LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Respond to Multiple Tragedies with Love and Compassion to Be There for Those Suffering and In Need

3/6/2024

Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their committed teams of volunteers sprang into action, offering their support and comfort in the face of multiple tragedies. Recognizing the importance of being present for those suffering and in need, these compassionate teams stood ready to provide solace and care wherever it was needed.

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Independence, Missouri - Tragic Death of Police Officer and a Civil Process Server

Last week, heartbreak struck Independence, Missouri, when Drexel Mack, a Civil Process Server, and Independence Police Officer Cody Allen were shot and killed, and two police officers were wounded while serving their community. This devastating event has left the community in shock and mourning.

The LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry team from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Raymore, Missouri, quickly responded by setting up hearts and crosses for Drexel Mack and Officer Cody Allen. Visitors to the memorial outside the police station were present throughout the day and night, remembering the men who lost their lives.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jessy and Thomas (St. Paul’s - Concordia, Missouri) visited with officers and met with people at the memorial site.

The community filled the hearts with messages of comfort and hope for the families. Because the hearts at the memorial site are full, another heart will be gifted at the visitation this week. HMC teams will be there, along with the K-9 teams, to provide a ministry of presence to the community.

Seven LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Boaz (Christ the King - Lake Ozark, Missouri), Daniel (Immanuel - Joplin, Missouri), Jessy and Thomas (St. Paul’s - Concordia, Missouri), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), Tabby (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and Zillah (Immanuel - St. Charles, Missouri), and their handlers will be there to support the family, community, and law enforcement at Independence Police Officer Cody Allen’s public visitation on Thursday, March 7.

We pray for the family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers as they process the shock and loss of Officer Cody Allen and Drexel Mack and remember these two precious children of God who are loved.

Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:35-36)

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Burnsville, Minnesota - Memorial Service for Three First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty

On Wednesday, February 28, the Burnsville, Minnesota, community came together to honor three courageous first responders who were tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18.

Police Officer Paul Elmstrand (27), Police Officer Matthew Ruge (27), and Paramedic Adam Finseth (40) were remembered for their unwavering commitment to service during a memorial service held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

With over 10,000 first responders, community members, friends, and family in attendance, the outpouring of support underscored these individuals' profound impact on their community.

Five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), with their dedicated teams were present to create a comforting and safe space for people to process their emotions. Each LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handler felt deeply honored to be invited to the service to bring the love of Jesus to those grieving.

We thank Gideon Comfort Dog and his team for being present at various vigils and prayer gatherings and handling two shifts a day at the city hall memorial over these past ten days. We're also grateful to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams Charity, Hagar, Mary, and Tobias for providing additional support by traveling to the memorial service.

Pam from Team Gideon said, "When I signed on to this thing called LCC K-9 Ministries, I had no idea that I would acquire new 'family' members, people we can turn to in good times and in bad." In the face of darkness, these bonds serve as a reminder of the power of community and the profound impact of compassion and presence in times of need.

We continue to pray for the community, the colleagues, friends, and beloved family of these first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. May God surround each person who is grieving with His love and comfort.

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress…May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support." (Psalm 20:1-5)

East Dundee, Illinois - Sudden Death of a Beloved Music Teacher

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry received a request from Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, Illinois, for the Comfort Dogs to be there to comfort the family and friends of Matthew Bishop at his visitation on Friday, March 1. His death was unexpected, and so many people in the community deeply felt his loss.

Matt Bishop was the band director at Dundee Middle School and was very involved in the Music Ministry at Immanuel, his church home, where he was an active member and a musician in one of the praise teams. Matt is much beloved for inspiring students and adults with the joy of music.

Over 4,000 people came to say goodbye to this extraordinary and generous man, a beloved friend, teacher, and mentor. Students commented on how Mr. Bishop cheered them on in everything, whether in the classroom or on the court. Matt moved the hearts of many.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Eunice, Hannah (LCC Staff), Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Abednego, Glory, Meshach, Rejoice, Shadrach, and Zion were there offering comfort, calm, and gentleness. The handlers shared Jesus' love and compassion with all those who were grieving the loss of Matthew.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois - Sudden Death of Eighth-Grade Student

The students and staff at Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois, are mourning the sudden death of Reyln, an 8th-grade student. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Abednego, Meshach, and Saul and their trainers provided a safe, comforting place on Monday as students and staff heard of her passing.

At times, there were smiles and quiet chatter; other times, silence or sharing about the loss of family or pets and the pain of missing them. We pray for all those who knew Reylin to find comfort and hope that comes from Jesus.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

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 these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.

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