LCC CARE TEAMS BRING HOPE TO THE HURTING COMMUNITY IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

1/8/2025

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in front of LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion set up at the site of the deadly New Year’s truck attack, in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
(Psalm 147:3)

DONATE—CRISIS RESPONSE FOR NEW ORLEANS

Lutheran Church Charities staff and LCC affiliate churches and volunteers were on the ground in New Orleans, Louisiana, this weekend through yesterday to bring HOPE to the brokenhearted and grieving community after the devastating New Year’s Day attack in the French Quarter that claimed 14 precious lives, ages 18-63.

“As we woke up in the morning of the new year, we were devastated to learn of the tragic news in New Orleans. Our hearts are broken for the 14 lives senselessly lost, for their loved ones and families, and for the many who were injured and scarred by this incident,” said Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO. “We lift our prayers up for them and ask that the Holy Spirit would be near to them now amid the sorrow and hurt. I am grateful for our teams who arrived in New Orleans, as they truly delivered the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”

Rev. Eric Johnson, President of the LCMS Southern District; Rev. Paul Ernewein, District Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Southern District of the LCMS; and Rev. Gregory T. Manning, pastor of Broadmoor Community Church and formerly of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Orleans, invited LCC to bring Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), K-9 Comfort Dogs, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care Teams to grieve with those who have been deeply affected by the tragic incident, including law enforcement officers, and to provide spiritual and emotional support. The teams ministered together in the French Quarter and in various other areas around New Orleans for four days.

Hearts of Mercy Serve as Beacon of Love and Remembrance

LCC Teams set up 14 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, one for each victim as tributes to serve not only as memorials but as beacons of love and remembrance for families navigating their grief. The overwhelming response from the community has been both humbling and uplifting.

“These crosses quickly became a place for family and visitors of the horrific attack site on January 1st to write messages of hope and love for the victims,” said Rev. Ernewein in an article titled A Monday in New Orleans.

Many of those families gathered at the memorial site to grieve, while visitors joined them in a spirit of unity and respect. The local workers were still in shock and deeply unsettled, but moments of togetherness brought them comfort.

On Monday, the LCC Teams had the privilege of presenting Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to Police Captain Lejon Roberts and Lieutenant Travis Ward of the 8th District NOPD. These gifts were a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their unwavering service to the New Orleans community during these challenging times.

“You could tell that the Captain was deeply moved when he learned that his community members had signed the heart. The weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders as he realized he was not alone in his struggles; the love and compassion of those around him enveloped him like a warm embrace,” shares Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of HMC.

We were touched by NOPD 8th District’s Instagram post thanking us for the gesture: “A heartfelt THANK YOU to Sarah and the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion Ministry and Lutheran Church Charities, for honoring our brave officers with the beautiful hearts sign and the blue cross memorials on Bourbon and Canal Street for the victims. This kind gesture for the police officers of the eighth district is truly touching and appreciated.”

Day in and day out, law enforcement officers witness unimaginable tragedies and face challenges that many of us cannot comprehend. The weight of responding to mass casualties, violent crimes, and relentless calls for help takes a toll on their hearts and minds. Their work never truly ends, yet they continue to serve with courage and dedication, sacrificing so much for the safety of their communities.

We were blessed to be joined by Rev. Ernewein, who offered prayers with law enforcement, asking for strength, protection, and peace for those who serve. “The entire station house came together in a beautiful display of unity. They paused their meals and joined hands, lifting their voices in prayer, creating a powerful atmosphere of hope and healing. It was a moment where faith intertwined with community spirit, demonstrating that during times of crisis, we find strength in togetherness,” Sarah said.

The Calming Presence of Persis Comfort Dog and Her Team

During our presence in New Orleans, we witnessed firsthand the profound impact that our Comfort Dogs have on individuals and families in distress. The simple act of petting a dog can bring solace and a moment of peace amidst the chaos of grief.

Our handlers, trained to provide emotional support, engaged with community members, listened to their stories and offered a comforting presence that reminded them they were not alone in their sorrow.

The presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, OK) and her compassionate and dedicated handlers Steve and Roxy Hurry, served as a beacon of hope for those struggling to cope with the unimaginable tragedy.

The teams spent time at the memorial, offering comfort and support to those who came to remember and reflect. On Monday evening, the teams joined the New Orleans community at a vigil, held at the historic St. Louis Cathedral, to stand together in prayer, remembrance, and hope.

Join Us in Praying for the Victims’ Families and the New Orleans Community

Rev. Ernewein praying with Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office officers

We were honored and humbled to be present with the New Orleans community in their pain, offering comfort, compassion, and the hope of healing.

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support received from our donors and volunteers, whose generosity enables us to provide comfort to those in need in New Orleans.

Together, we can bring light into the darkest of times and continue to be a beacon of HOPE and healing to those suffering and in need. Thank you for walking alongside us!

We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the names of the victims, acknowledging their lives and the love they shared with others. Let us collectively hold their families in our hearts and prayers, as they seek healing.

Andrew Dauphin (26)
Kareem Badawi (18)
Brandon Taylor (43)
Hubert Gauthreaux (21)
Matthew Tenedorio (25)
Ni'kyra Dedeaux (18)
Nicole Perez (27)
Reggie Hunter (37)
Martin Bech (27)
Terrence Kennedy (63)
Elliot Wilkinson (40)
William DiMaio (25)
Edward Pettifer (31)
LaTasha Polk (47)

DONATE—CRISIS RESPONSE FOR NEW ORLEANS