On Sunday, May 21, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog® Ministry arrived in Uvalde, Texas, to be present for the one-year anniversary of the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that occurred on May 24, 2022, killing nineteen students and two teachers.

LCC was invited by Rev. Michael W. Newman, President, Texas District Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Rev. Mark W. Tews of Trinity Lutheran Church in Uvalde. Also present in Uvalde is Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator.

In May and June 2022, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry responded to the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas. In September 2022, the LCC K-9 Ministry teams returned to Uvalde for the first three weeks to help students, teachers, and staff as they returned to school.
 
A Week of Remembrance and Healing

On Sunday, the teams were present at Uvalde Town Square Memorial Site, where they met several teachers from the Uvalde schools who remembered the Comfort Dogs from their previous visit in September.

On Monday, eleven of the returning LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent time with the students at eight of the Uvalde schools. It was their last day of school. The students and staff were so happy and touched to see the Comfort Dogs and handlers as they had become friends.

On Tuesday, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited with the staff at Uvalde Memorial Hospital. We remember them as they cared for the wounded and the families.

During their week in Uvalde, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will also spend time in the community in different locations sharing the presence of comfort and love on the anniversary date of May 24.
 
On Friday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner, Gideon, Jael, Martha, Peace, and Persis will visit with the teachers and staff at each of the Uvalde schools. On Friday evening, those LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers will celebrate with families and friends of the seniors graduating from Uvalde High School. It is an honor to be invited to attend as a support to them on this very special occasion.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams look forward to continuing to build on the relationships they started in the Uvalde community last year and help process many painful memories and emotions brought up as we honor the 21 lives lost last year.

If you are in Northern Illinois and would like to help fill a truck with requested food only for the Texas District, there is still time this week to do so.
 
Immanuel Hillside Food Pantry began accepting food donations this week from several Northern Illinois District churches and L.E.R.T. teams for those recovering from Texas Winter Storm Uri.
 
The following churches held food drives and made deliveries this week:

Jayne Siou, Director of Immanuel Hillside's “Put Your Hands Together” Food Distribution Ministry stated that their donations and LCC donor food will be delivered next Wednesday to the Texas LCMS District in San Antonio and the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin for immediate distribution to those in need.
 
The food donation truck(s) will be leaving Immanuel Hillside Food Pantry on Friday, March 19. Your support is greatly needed for the success of this mission and for all our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Texas.
 
In our effort to provide emergency food and to follow our mission, we are requesting the following emergency food donations for our relief truck:
 

• canned meats (Spam, ham, tuna, chicken, Vienna sausage, etc.)
• shelf-stable complete meals
• protein bars & snack items (can be individual items as long as boxed)
• shelf-stable milk
• personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, bar soap, hand sanitizer)

DROP OFF LOCATIONS & TIMES:
 
Wednesday, March 17 | Donations by appt. only, contact Jayne Siou (708) 261-2006
Immanuel Lutheran Church
2317 S Wolf Rd,
Hillside, IL 60162
 
Thursday, March 18 | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm | Pop-a-Trunk or Truck donations
Veterans Distribution Warehouse - Dock #40-42
Hillside Food Pantry
5999 Butterfield Rd.
Hillside, IL 60162
 
Lutheran Church Charities can pick up large donations requiring a truck March 17th-18th. Contact Dianna Bonfield at 847-287-6624 to schedule a pickup.

Lutheran Church Charities continues to work 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.

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.
 
Julie Tucker thanks LCC and our donors for all they have done to help them assist those affected by the winter freeze. They greatly appreciate the generous donations received that have helped the Texas District purchase plumbing supplies and other needed items to begin the recovery process for families throughout the state.

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.

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.

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 [email protected].
 
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.

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 [email protected].
 
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 [email protected].

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.

TRAGIC!  A community devastated by these shootings! In the midst of crisis – Jesus is there to bring comfort to those suffering and afraid! It’s what Christians do. We bring Jesus – We bring His Presence and Your Presence and support for the victims and their families and the El Paso Community. Join us in bringing this Mercy and Compassion and Jesus’s Presence.

On Saturday, August 3, a large crowd of back-to-school shoppers at Walmart in El Paso, Texas, were suddenly running for their lives when a young male began shooting throughout the store. So far, 20 people have been reported killed and over 26 wounded, with victims ranging from 4 months to 82 years old. Some of the injured are in critical condition.

Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Roger Schlechte, Rocky Mountain District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, Pastor & CEO of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care and Pastor Stephen Heimer from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church both in the heart of El Paso, Texas.
 
Rev. Martin Danner from Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, and Janice Marut, Regional Director for the LCC K-9 Ministry Southwest Region, are assisting us with deployment arrangements.

The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are the first but not only deploying to serve this devastated and hurting community, and all of the first responders who bravely serve them: Abner & Martha Comfort Dogs (Bethany – Austin, Texas), Damaris (Memorial – Katy, Texas), Gabriel (Messiah – Houston, Texas), Joy (Gloria Dei – Houston, Texas), Phoebe (St. Paul – Fort Worth, Texas), and Ruthie (LCC Staff).

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.