When Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. Job 2:11-13 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present in Uvalde, Texas, to be with the hurting; to let them be seen, heard, and comforted in their grief. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers were asked last week to attend two visitations to be there for the family and friends of the victims. The grieving needed the loving brown eyes and gentleness of the Comfort Dogs as they cried and mourned the loss of their loved ones. Many hugs were given, and prayers were shared at those times. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were a safe place for the children and adults to go to in their pain. No expectations, no judgments, only unconditional love and acceptance were found in time spent with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Job (Christ the King - Memphis, Tennessee), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), Pax and Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas), and Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma). At the Memorial site, the team spent time with police officers surrounding them in love, compassion, and prayer. The team spent time with the Uvalde Memorial Hospital staff allowing Job, Persis, Pax, and Phoebe Comfort Dogs to do what they do best: love and comfort. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs helped the nurses and doctors to smile and relax for a moment and allowed them to process their thoughts, emotions, and loss they were feeling. Each day the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time with parents, children, friends, neighbors, and first responders all affected and grieving the loss of the nineteen children and two teachers. The loss is a heavy weight on this community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has hopes and plans to return to Uvalde when the students and teachers return to school in the fall as this will be a very difficult time for all of them, including the parents. Dear Lord, Please keep watch over the community of Uvalde who is grieving the loss of their loved ones. You know how deeply they are hurting, how painful the sorrow is, and what they need each day. We pray that you bring them the comfort and strength they need in their darkest moments. Please surround them with people who will show them love, care, and compassion. We pray they draw near to you for your love, hope, and healing as they continue to grieve. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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. Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
October 2024
|