LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy in Response to Tragic Death of LCMS Pastor Allen Henderson

In John chapter 10 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

On Wednesday, October 2, Pastor Allen Henderson of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was found unresponsive outside of the church after an apparent assault and was later pronounced dead from the injuries.
 
Pastor Henderson, 64, served at St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1999. He was also the chaplain for the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, District 7 Iowa State Patrol, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department. He was planning to retire in two weeks and Pastor Kendall Meyer from the Lutheran Church of St. John in Quincy, Illinois, will start next month.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited by Principal Barbara Kozisek and Rev. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President, Missions, Human Care and Stewardship in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Iowa District West to comfort students, faculty and staff on Friday, October 4, as they mourn the tragic passing of their beloved Pastor.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eddie (Peace Lutheran – Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michael’s – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska) are deploying to comfort and support Pastor Henderson’s wife, three children and other family members, congregation, school, first responders, and the communities he served.

Pastor Henderson was described as "a long-time chaplain of all area public safety agencies and first responders" in a news release Wednesday. While reviewing church surveillance, multiple officers were able to identify the attacker from past encounters, according to the criminal complaint. 
 
According to Police Chief Roger Porter of Fort Dodge, “Pastor Al was a brother to all of us. He was a pastor to every law enforcement and fire agency in this area. This is very tough for all of us.” In addition to his chaplain work with area first responders, Pastor Henderson was active in the group Serving Our Servants, which supports public servants. Among other activities, it has provided water and food to first responders and raised money to buy Fort Dodge police officers new dress caps for formal occasions.

News release From St. Paul Lutheran Church
 
Dear Friends in Christ,
 
In John chapter 10 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” While we do not know all the details, Pastor Al Henderson walked in the steps of Jesus last evening. As the pastor and shepherd of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa he laid down his life for his sheep. Pastor Henderson began each of his worship services, regardless of the time of year, with the same words, “Christ has risen!”—and his congregation faithfully responded, "He has risen indeed alleluia!”

Our hope today is in the Good News of Jesus Christ that pastor Henderson faithfully proclaimed for over 30 years of pastoral ministry. He is now seeing his Lord face to face in glory. He will be deeply missed by his family, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, law enforcement, first responders and firefighters of the Fort Dodge region as well as members of the community. Pastors of Iowa District West are at St. Paul’s today in the sanctuary to comfort anyone who wishes to stop by. There will be a prayer service at 6 pm in the sanctuary with an outdoor candlelight vigil at 7 pm.
 
Peace in Christ,
 
Pastor Steve Turner
President, Iowa District West
the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also 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. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to the Fort Dodge, Iowa, and surrounding communities.
 
Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.

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