Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad: Moments of Grace in Omaha

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

From June 26–29, 2025, women from across the nation gathered in Omaha, Nebraska, at the CHI Health Center for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention. With the theme “Growing in God’s Grace” drawn from 2 Peter 3:18, the convention was a powerful blend of worship, witness, and fellowship. It was also a time when the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was present—not just in appearance, but in purpose, prayer, and presence.

Together, the Comfort Dog teams brought something uniquely beautiful: quiet moments of peace in a bustling convention hall, sacred conversations sparked by gentle interactions, and visible reminders of God’s love with every paw step.

A Ministry of Connection

As handler Ryan with Meshach Comfort Dog shared, the weekend was marked by connection:
“Between people and Christ. Between dogs and guests. Between ministry partners, trainers, and women from every corner of the country. So many already knew the power of this ministry—others were just discovering it. And all left touched.”

Whether it was a reunion with a former puppy raiser, a first-time handshake that became a heartfelt conversation, or a passing smile exchanged with someone who simply needed it—God was in every moment.

The Comfort of Christ Through Canines

It was clear to all who visited the Comfort Dog booth that these dogs were more than companions. They were ambassadors of Christ’s peace and vessels of His healing.

Carol, handler for Keren Comfort Dog, reflected: “It was a wonderful meeting of God-filled ladies who know and love our ministry. We connected with people we’d only known through emails and Facebook posts—this time, face to face. The tears that were shed were filled with joy.”

Each interaction was a testimony—quiet, Spirit-led, deeply impactful.

Stories That Stayed With Us

Throughout the weekend, the Comfort Dog teams heard stories of hope, loss, resilience, and miracles. One woman shared about her daughter’s near-death experience and how prayer had carried them through. With Phinehas Comfort Dog by her side, she recounted moments of desperation and God’s surprising grace. “As she spoke in that loud hall, somehow God gave me ears just for her,” Paula said. “It’s a blessing to be trusted with such stories.”

Meanwhile, team members like Dawn experienced moments where prayer extended far beyond conversation. When a woman named Linda collapsed outside the hotel one night, Dawn not only gave aid, but also sent a prayer request across the Comfort Dog network. The next day, Linda returned to the booth—healed, grateful, and eager to say thank you.

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Joy That Endures the Journey

For many teams, the journey to Omaha was long—physically and emotionally. Connie with Eddie Comfort Dog admitted, “I thought it would be a hard day. Leaving at 6 AM, a long drive, a wet basement at home. But seeing how people respond—even to a sleeping Eddie—makes it all so worth it. God makes long days feel short when He fills them with purpose.”

Jessi, newer to the ministry, noted how refreshing it was to learn from other teams and to “be in a room full of women who love Jesus.” Marie echoed that, recalling countless smiles and moments of reunion—both canine and human.

A Light-Filled Deployment

As Marcia with Nicodemus Comfort Dog beautifully put it, “No disaster, no sadness—just a deployment of light meeting light. This was a foretaste of heaven.”

Indeed, the LWML Convention was a reminder that ministry is not just what we do in crisis—but what we do in joy, in presence, in the everyday rhythms of walking beside others.

Giving Glory to God

In her message, President Eden Keefe encouraged each attendee to reflect on how God used them—and continues to use them—through Word and Sacrament, to grow in grace and proclaim His glory.
From the youngest attendees to seasoned volunteers, from first-time encounters to lifelong friendships, God’s glory was evident in Omaha.

As Warren with Eden Comfort Dog shared: “We met a woman who had just lost her own dog. She shed tears with Eden and received her love in return. This gathering reminded us how connected we all are in Christ.”

Until We Meet Again

Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for showing up—despite the heat, the miles, and the long hours. Thank you for being a calming presence, a joyful face, and a living example of grace in motion.

As Angie said: “Being there reminded me how powerful and healing God’s love can be—even in the smallest, quietest moments.”

Devorah & Zacchaeus Comfort Dogs (Redeemer - Fort Collins, CO)
Eden Comfort Dog (Peace - Columbus, NE)
Eddie & Meshach Comfort Dogs (Peace - Grand Island, NE)
Glory Comfort Dog (Christ - Lincoln, NE)
Keren Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Ellsworth, KS)
Nicodemus Comfort Dog (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska)
Phinehas Comfort Dog (Trinity - Fremont, NE)

Let us continue to walk in this ministry with joy, trusting that in every step, every story, and every connection, God is working through us. Let us rejoice and be glad.

LEARN MORE & DONATE - LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY