 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams exemplify compassion and empathy as they provide solace and support to individuals experiencing grief, shock, and suffering. Through their presence and attentive listening, these dedicated teams offer a comforting presence, fostering deep connections with those in distress. In the last few weeks, their unwavering commitment to being there for others brought solace and support to many in need, truly embodying the essence of compassion and care. Their commitment to spreading love and healing is commendable, and we are grateful for their invaluable service. "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10 Vigil to Honor Lives Lost in the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse - Baltimore, Maryland On Monday night, a beautiful vigil was held in honor of the six men who lost their lives following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Between 400 and 500 people from the community came together at Sacred Heart of Jesus to support one another and honor the lives of their six Hispanic brothers, Maynor Suazo-Sandoval, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Castillo, Miguel Luna, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Lopez.
After the prayer service, there was a candlelight procession that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia's team joined and offered moments of comfort and love as everyone walked together through the neighborhood of Baltimore. During the procession, everyone stopped in solidarity six times to pray and honor each of the victims—one minute of silence to remember each of these men, God's beloved children. Six helmets and vests, draped over crosses, were carried in front of the crowd. It was an evening of coming together to honor the victims and their families and to take strength in knowing that God is with their community and will remain with them as they move forward. Monday night's prayer service and candlelight procession was a reflection of loving and supporting their neighbor and reflecting His love.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1-5) Passing of a Young Father - Odell, Nebraska  Odell, Nebraska, suffered the tragic loss of Kolin Kotas, a compassionate, humble, and generous soul who left his place on earth on March 28. Kolin, husband of Brittney, father of two young sons, ages 12 and 10, and a daughter, age 5, son, brother, friend, and supporter of his community, was 36 years old. Odell is a small community of 300 people who know and love one another. It is a community filled with people of strong faith in the Lord who come together to help each other when in need. Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska) saw the power of this love and support for one another at the funeral service for Kolin at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell. This small church was overflowing with over 450 people that filled its basement, the first floor, and front lawn, all coming together in their grief to say goodbye to Kolin and to support his grieving family. There was so much love witnessed by the sheer number of hugs and tears being shared.  Morgan Toensing, a member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Concordia, Missouri, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jessy and Thomas, asked for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Nebraska to be present at her brother-in-law's funeral service. Morgan grew up in Odell, and much of her family is still there. Morgan remembered the comfort and love she had received from Jessy and Thomas Comfort Dogs and their team and wanted that same presence and support for her family on the difficult and emotional day of Kolin's funeral. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Eden, Joanna, Katie & Phinehas, and Nicodemus immediately responded with, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) after learning of the request for support and comfort for Kolin's three young children, his young nieces and nephews, children he coached in baseball, football and basketball, his family, and friends. Pastor Stuckwisch, Our Savior Lutheran Church, led a beautiful service for Kolin. This was a difficult funeral for Pastor Stuckwisch as Kolin was an active member of Our Savior's, participating in various church activities, such as bell choir and church council. He was also instrumental in building the new church, generously offering his skills to the congregation. Kolin was also the pastor's friend. During the funeral service, Phinehas Comfort Dog and his handler stayed right by Kolin’s young children, providing a safe, comforting place during such an uncertain and scary time. Phinehas sensed exactly what the boys needed as he stayed close beside them. Pastor Stuckwisch also gave a children’s message, as at least 50 children attended the funeral service. The children overflowed into the center aisle to hear him share about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the importance of giving hugs so that people know we care about them. He pointed out that our Comfort Dogs give hugs.  One of Joanna Comfort Dog’s handlers reflected, “I will never forget the smile on a little girl’s face when she looked up at me and said, 'I really like her. She’s so soft.' It was truly love in action at that moment, as the adults sitting in the pews saw the children receiving comfort from the special children’s message and then smiling as they watched the children gently petting and hugging the Comfort Dogs.” After the service, Pastor Stuckwisch came over to visit with Eden and Nicodemus Comfort Dogs. The handlers thanked him for the beautiful service and acknowledged how it must have been a very personal and difficult one for him to do. It was in that safe and loving place with the handlers who loved and cared for him that he could release the tension and tears he was carrying. As he shared his emotions, he received hugs of comfort from the handlers, just like he spoke about during his children’s message. Another powerful moment shared by a handler was meeting Morgan, who requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry's presence on behalf of her family. The handler introduced herself to Morgan and gave her a big, encompassing hug. It was a heartwarming and emotional moment, knowing that she trusted a total stranger who was there with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The power of a simple hug can be so comforting and reassuring, especially during times of grief. It's amazing how a gesture as simple as a hug can convey so much comfort, love, support, and understanding without the need for words. It was a beautiful God moment, reflecting on how the children's message was based on that. Even on one of these hardest days for the Kotas family, God was with them, sending others to be with them in their grief, to show His love for them. God held their hand in His that most difficult day, and He will remain with them, leading them through their grief and brokenness. As Psalm 139:10 promises, "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." No matter what happens, He goes with them, leading and holding them with His right hand. God will meet them even on their most challenging and darkest days. His hand grabs hold and doesn't let go.
School Bus Accident - Buda, Texas  The families, students, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School in Buda, Texas, faced a horrible tragedy when a truck heading in the opposite direction veered into the wrong lane and struck their school bus filled with 44 pre-kindergarten students and 11 adults as they were returning to school from a field trip to Bastrop County Zoo on March 22. This horrible accident took the precious lives of 5-year-old Ulises Rodriquez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who was in the vehicle behind the bus. The return to school after this tragic event was an emotional and challenging time for the students, parents, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School. With heavy hearts, parents brought their children to school, knowing that one of their classmates, Ulises, would not be there. The school staff, however, was prepared for this difficult transition. Social workers and other support staff were available to provide assistance and comfort to the students, staff, and parents who were affected by the tragedy. Despite the sadness and worry that permeated the school, the community came together to support one another, ensuring that the students felt safe and cared for.
Loss of 8th-Grade Student - Pontiac Junior High School, Illinois Last week, the Pontiac Junior High School community in Illinois mourned the loss of Ashton, a beloved 8th-grade student known for his infectious smile and love for mathematics. Returning to school without him was heart-wrenching for many who had known him since kindergarten.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 Vigil of Fallen Police Officer Jonathan Diller
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.
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