LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Brings Calm and Peace to East Lansing, Michigan Community after Tragic Shooting at Michigan State University

“… there's a time when we just need to sit next to somebody and let them cry, cry along with them as you try to make sense of what's going on around you. That's what I appreciated so much about having Lutheran Church Charities. It gave us more avenues to take care of people wherever they were at.” Pastor Curt Dwyer, Lead Pastor, Martin Luther Chapel, East Lansing, Michigan

On Monday evening, February 13, 2023, an active shooter entered the Michigan State University (MSU) campus. Three students were killed, five others injured, and the community was left traumatized and in shock.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog and LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministries deployed within 24 hours to East Lansing, Michigan, to BE THERE with the students and staff and bring the presence of Jesus to them.

LCC teams placed Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses at the memorial site on the campus of Michigan State University for the lost students as a beacon of comfort and hope.

The blue hearts provided a place for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the three lives lost.

Serving side by side with Pastor Curt Dwyer, Lead Pastor at Martin Luther Chapel in East Lansing, LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion provided a symbol of hope and comfort to a hurting community in their dynamically changing time of need.

“..for the rest of the semester… those crosses were there as part of the public memorial to the victims of that shooting. Those crosses were there testifying to the presence of Christ even in the midst of trauma. They brought a sense of calm and peace.” Pastor Dwyer shared.

LCC received many words of gratitude on social media for our presences at MSU:

“Thank you for your love and care of those hurting so badly. Your teams are so supportive and spread the love of God everywhere you go…”

“Thank you for bringing a spirit of comfort to this community that is suffering a tragic loss.”

“I’ve been following you for a long time, I love what you do but I hoped you’d never have to come to my area. Thank you for being here.”

“Thank you for comforting our MSU students and community!!”

LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry
Through the generosity of our donors, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry provides physical symbols of mercy and compassion and can bring comfort to individuals who are suffering and to families and friends of those who have been lost to violence, accidents, and illnesses.

The universal heart conveys love, and the color blue is hope. Given as a gift, each HMC provides the love and hope of Jesus through presence and prayer. Well-wishers can write their names and messages of support, hope, and healing on the painted wooden heart.

Often, a simple act of writing a message can provide comfort and closure to people. The hearts and crosses serve as a bridge for conversations, allowing us to show mercy and compassion to those grieving.

HMCs are often requested to honor a beloved family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, in addition to larger-scale losses from tragic events.

In 2023, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry has responded to the following crisis situations as well as many individual requests:

Star Ballroom Dance Studio Shooting in Monterey Park, California (January 2023)
Michigan State University Shooting in East Lansing, Michigan (February 2023)
The Covenant School Shooting in Nashville, Tennessee (March 2023)
Old National Bank Shooting in Louisville, Kentucky (April 2023)
Allen Premium Outlets Shooting in Allen, Texas (May 2023)
Lewiston, Maine Shootings (October 2023)
Wildfires in Maui, Hawaii (November 2023)
University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Campus Shooting (December 2023)

In times of grief, individuals look for comfort, hope, and reassurance – someone who will BE THERE with them. In all we do, LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry seeks to come alongside of those who are hurting and to share the simple message of hope to those in times of need.

GIVE YOUR GIFT TO BE THERE WITH LCC TO HELP OTHERS

This video shows how LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry was able to BE THERE for the MSU students, staff, and community.