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.

(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!

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.

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.

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.

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.