LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams Demonstrate Their Unwavering Support by Being Present For Those Who Need Them

Each time LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams go out to comfort and support others, they build relationships as they walk alongside people in their grief, shock, and suffering. 
 
A beautiful gift our Comfort Dog teams offer is their presence of being there for people to sit with them, to listen, to care.
 
Last week, the teams did exactly that; they were present in many ways for people who needed them.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Rockford, Illinois

Last week, the city of Rockford, Illinois, faced moments of unimaginable shock, fear, suffering, and loss after two violent incidents struck this community.  

On March 24, Jason Jenkins, 18 years old and a student at Auburn High School, was killed during a random attack during his shift at the Walmart where he worked. In response to this horrible act, the community gathered on Saturday to pray, comfort, and support one another. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois) were at the vigil to be a safe and loving presence for those in need of comfort.
 
We do not know why Jason's life was taken in such a brutal way. We only know that he was loved by all those who came out Saturday evening to remember him and to support one another. We pray for Jason's family, whose lives are forever changed by his death. Their hearts are broken and filled with pain. We pray they reach out for God’s comfort, strength, and peace to take them through each hour of their grief.

Last Wednesday, a second horrific event shocked the community of Rockford when a man took the lives of four precious children of God. Jenna Newcomb (15), whose mother says Jenna died while protecting her sister and her friend; Jay Larson (49), a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service; Ramona Schubach (63); Jacob Schubach (23). Five other community members were also injured during this shocking and unspeakable act.
 
The Rockford community, through this dark time, came together on Thursday for a prayer vigil that was emotional and unifying for all those who gathered. Powerful words were shared by local government leaders, clergy members, and law enforcement, all emphasizing the need to be there for one another as a community. Tears were shed, embraces were shared, prayers were offered, and amidst the sorrow, there was a glimmer of hope. Though the road ahead may be difficult, the Rockford community knows they do not walk it alone.

We are so grateful to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams of Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois), Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois), for being there for the Rockford community.

Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Tim Laabs, LCC staff, brought four hearts and crosses to pay tribute to the four lives lost. The victims' names were inscribed on each heart, and prayers were lifted for strength and support. The solemn procession to the vigil site, with hearts and crosses in hand, symbolized a collective effort to uplift and remember. Witnessing the outpouring of flowers and silent contemplation at the foot of each cross was a poignant reminder of the impact of loss.
 
When the vigil location was suddenly relocated, community members were the first ones to pick up the crosses and move them to the center of the vigil to ensure the names remained at the forefront, showcasing a deep commitment to honoring and cherishing the memories of those no longer with us.

---

We pray that the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion served as a reminder of the hope we find through Jesus Christ.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continued to support the community of Rockford and walked with them in their grief and shock on Monday.
 
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, along with Christ The Rock Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois, congregational members Joe Rengal, Kevin Bodey, and Matthew Robert and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and their dedicated teams were at Flinn Middle School to be a loving, safe, and comforting presence for the students and staff. 
 
Students and staff were directly or indirectly affected by the horrible losses that happened last week in their neighborhood. They found comfort in seeing and touching the Comfort Dogs and talking with their kind and loving handlers.

God asks us to love one another and carry each other’s burdens. We are thankful for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams that responded to be there for the Rockford community to love, support, and listen, always carrying Jesus with them.

LEARN MORE & DONATE - LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

LEARN MORE & DONATE - LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY

Jac-Cen-Del High School - Osgood, Indiana

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana), and Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana), traveled to Jac-Cen-Del High School in Osgood, Indiana, to be with the students and staff who are mourning the loss of Carson Hughes who meant so much to this small community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent two days at Jac-Cen-Del High School, middle school, and elementary school in Osgood at the request of Superintendent Sam Melton after their community faced the heartbreaking loss

Carson Hughes, a senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School, was reported missing on Friday, March 15. After three emotional days of searching, police found his body at Versailles State Park. "Carson was a senior and honor roll student at the high school. Many remembered him for his infectious smile, kindness, and love for his family, friends, and faith. Carson’s passion was photography. His beautiful photos earned Carson much recognition and awards for his work, skill, and passion." (from Carson's Obituary)
 
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Community is important when we suffer loss as it helps us to process and heal. As LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams gathered around the hurting students and staff, Jesus was there with them, an anchor in the storm of grief and uncertainty.

---

The handlers and ministry partners, with Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs by their side, sat with the students, listening and comforting them. The students and staff signed the Heart of Mercy & Compassion for Carson with messages for his family.
 
The students colored pictures of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in the coloring books, encouraging more conversation and smiles. Carson’s friends and classmates rotated between the Comfort Dogs, seeking their comforting touch and warmth. It was good to see smiles and the heaviness of grief ease from the young shoulders.

The school has requested that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs return to Jac-Cen-Del High School in May to continue to support the students in their grief. With the anticipation of prom, finals, and graduation, it may be difficult for the students, especially the seniors who will miss their classmate Carson.

The teams of Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs replied, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) and said they would return in May to be with the students and staff, strengthening the cherished connections already made.

York Community School - Elmhurst, Illinois

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has built a strong, caring relationship with York Community School in Elmhurst, Illinois, after repeated visits with students and staff. The high school suffered a loss with the passing of a staff member and was asked to be there on Monday. Many students knew this staff member as she worked in the school’s resource center for over 20 years and provided extra assistance to the students with their classes.
 
Though she had been ill for a while, the teachers shared how she carried with her each day a positive attitude and an inner strength. One of the students stayed with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Hannah (LCC Staff) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in Training Abednego for a long time, sharing how the day did not seem real. The handlers and the Comfort Dogs stayed with the student, helping her process the uncertainty and confusion of losing someone.

We are thankful the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers could be there for the students and staff, walking alongside them in their grief.

We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.

LEARN MORE & DONATE - HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION