Thank you for supporting the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry at Michigan State University  LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry brought much-needed comfort, care, and love to East Lansing, Michigan, after the tragic shooting at Michigan State University (MSU) that took the lives of Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner, and Arielle Anderson and left five others critically injured. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries were invited by Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop & President, English District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Rev. David A. Davis, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Michigan District President, Rev. Curt Dwyer, Lead Pastor, and Rev. James Robinson, Campus Ministry Pastor, at Martin Lutheran Chapel in East Lansing, Michigan, and Pastor Trevor Sutton at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Haslet, Michigan, to be present last week throughout the community.  Within hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Dove (Peace – Fremont, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana) and Jude (St. Peter – Three Rivers, Michigan) and their handlers departed from their communities in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio to East Lansing, to be a physical presence of love, comfort, and peace to those who are in shock and grieving. LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry provided three hearts and crosses, one cross for each of the young students killed, and placed them at the memorial site. The students, parents, faculty, and community are numb, devastated, and in shock and are still trying to comprehend the violence that struck this Michigan State University community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time sitting with many affected, letting them gently pet and receive love and comfort from the K-9s.
The LCC K-9 Ministry teams spent time with many at the vigil held at MSU last week and within the community at East Lansing. The Comfort Dogs welcomed MSU students and faculty with their gentle and loving eyes to sit with them, providing a comforting and quiet place to be. Much comfort and attention were given to the Sparrow Hospital medical staff who took in the victims with urgency, skill, and care.
Pastor Trevor Sutton and the congregation at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church were a welcome and helpful partner to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams who deployed to East Lansing. Pastor Sutton helped the LCC K-9 team build connections with MSU faculty, students, and the local hospital. The St. Luke’s congregation was a thoughtful and generous host to the six LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams.  LCC is very grateful for the support of the MSU faculty and students, MSU Friendship House, the East Lansing community members, and local businesses. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams are also grateful for their time spent with Phi Delta Theta, where Brian Fraser was president of the fraternity. The members of Phi Delta Theta lost a friend and a brother, and their hearts are broken. The MSU community is in need of our support, love, presence, and prayers as they begin their journey of grief and healing. Each hour a gentle hug, a kind word, and a prayer for God’s comforting presence are needed. We pray for the MSU community, the families, and the loved ones of Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner, and Arielle Anderson. We lift up the five others critically injured for strength, healing, comfort, and rest so they may go home soon to their families and friends. After the K-9s visit, LCC received the following note from Dan Winter, Executive Director, of Friendship House MSU: You may not even be home yet but wanted to express my thanks to you, the team, and especially the "pups" for coming to East Lansing this past week and specifically to the Friendship House on Friday. Please join LCC in praying for the entire Michigan State University community and for all of the first responders who heroically responded during this incredibly difficult time.
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. Comments are closed.
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