Walmart Shooting – Chesapeake, Virginia |
On the night of Saturday, November 13, a horrific shooting happened at the University of Virginia (UVA), taking the lives of three student-athletes Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry. CRU at the University of Virginia requested LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland), and Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia), who met last Thursday night for togetherness and prayer. Last Friday, the K-9s and their handlers visited the Lawn for a moment of silence, remembering the three students killed. The teams also spent time with the students on campus, providing a safe and gentle place of comfort and love. |
University of Idaho Attack – Moscow, Idaho

Reverand Matt Gulseth from Concordia Lutheran Church in Pullman, Washington, invited LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer – Spokane, Washington) and his handlers to be present with students, faculty, staff, friends, and families at the University of Idaho campus vigil on November 30.
Four Hearts of Mercy & Compassion crosses/markers for the victims will be placed at the designated memorial site on campus for vigil attendees to sign with messages for the families. Concordia-Pullman has seven University of Idaho students who attend the church.
Christmas Parade Attack – Waukesha, Wisconsin Anniversary

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to Clarendon Avenue Elementary by Principal Andrea Kaplaan and School Counselor Brittany Sadorf to be with the students and staff as they continue to heal after the tragedy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), along with their handlers, were present at the school early Monday morning to shower in love, comfort, and understanding the teachers and administrative staff who had to face this challenging day of reflection and loss.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace - Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) were invited by Principal Wolff to support the students and staff at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. Many students and their families were at the parade one year ago, and that memory still causes much sadness, fear, and other emotions.
Oxford High School Shooting – Oxford, Michigan Anniversary

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna and Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), along with their ministry teams, will return to Oxford High School to bring comfort and hope throughout the community on the 1st Anniversary of the shooting.
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 these shocked and devastated communities and the first responders who serve them.
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
Working with LCMS Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinators to Help Impacted Individuals and Families in Hardest-Hit Areas with Recovery Efforts
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

More than 2.5 million homes and businesses were left without power as the storm swept ashore in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon, bringing “catastrophic” 150 mph winds and a deadly storm surge of up to 18 feet. Hours later, the storm – estimated to be about 140 miles wide – was downgraded from a high category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it moved slowly northeast, causing major flooding.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it brought “historic” damage to the state. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this,” DeSantis said.

Rev. Ross Johnson, Director, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response and Jay Wendland have asked Kathy O’Day and L.E.R.T. team leader Marty Johnson to travel to Florida next week to be part of the assessment team.
Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ian, including all of the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy to the hardest-hit areas of Florida to help during the long recovery process.
Joyfully serving together in Christ,
Interim President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
7 Killed & Dozens Wounded and Traumatized
The Independence Day celebrations turned to tragedy on Monday, July 4, when a gunman killed seven people and injured dozens of others at a July Fourth parade in Highland Park, Illinois, about 25 miles north of Chicago. Hundreds of attendees started to flee in terror, abandoning their belongings strewn on the streets. Eyewitnesses described grabbing their children and families and running for their lives, some hiding behind dumpsters or in nearby stores for safety amid the chaos. |
The same afternoon, Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Rev. Jim Buckman, Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses, to the shocked and hurting community that has been greatly impacted by this tragic event. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited to several locations in and around Highland Park to offer comfort and support to the community. |
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)
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!
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
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!
“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:
Fires in California The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were invited by Cal Fire to visit with the courageous firefighters at their base camp in Placerville, California. The Caldor Fire is threatening South Lake Tahoe. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Travel Fund |
Earthquake and Flooding in Haiti On August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti taking more than 2,100 lives, causing massive destruction across the country. On August 16, Grace also lashed Haiti as a tropical depression. Our Mission Partners in Haiti have people on the ground doing assessments and distributing desperately needed aid. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - Haiti Disaster Relief |
Flooding in Ethiopia On August 17, tragic flooding hit the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary in Ethiopia. Inundated by floodwaters from monsoon rains that destroyed nearly all the campus also resulted in the tragic loss of many lives including those of children of the staff and students. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - Ethiopia Flooding |
Hurricane Ida and East Coast Flooding Ida, a Category 4 hurricane, produced winds up to 150 mph, ten tornados, and historic flash flooding as it moved inland across eight states this past week. FEMA is currently reporting 65 deaths. Millions of residents and businesses are without power in multiple states. Thousands of people have lost their homes, belongings, security, and hope. LCC L.E.R.T. disaster response teams will be working with Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator when it is safe for volunteers to deploy. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - LCC Disaster Response |
New Jersey District Pastor Home Destroyed Pastor Dan Fenco from Camino De Fe, a newly planted Hispanic congregation in the New Jersey District, lost his home caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida. During the storm, his home was severely damaged from their neighbor’s house exploding, leaving his home inhabitable. Fortunately, everyone in both homes had already evacuated safely prior to the explosion. Impacts were felt throughout the entire street. They are currently living with family. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - Family Lost Home- Good Shepherd, Old Bridge NJ |
Relief for Afghanistan Family Rev. Jim Buckman, Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, and Chaplain with the United States Air Force in the Illinois National Guard, met a young lieutenant named Fahim Masoud from Afghanistan while supporting the vaccination efforts in Illinois. At the age of seventeen, Fahim volunteered to be an interpreter for our military serving three rotations. Fortunately, his family was able to escape from Afghanistan this past week. His mother, father, and two siblings have come to our country but they have nothing. CLICK HERE to read more DONATE - Afghanistan Refugee Fund - Faith Lake Forest IL |
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!
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!
Working with LCMS Disaster Response, Districts & Churches to Help Impacted Individuals and Families with Recovery Efforts
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
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

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.
Louisiana: Delacroix, Golden Meadow, Gray, Grand Island, Houma, LaPlace, Leeville, New Orleans, Port Fourchon, Raceland, Venice
Mississippi: Gulfport, Jackson
LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!
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
After Collapse of Condominium Tower
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Isaiah 40:1
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76
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.


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.
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
SPECIAL APPEAL: LCC Disaster Response Deploys to Help Assess Tornado Damage in Northern Illinois
6/21/2021
1 Person Critical, Others Injured, Many Families Displaced
Confirmed 250 Homes Damaged, Widespread Devastation, Power Outages

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.
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!
232nd Mass Shooting Reported This Year
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1
"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

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.
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

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.
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