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! Early this morning, August 4, at 1:00am, people were still enjoying a beautiful summer night in the heart of Dayton’s Oregon District waiting in line to enter Ned Peppers Bar when a man approached and began shooting. Already, 9 people have been reported killed, over 27 wounded, and countless numbers traumatized as they ran to escape an unimaginable attack on their lives. 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 LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS RESPOND AND DEPLOY TO SHOOTINGS IN EL PASO, TEXAS |
On Tuesday, May 7, another horrific mass shooting occurred in the afternoon at STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, which has over 1,800 students from kindergarten through high school. One student was killed, heroically saving many of his classmate’s lives. Eight other students were injured with some critical and many students, faculty and staff are emotionally devastated. |
In less than 24 hours, on the morning of Wednesday, May 8, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Executive Pastor, Nathan Peregoy, from Our Father Lutheran Church in Centennial, Colorado, and will be working with Micah Steiner, Director of Christian Education, and their youth group which meets tonight. They currently have three students that attend STEM school. |
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and Bonnie Fear, Top Dog, is also attending a vigil for victims of the STEM School at Mission Hills Church Middle School in Littleton this afternoon. Other teams deploying to serve are LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska), and Moses (Christ Lutheran – Cairo, Nebraska) will be arriving later today. |
Please support us by prayer and if you are moved, to help with travel expenses.
Peace in Jesus Christ that passes all human understanding,
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
Imagine having your city surrounded by water where no one can get in or leave, loss of electricity, cell service hit and miss, homes flooded, and people with nowhere to go or ability get out. That is what LCC K-9 Comfort Dog congregation Trinity Lutheran faced – and is still facing. LCC has been in repeated contact with them to help and to spread the word to others to help!
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Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, has been and will continue to be a beacon of hope to their community that has been inundated with flood waters. The church opened their doors to be a shelter for four days to people who had to evacuate their homes. It is also the home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Katie. Trinity Lutheran Church and School’s theme verse for this academic year is from 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.” Lutheran Church Charities has already sent $1,000 to Pastor Anthony Gerber at Trinity Lutheran Church to use for immediate needs. Please help Lutheran Church Charities continue to serve Trinity Lutheran in their desperate need as they serve their congregation and community. Through showing love as the body of Christ, Trinity continues to care for a hurting community. In four days, they built relationships with evacuees, volunteers, community leaders, and each other as they served, shared stories, laughed, cried, prayed and worshiped together. Many members who volunteered stated, “Instead of sitting in Bible studies talking about how to be the church in our community, we now are being the church.” They learned that Christ’s love and care shown to others transcends barriers that might normally be in the way, and that they really can love their neighbor who speaks a different language and of another nationality. | |
Pastor Gerber and Dawn Gilfry state they are currently assessing how many church and school families are affected. They know 1 staff member, 1 congregation member, and 5 school families have lost their homes completely. They anticipate many more families with losses will be identified in the coming days as the water begins to recede both within their congregation and in their community. They will be helping people with basic needs and housing expenses.
Your donations are greatly needed to help LCC and Trinity Lutheran Church serve their members and their community. If you are so moved, please donate now, and please keep Trinity and their surrounding communities in your prayers during their long recovery.
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response has been in contact with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) churches in Rockford and Freeport to offer assistance with pumping water from homes and mucking as the water recedes. Currently the Rock River through Rockford, Machesney Park, Latham and Byron, and the Pecatonica River through Freeport are at major flood stage and continuing to rise. Over 200 homes and businesses have been evacuated and are filling with water. The Winnebago County Sheriff reports the river is not expected to crest until the end of the week or later, which means more properties may be affected. Currently the dam/locks are wide open to help the rivers continue their outflow. They anticipate homeowners will be out of their homes for many weeks and flooding will be slow to recede with more snow melt coming down river from Minnesota and Wisconsin. | |
Please keep all those affected by flooding in the Northern Illinois District and surrounding states in your prayers as they face many losses and a long recovery.
Your financial assistance is needed to get a trailer to haul our 4 wheeler to flooded areas to bring in pumps to help people pump out their homes. The trailer we had to haul the 4 wheeler is now being used to haul the Disaster Response Boom Lift for our chainsaw teams. Most recently it was used by LCC LERT teams to transport the Boom Lift to Panama City, Florida. Due to the current flooding situation, we are in urgent need of this trailer to haul our 4 wheeler. Cost of the trailer is $3,000. If you are moved to help us, please click the button below. THANK YOU!!! |
Peace in Jesus Christ,
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
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