LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Comfort Community & New Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Begins Six people were killed, including the gunman, after a workplace shooting on Thursday, February 27, 2020. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Rob Mrosko of Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin to bring comfort to the workers, families, and friends of the Molson Coors employees. In the days following the shooting, teams were invited to be with students and faculty at Story School, Milwaukee Public Schools which is located directly across from the building where the shooting took place. They were at the end of day dismissal when the lockdown was initiated. Police and SWAT team members were combing the street in front of the school. The shooting happened less than 100 yards from the school. Students and teachers were happy to have time with the comfort dogs. Prayers were said with some of the teachers and the principal. Later that evening, seventeen LCC K-9 Ministry teams greeted and spent time with people who attended a vigil at Bridge Community Church. Other private visits were made to families and workers from the Machinists Union in the next several days. On Sunday, March 1, 2020 the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to a vigil at Milwaukee City Hall where hundreds gathered to hear prayer, support each other, and pay their respects at the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses. Fourteen LCC K-9 Ministry teams were there to comfort people with prayer and presence as they stood, signed hearts, and wept in front of the hearts and crosses. The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were present at various times during this deployment: Kare 9 Asher (Faith Lutheran – Lake Forest, Illinois) Barnabas & Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana) Kare 9 Blitz (LCC Squad) Kare 9 Brandy (LCC Squad) Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin) Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee) Police Ministry Dog Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois) Kare 9 Flex (LCC Squad) JoJo (Living Christ – Arlington Heights, Illinois) Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois) Lila (Beautiful Savior – Mequon, Wisconsin) Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorne Woods, Illinois) Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin) Myra (St. Andrews – Park Ridge, Illinois) Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin) Sage & Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin) Susie (St. Peter – Arlington Heights, Illinois) Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) Emma (LCC Staff) Ruthie (LCC Staff) Comfort Dog-in-Training Rahab Faith Lutheran – Appleton, Wisconsin (in process) Please continue to keep the people of Milwaukee and the families of Molson Coors in your prayers as they continue to heal. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams continue to work in Milwaukee to bring a comforting presence to the community. LCC’s new Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry began January 1, 2020 after Crosses for Losses founder Greg Zanis handed over the ministry for LCC to continue. 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. A caring Christian provides these symbols 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. Still in the early stages of roll out, LCC already has churches who have become Mission Partners in the new ministry. Brookfield Lutheran Church – Brookfield, Wisconsin, St. Matthew – Barrington, Illinois, Immanuel Lutheran – Belvidere, Illinois, St. Paul – Skokie, Illinois, St. John – Bakersfield, California, and Our Savior’s Way – Ashburn, Virginia are actively participating. We also have dozens of volunteers ready to build crosses, paint hearts, and deliver them with presence and prayer to those who are suffering and in need. Our first heart was delivered to a family with a loved one in hospice. With wife, children, and family members present, Rich Martin and Tim Laabs from LCC presented the heart and prayed with the family. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses responded to the deaths of the six workers from Molson Coors through Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Church members volunteered to paint the hearts, sign them (after Sunday services) and begin delivering them to the families of the deceased. On Sunday evening, March 1, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and Crosses were brought to the vigil at Milwaukee City Hall where hundreds came to pray, sign hearts and be comforted. Painting of hearts and fish continue at Brookfield Lutheran Church – Brookfield, Wisconsin, St. Matthew – Barrington, Illinois, Immanuel Lutheran – Belvidere, Illinois, and St. Paul – Skokie, Illinois. Is your church interested in becoming a Mission Partner? Click here for more information and to sign up. 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. Comments are closed.
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