LCC K-9 Ministry Teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry Deploy to Monterey Park, California, Following Mass Shooting Tragedy

11 Killed, 9 Critical or Injured, and Community Traumatized

DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND

DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

On Saturday evening, January 21, a 72-year-old man walked into the Star Ballroom Dance Studio and began shooting, killing 11 people and wounding nine others during the start of a two-day Lunar New Year festival in Monterey Park, California. The suspect was later found dead in a van with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries were invited by Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Pacific Southwest District President, and Pastor Carl Kaye and Pastor Patrick Jow from Emmaus Lutheran Church and School in Alhambra, California, to be present this week throughout the community. Emmaus Lutheran Church and School has an English and Chinese speaking congregation.

On Saturday evening, January 21, a 72-year-old man walked into the Star Ballroom Dance Studio and began shooting, killing 11 people and wounding nine others during the start of a two-day Lunar New Year festival in Monterey Park, California. The suspect was later found dead in a van with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries were invited by Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Pacific Southwest District President, and Pastor Carl Kaye and Pastor Patrick Jow from Emmaus Lutheran Church and School in Alhambra, California, to be present this week throughout the community. Emmaus Lutheran Church and School has an English and Chinese speaking congregation.

The LCC K-9 Ministry teams brought hearts/markers through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses Ministry, to be present and help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event.
 
The hearts/markers were be placed at the memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the 11 lives lost so far.
 
The victims ranged in age from 57 to 76. They were six women and five men: My Nhan (65), Lilian Li (63), Xiujuan Yu (57), Muoi Ung (67), Hong Jian (62), Yu Kao (72), Chia Yau (76), Valentino Alvero (68), Wen Yu (64), Ming Ma (72), and Diana Tom (70).

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, Nevada), Rahab (St. Andrew – Stockton, California), Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), and Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, Nevada), along with their ministry teams were present at the Monterey Park City Hall memorial site on Monday night to listen to those who are grieving, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California) and his handlers joined the others for the vigil last night at Monterey Park City Hall.
 
On Tuesday, the LCC K-9 Ministry teams were invited to be with employees at Monterey Park City Hall, Monterey Park Police Officers, Monterey Park Fire Station #61, and the town library. They will also be present at a vigil that will be held at Monterey Park City Hall on Tuesday night.

Please join LCC as we pray for the Monterey Park community during this incredibly difficult time and for all of the first responders who heroically responded.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND

DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION