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! “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 “For dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:2 Here are some of the things that LCC is currently responding to:
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! Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS. Helping with Property Recovery, but most of all Lives! I REMEMBER …. 16 years ago – Katrina hit Now Ida But no matter when and where – LCC responds! It’s what LCC did and still does because of Your Support – Then and Now! Tim Hetzner 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. Your Donations Are Needed to Help People Severely Impacted ![]() 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 Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ida and for all of the first responders, volunteers, and LCMS and LCC Disaster Response teams who serve them. If you are so moved, please donate generously to help LCC support the recovery efforts in the hardest-hit communities. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! 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! Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS. LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Will Deploy to Surfside, Florida, to Serve First Responders |
Less than one month since we deployed to Boulder, Colorado for a shooting, another senseless mass shooting has occurred. First thing this morning, LCC K-9 Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry were invited by Pastor Dan Hauser of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi 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. |
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.
7 Deaths, Multiple Injuries, Widespread Devastation “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 On Thursday, March 25, multiple catastrophic tornadoes ripped through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee causing seven deaths, people trapped in their homes, multiple injuries, and widespread structural and tree damage. One long track super storm cell tornado was on the ground for 260 miles across three states. |

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.
SPECIAL APPEAL: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams Deploy Today after shooting in Boulder, Colorado
3/23/2021

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.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eddie (Peace – Grand Island, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), and Priscilla (Trinity – Lincoln, Nebraska), along with their ministry teams, will arrive Wednesday to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.

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.
254 Texas Counties Impacted
1 Million Texans Still on Boil Water Orders
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.

Lutheran Church Charities also sent disaster relief funds to Joel Eisenbraun, Campus Director at Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, to help those impacted by the recent winter storm with damage recovery. |
Please Let Your Congregations Know About This Opportunity to Send Much Needed Food to Those In Need In Texas

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.
69 Deaths – Hundreds Flee Homes
Burst Pipes, No Electricity, No Food or Clean Water,
Widespread Devastation
Over $18 Billion in Damage So Far
“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)
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.
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. |
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.
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.

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.

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.
Helping with Property RECOVERY,
but MOST OF ALL Lives!
Working with LCMS Districts & Churches to Assist Impacted Individuals and Families
Affected by Hurricane Laura and Northern Illinois & Iowa Derecho
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." (Isaiah 40:1)
Mid-South District President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola stated he is closely watching the storm’s path through his district. So far they are experiencing wind damage and flash flooding. Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator will begin assessments in Lake Charles, Louisiana and surrounding areas as soon as it is safe to do so. Both intend to keep LCC posted on the effects of Hurricane Laura on their respective Districts and how LCC can assist with recovery efforts.
HURRICANE LAURA - United States

Louisiana: Lake Charles, Shreveport, Alexandria, Cameron, Monroe, Holly Beach
Arkansas: Texarkana, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Bastrop
Texas: Orange, Port Arthur
Tennessee: Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville
Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Laura. If you are so moved, please donate generously to help LCC support the recovery efforts in the hardest hit communities.

The combination of wind, driving rain and runoff from the mountains rushing to the sea, damaged and destroyed homes, ruining some possessions and washing many belongs away.
Please pray for LCC Haiti Mission partners and the Haitians as they recover from yet another disaster. If you are so moved, please donate generously to help LCC support the recovery efforts in Haiti.
On Monday, August 10, northern Illinois experienced a rare derecho with sustained winds of 60 – 90 mph and 15 confirmed tornados, causing widespread property damage throughout many northern Illinois cities.
Approximately 75 LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw certified volunteers and heavy equipment operators from 24 different LCMS churches have willingly completed work at 36 homes and will be working this weekend at two other locations.
This same derecho barreled through Cedar Rapids, Iowa before hitting Illinois with 100 mph winds causing major destruction to homes, businesses, farms and crops. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response is making plans to deploy and assist the Iowa District as soon as work is completed in northern Illinois.
LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
Please join LCC in praying for all those impacted by recent hurricane and derecho storms in the United States and Haiti, and for all of the first responders, volunteers, and our mission partners who serve them. Thank you for your generous support!
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
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