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On Saturday, May 6, eight people were killed, and many were injured, some with critical injuries. Shoppers and mall staff were running to hide as a gunman got out of his car and began shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas. The heroic actions of a law enforcement officer present at the mall saved many lives. We pray for and grieve with the families of those killed in this latest tragedy: Kyu Song Cho (37), Cindy Cho (35), James Cho (3), Elio Cumana-Rivas (32), Christian LaCour (20), Daniela Mendoza (11), Sofia Mendoza (8), and Aishwarya Thatikonda (26).
In less than 24 hours, Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Rev. Michael Newman, President, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Texas District, to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to the shocked and hurting community that has been greatly impacted by this horrific event.  Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, James Casner, Assistant LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator, and the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams arrived on Sunday to be with families, survivors, and all of the first responders who serve them. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Elijah (Our Redeemer – Wichita Falls, Texas), Martha (Bethany – Austin, Texas), Miriam (Emmanuel - Kingfisher, Oklahoma), Pax and Phoebe (St. Paul – Fort Worth, Texas), Persis (King of Kings – Glenpool, Oklahoma), and Triton (Messiah – Plano, Texas) and their handlers are present this week to listen to those who are grieving, bringing them comfort, love, friendship, hope, and prayer. On Sunday evening, the LCC K-9 Ministry teams were present for those who attended the Cottonwood Baptist Church community vigil.
On Monday, the hearts/crosses were placed at the Allen Premium Outlet memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects in honor of the eight lives lost. The teams listened as people shared stories of being there that day. The teams have also visited with students, teachers, and staff at Allen High School, Mary Evans Elementary School, Cheri Cox Elementary School, and The Learning Experience to help calm fears and comfort the sadness they are experiencing. Pastor Will Kemp from Tangible Grace Lutheran Fellowship partnered with the teams for the Allen High School visit.  The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers also spent time with first responders at the Allen Police Department, Allen Central Fire Station, Allen 911 Dispatch, and other schools in the Allen Independent School District this week as invited.
Please join LCC as we pray for Allen, Texas community during this incredibly difficult time and for all of the first responders who heroically responded to a very difficult scene. LCC's 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. Comments are closed.
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