 Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland), and Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia) and their compassionate handlers served the community of Sterling, Virginia, bringing Jesus' light and love to many who were suffering, scared, hurting, and in need, following a catastrophic explosion that destroyed a family's home and took the life of a Sterling Volunteer Firefighter, Trevor Brown. Firefighter Brown was also a veteran who served our country as a U.S. Marine. He was a stay-at-home dad of three young children. Ten other Sterling volunteer firefighters and two residents were injured in this horrible explosion as well, including Mr. Diamond, an 8th-grade teacher at Lunsford Middle School. During these times of tragedy, God is at work for us and with us. "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 God often works in and through His people to love, care for, and comfort others. God calls us and guides us where we need to be to share his love, hope, and security. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland), and Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia), and their compassionate handlers were there last week to be with the staff and students of the Loudoun County elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. They provided a safe, comforting, and reassuring place for the youngsters and teachers to go to process the shock, fear, and loss they were experiencing. The teams were invited by Jennifer Evans, Director of Unified Mental Health for Loudoun County Schools. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos is known by students and staff in Sterling for his regular visits to one of the elementary schools.  The Comfort Dogs and their teams visited Meadowland Elementary School, Discovery Elementary, Seneca Ridge Middle School, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, high school, and other schools in the district. Meadowland Elementary in Sterling, Virginia, serves 430 students. One student lives across the street from the house and all the windows on her home were shattered. One student was home alone when the explosion happened. These children were invited into a special breakfast reception at the school where counselors were on hand, music, arts and crafts, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos and Kezia were waiting for them. The students were allowed to stay as long as they needed before going to their classes. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers then spent time at Discovery Elementary School, where Trevor Brown's three children attend 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. They were not at school on Tuesday but returned on Wednesday as Comfort Dog Amos and Solomon welcomed them back. On Tuesday, Amos, Kezia, and Solomon were there for their classrooms. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were honored to be able to be there, to show them that they are loved and that they are surrounded by caring people. The Comfort Dogs and their handlers finished the day at Lunsford Middle School, home of 1,300 Lions, including Mr. Diamond, an 8th grade English and Civics teacher who is also a volunteer firefighter. Mr. Diamond was found severely burned in the basement of the home that exploded and is expected to be in the burn unit for another 4 weeks. His wife is also a teacher at Lunsford, and they have four children. Mr Diamond is a beloved teacher who has been at the school since it opened, and the staff are devastated for his family. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams spent most of their time on Tuesday with the staff and then visited some of the classes that both husband and wife teach. The principal commented that the entire mood changed when the handlers arrived with the Comfort Dogs. Peace, relief and joy. came over the staff, and they were thankful for their presence. 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 during tragedies like this. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity. Comments are closed.
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