucker, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry, Texas District with their recovery efforts from the Texas Winter Storm.
 
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Lutheran Church Charities was able to send funds for immediate needs to the Texas District to assist the churches, pastors, church workers, lay staff, and congregation members with significant structural damage and loss of belongings due to burst pipes. Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman sent his appreciation to Tim Hetzner, President/CEO, “Thank you so much for navigating obstacles and blessing our relief work in Texas. Lutheran Church Charities is bringing Jesus’ love and hope to many!”

Your Donations Helped a Preschool Director
One of the affected church worker families is from Memorial Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Damaris. The preschool director’s husband’s small business had a major pipe burst that flooded his office, caved in the ceiling, ruined office computers, equipment, and furniture. This is on top of health and business struggles due to COVID-19.

Senior Pastor John Davis thanks Lutheran Church Charities for providing financial assistance for this family to begin their recovery process. He stated, “Thank you so much for the generosity of LCC and for the larger LCC community. This is such a blessing for this family, as their trials and stresses have been great. To release this financial concern and even more, to give them a larger picture of how much they are loved and supported, is truly a gift from God!”

The family wrote a note of thanks to LCC stating, “The water mitigation specialist from ServPro estimated that the water was pouring into the office from the busted pipes in the ceiling for approximately 4 hours before we arrived. In my shock, I could only think to text our Memorial pastor, who I knew had dealt with flooding before. I was standing in several inches of water, asking Pastor, “What do I do first?” I was hoping for some guidance… and, as He always does, God provided more. Memorial staff and friends showed up to help, relieved some stress, and made it feel more manageable. Then we were blessed to have LCC become part of this team of care and compassion. We are so grateful!”

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hillside, Illinois – Put Your Hands Together Emergency Food Assistance Program is diverting its resources to send a semi-truck of food and supplies to the LCMS Texas District for emergency relief during their hardship of recovering from the devastating winter storm. Their mission is to “Glorify God and Impact the Community,” and they are honored to be able to serve Him on a national level with Lutheran Church Charities.
 
If you are in Northern Illinois and would like to help fill a truck with requested food only for the Texas District, please CLICK HERE to see the specific needs, drop-off dates, and locations.

“This winter storm could cost Texas more money than any disaster in state history. All 254 counties will have been impacted in some way by the freeze,” said Lee Loftis, director of government affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. One million Texans are still on boil water orders and 30 water systems are still not operational.

Damage Repairs in High Demand – Plumbers Needed – Supplies Limited!

The most significant need is for plumbers to make repairs and plumbing supplies, which are now almost impossible to acquire in the state. The state has estimated the average cost of repairs to burst pipes in a home is approximately $15,000 or more. Although some of this will be covered by insurance, FEMA, or state grants, the high deductibles will make it challenging to fund repairs.

If you are a licensed plumber, have critical plumbing supplies you can bring, and can volunteer to go to Texas to help with recovery efforts, please email DRAdmin@lutheranchurchcharities.org.
 
Texas District President, Rev. Michael Newman, has reached out to LCC to help during this statewide crisis. In addition to financial assistance, they are requesting plumbing materials to help repair homes, schools, and churches.
 
CLICK HERE for a detailed list of needed supplies.

• Copper Pipe & Fittings
• PVC Pipe & Fittings
• PEX Tubing & Fittings
• Iron Pipe Ball Valves

 
If you wish to donate any of these materials, they can be dropped off at LCC headquarters and we will get them there. Please call 866-455-6466 to make drop-off arrangements.

Lutheran Church Charities will be working through our Texas K-9 Ministry affiliate churches and District Disaster Response Coordinators to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC Texas Disaster Response Fund to help individuals, families, and churches now and during the long recovery process.

The Texas Winter Storm that had six days of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, has caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, churches, schools, and other structures throughout the entire state. The storm happened in an area of the country that is not prepared to handle such widespread winter storm devastation.

Lutheran Church Charities has reached out to Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), Texas District President Rev. Michael Newman, Julie Tucker, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry, Texas District. Julie states many churches, pastors, church workers, lay staff, and congregation members have significant structural damage and loss of belongings due to burst pipes. Many of these families cannot or will not be able to live in their homes for some time. The Texas District is just beginning the assessment process, but it is overwhelming, as the damage is statewide

Julie Tucker states this storm has greatly affected the food chain supply as the several-day power outages have meant a loss of food for families, stores, and food pantries. The State Department of Homeland Security estimates that it could take 2-3 months for food supplies to be restored throughout the state to return to normal. For vulnerable populations, this is devastating.
 
The water is not drinkable in most of the state without boiling it first due to the water plants also being affected by the freezing and burst pipe issues.

If you are a licensed plumber, have critical plumbing supplies you can bring, and can volunteer to go to Texas to help with recovery efforts, please email DRAdmin@lutheranchurchcharities.org.

Texas District President, Rev. Michael Newman, has reached out to LCC to help during this statewide crisis. In addition to financial assistance, they are requesting plumbing materials to help repair homes, schools, and churches.
 
CLICK HERE for a detailed list of needed supplies.
 

• Copper Pipe & Fittings
• PVC Pipe & Fittings
• PEX Tubing & Fittings
• Iron Pipe Ball Valves

 
If you wish to donate any of these materials, they can be dropped off at LCC headquarters and we will get them there. Please call 866-455-6466 to make drop-off arrangements.

Lutheran Church Charities will be working through our Texas K-9 Ministry affiliate churches and District Disaster Response Coordinators to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC Texas Disaster Response Fund to help individuals, families, and churches now and during the long recovery process.

Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
 
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is surrounded by a sea of missional opportunities. Lutheran Church Charities was contacted by Sandi Grupe, Director of Christian Education (DCE), for financial assistance. They share the love of Jesus with a vulnerable group during these challenging times.
 
Near to its place of worship, a community of Ethiopian refugees has become a significant part of the church’s outreach to immigrants from across the globe. This, through a Gospel-focused ministry, has birthed within their apartment complex.
 
Through Bible study, prayer, English class, tutoring, and fellowship, many—including those from Muslim backgrounds—are experiencing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, this Ethiopian community is serving the spiritual needs of their neighborhood in an ongoing way.

With the recent catastrophic weather events impacting Texas, many need assistance. The cascading effects from an event of this magnitude negatively impact the vulnerable in both visible and invisible ways. From lost pay and jobs to property damage, the challenges become life-altering.
 
Thank you for partnering with LCC and St. Paul Lutheran Church in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable during this time. Your support directly impacts the ministry of the Gospel by strengthening those who are spiritually serving their community as they strive to recover.
 
Please prayerfully consider donating to help St. Paul’s outreach ministry to Ethiopian refugees.