(Over 30 Plus Different Geographic Locations)
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)
Hurricane Laura has wreaked havoc causing widespread devastation in the United States and Haiti. This Category 4 storm, already stated as one of the top five storms to ever hit the Gulf Coast, made landfall early Thursday morning with 156 mph winds. Still active, its destructive path is headed further inland. Hurricane Laura brought multiple warnings as being unsurvivable, causing extensive evacuations and people scrambling for safer grounds in an already pandemic-affected year.
Your Donations Are Needed to Help Those Impacted and Save Lives
Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been monitoring the storm and are in close contact with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Presidents and Disaster Response Coordinators as well as our Mission Partners in Haiti. 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 
Hurricane Laura has also caused storm surges along the Gulf Coast, flash flooding, multiple tornadoes, and widespread power outages which will continue for many days or even weeks. Already on the move inland, its path crosses Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee with the following cities getting hit the hardest, including:
Louisiana: Lake Charles, Shreveport, Alexandria, Cameron, Monroe, Holly Beach Arkansas: Texarkana, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Bastrop Texas: Orange, Port Arthur Tennessee: Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville
As soon as it’s safe for our LCMS contacts to assess the damage and connect with the local LCMS churches, we will partner with them to assist those most impacted by Hurricane Laura.
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.
HURRICANE LAURA - Haiti 
Already being hit hard by the pandemic, Haitians are now fleeing impacted areas through knee and waist-deep muddy water, carrying what little they had in search of dry land. It’s some of the worst flooding the Haitian capital has seen in years.
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.
Lutheran Church Charities has been in contact with our Haiti Mission Partners to determine the immediate needs. Funds are needed to provide emergency food, bottled water, tarps and supplies to patch roofs and walls.
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.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS – DERECHO
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.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – DERECHO
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.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
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!
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
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! 
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.  L.E.R.T. Volunteers with Heavy Equipment are Helping those Most Impacted “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)  Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers deployed out immediately late yesterday afternoon after a rare Derecho storm - described as an "inland hurricane for more than 100 miles" - passed through northern Illinois, causing widespread property damage and leaving tens of thousands without power. We have been out early this morning and will continue to be out serving people who have been affected by the storm.  LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. has more than 280 trained and certified chainsaw volunteers with multiple pieces of heavy equipment, trailers, lifts and tractors. LCC Disaster Response L.E.R.T. volunteers immediately deployed out to the areas listed below. Because of the severe damage, the teams will be out at least through the weekend. Chainsaw teams are currently serving affected families through the following churches: Lansing, Illinois – St. John Lutheran Church Villa Park, Illinois Wheaton, Illinois – St. John Lutheran Church Frankfort, Illinois – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church East Dundee, Illinois – Immanuel Lutheran Church (also working in Marengo, Illinois) Bloomingdale, Illinois – Trinity Lutheran Church (Roselle) McHenry, Illinois – Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Elburn, Illinois – Lord of Life Lutheran Church Joliet, Illinois – Our Savior Lutheran Church Rockford, Illinois – Mt. Olive Lutheran Church We are adding locations by the hour as needs continue to come in. Please keep all the above people in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff, as we deploy out to various locations.  LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel and meal costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Disaster Response 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. 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! 
 “I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 Lutheran Church Charities’ (LCC) mission is to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. LCC remains operational 24/7 – and now is NO exception. We are experienced in Crisis Response, Disaster Response, and Human Care Ministries. As Christians this is what we are called to do – to serve you and others in need. As some of you have heard, Illinois is on a "stay at home" order from Governor starting at 5:00pm today, Saturday, March 21. For everyone's safety, we encourage people to adhere to this. LCC does national and international ministry and will continue to be operational 24/7 to provide service and assistance for people in need. If you have a need, know of someone in need, or need someone to call and pray with you or others, let us know: Call our office: 866-455-6466 Email us: LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org The staff at LCC are available right now – including delivering food and needed supplies to those who are homebound. We are also working through our churches nationally helping them to do the same. GOD is still in charge – always has been – and He works 24/7 Here is God’s promise through His Word to remember during these challenging times: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be calm." Exodus 14:14 “But the LORD said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’” Judges 6:23 “Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood -- because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.” Isaiah 7:4 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” Psalms 107:29-30 “They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria's pride will be brought down and Egypt's scepter will pass away.” Zechariah 10:11 LCC NEVER charges those we serve! Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC COVID-19 Assistance Fund so that we may continue to show the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Your prayers and support help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those suffering. Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!   Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities
60+ L.E.R.T. Volunteers with Heavy Equipment are Helping those Most Impacted
“You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 
On Tuesday, March 3, at 12:45 am, Tennessee residents had a 3 – 6 minute warning that a powerful storm tracking 150 miles and producing an EF-3 tornado was hitting their community. The devastation caused at least 25 deaths, numerous injuries, massive structural damages to residential and commercial areas, and widespread power outages. There are still communities that cannot be entered for recovery efforts
Your Donations are Needed to Support 60+ L.E.R.T. Volunteers in Action!
LCC is sending a very large team of experienced L.E.R.T. volunteers for a week to make a big impact during this initial recovery effort. We need your financial assistance to help feed them for the week. All of the volunteers have driven many hours – many taking time off of work to volunteer – and are sleeping on the floors in a room at the church every night after a full day of physical work helping others. Your donations will help us take care of our volunteers!
Sixty-plus Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers brought a Bobcat, mini Bobcat, Ditch Witch, three tractors with grapples, 24’ dump trailer, 50’ boom lift, and two vehicles with 50 steel cable winches to help in tornado recovery.
Neighborhoods throughout the community have been devastated, some literally flattened. Families are still shaken by the experience and overwhelmed with the task ahead of them. LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers will be present in the communities of Hermitage, Donelson and Mt. Juliet to show residents mercy and compassion while assisting in the physical recovery of their property.
Showing the Love of Jesus with Helping Hands for Hurting Hearts!
LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, lodging, and meal costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please keep residents in impacted Tennessee communities in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff during our deployment.
Please prayerfully consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Disaster Response 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.
 24 Deaths, Multiple Missing, 30 Rescue Workers Injured, Hundreds Devastated “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
In less than 8 hours, LCC Disaster Response received an invite from Rev. Ross Johnson, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response Director and Mid-South District President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola to go into Nashville, Tennessee. LCC NEEDS YOUR ASSISTANCE TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP FAMILIES, HELP CHURCHES, AND PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT!  Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response are deploying out this Thursday morning to meet with Mid-South District representatives and local pastors to do assessments to get things ready for L.E.R.T. Chainsaw teams to deploy. Kathy O’Day is in close contact with Pastor Keith Enko from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hermitage, Tennessee and Pastor Andrew Smith from Heavenly Host Lutheran Church, School and Early Childhood Center in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Pastor Smith reports that one member home has been destroyed and he still cannot make contact with 3-4 members. He cannot get through many areas of town; at least 40 homes in town totally destroyed; still trying to contact church and school families. “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 Please keep all the above people in your prayers, including all the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff as we deploy out in various locations. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, lodging, and meal costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Disaster Response 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. LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
 Bringing Comfort to Employees and Community "For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13
LCC K-9 Ministry teams were invited by Principal Vickie Hall from Story Elementary School in Milwaukee this morning to be with students, staff and faculty to provide a calming presence. The school is located near the Molson Coors campus and many were terrified as they were placed on immediate lock down.  We will also be present at the Community Vigil being held tonight from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Ridge Community Church, 4500 S. 108th Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin.  17 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy Today Following are the initial LCC K-9 Ministry teams who will be present with additional teams following to support the community: LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Asher (Faith Lutheran – Lake Forest, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Barnabas & Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana) LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Blitz (LCC Squad) LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brandy (LCC Squad) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Emma & Ruthie (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Eve (St. John's – Lombard, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lila (Beautiful Savior – Mequon, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews – Park Ridge, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rhoda (Prince of Peace - Menonomee Falls, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Sage & Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog-in-Training Rahab Faith Lutheran – Appleton, Wisconsin (In Process) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams will remain active in Milwaukee at least through Monday, March 2, 2020. 
Lutheran Church Charities' new Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry will be present to be with the families of the victims. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses provides a physical and spiritual symbol through the giving of hearts and crosses to families and friends who have suffered loss or serious illness of a loved one. These symbols are provided by a caring Christian in order to share the hope of Jesus Christ in their time of need in Presence and Prayer. The Hearts allow people to write a message or signature on them to show their love and support for those grieving or suffering.
LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are 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.T Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.  210 Homes Damaged or Destroyed in DeSoto County “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 Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw teams have been invited by Angela Fowler, Congregation President from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, to help impacted families recover from devastating damage as a result of back-to-back tornadoes that hit the same county.
Join LCC in keeping our volunteers and this community in your prayers as they begin to work through the recovery process. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, lodging, and meal costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please consider a donation to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or LCC Disaster Response 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. Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities  Two students died, multiple injured "For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13  Thursday, November 14 started out like any other day at Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California as students gathered in the early morning hour in the common area. The day would quickly come to an abrupt halt as a 16-year-old student opened fire taking the lives of two students and then turning the gun on himself inflicting, what turned out to be, a fatal shot. Within an hour of the shooting, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) was invited by Pastor Joseph Beran, Bethlehem Lutheran SCV (Santa Clarita Valley) Church in Santa Clarita, California to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be with the students, faculty, and community that surrounds Saugus High School. In less than 24 hours LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were on their way. The first on the ground was LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Aaron (St. John - Napa Valley, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada) followed by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff) with LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Rich Martin. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were also assisted by St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Stockton, California and Faith Community Church in Las Vegas, Nevada who sent ministry team partners. Both churches are in the process of starting a K-9 Ministry. Central Park in Santa Clarita located less than a mile from Saugus High School soon became a gathering place that was also used as the reunification center for students and their families. There, at the flagpole, a vigil was set up for remembrances where the flag displayed at half-staff. The K-9s and their handlers met with many students, their families, and the community at Central Park, Mountain View Park, and Bethlehem Lutheran SVC. They also met with first responders to thank them for their services. One evening, the teams had a chance encounter with a Cal Fire Strike Team that was staging for the upcoming Santa Ana winds. The command station for the recent fires in the area served as the same one for the shooting. There were many “divine” appointments where God had led individuals into the presence of the teams to share their stories. Please keep the Santa Clarita community in your prayers as they continue to move forward after the tragic event. LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
Pastor Henderson was described as not only a pastor to his congregation but also a friend to many. He was also the chaplain for the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, District 7 Iowa State Patrol, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department. On Friday morning a convoy of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks with lights flashing traveled to St. Paul Lutheran School where a chapel service about Pastor Henderson was held for the students and faculty along with a special half-staff flag ceremony in his honor. Throughout the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited the classrooms and met the staff and parents. The K-9s also visited the local fire station and first responders.The following LCC K-9 teams served in Fort Dodge: Eddie (Peace Lutheran - Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michaels – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity Lutheran – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska).
Late afternoon, the K-9s were stationed at the visitation for Pastor Henderson. It was evident that Pastor Henderson was very well thought of and had benefited many people in and near the community of Fort Dodge. In addition to the congregation and general public, many police, fire department personnel and first responders came to give their respects to Pastor Henderson and his family. The K-9s greeted the attendees as they moved through the visitation line. On Saturday morning, the K-9s were present at the church for Pastor Henderson's funeral service planned for one thousand people. More than 60 pastors from the district were in attendance, as were large groups of police and first responders. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were on-site offering compassion and presence to all. Please join LCC in praying for Pastor Henderson’s family, the congregation and students, first responders, and all those within the community who grieve the passing of their beloved pastor and friend.
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy Today to Dayton, Ohio, for 2nd Shooting in 24 Hours Dayton, Ohio – 9 People Killed and Over 27 Wounded El Paso, Texas – 20 People Killed and Over 26 Wounded “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  Our Comfort Dogs are on the road to Texas and Ohio for the shootings as I write this – with the other Comfort Dogs clearing their schedules (yes, they have busy schedules and we have to honor commitments of individual needs each day in their community) to be able to deploy. My heart breaks when I think of all the individuals, families, and all the First Responders that are affected by these senseless acts. I want to cry out and say “HOW LONG OH LORD” will this continue. I know His answer – Be Faithful in Doing what I called you to do – Bring my PRESENCE to those suffering and show my Mercy and Compassion to them. Give them HOPE that the world can’t and never will. So that is what we are doing! Keep all in your prayers as we have many moving parts in deploying and serving. Another community is devastated by senseless shootings in less than 24 hours! Many are asking “when will this stop?” We don’t have the answers to all of these tragedies, but we do have comfort, reassurance and hope through our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ!
Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Kevin Wilson, Ohio District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Mark Carlson from Emmanuel in Kettering, Ohio and John Pyron, Manager for Disaster Services with Lutheran Social Services. Rev. Phil Esala, former pastor at Emmanuel, is also assisting with deployment arrangements. LCC K-9 Ministry teams are in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today for the Passing of the Vest ceremony for newly placed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Many teams are immediately deploying to be present and bring comfort in the midst of this tragedy to a devastated community. The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are the first, with more coming, to serve this devastated and hurting community, and all of the first responders who bravely serve them: Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), and Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana). LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite. Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to another frightened community. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.  Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities |
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