North Central Region Gathering draws teams from CO, KS, NE

​How can learning and using a person’s name make a powerful impression on someone who is hurting?

Last weekend, eight teams of Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog leaders, handlers, and ministry partners from Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska — plus two in-process teams — explored that question and other topics as they met in Grand Island, NE, for the North Central Regional Gathering. Seven churches were represented.

Together, they studied Isaiah 43 and Daniel 3 about God calling His people by name and standing with them through trial. Over two days, the group refreshed their handling skills, discussed how to strengthen their teams and uplift their communities, and served at a local hospital.

Hosted by Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island, NE, and the Meshach Comfort Dog team, the gathering featured fellowship, learning, encouragement, and service under the theme “Another In The Fire,” based on Daniel 3:25: “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like the son of the gods.” 

The theme carried throughout both days, reminding the group that they are never alone in the fires and challenges of life. God is present with His servants, walking alongside them, strengthening them, and bringing comfort and hope — even in the most difficult circumstances.

Participating teams included:

Devorah (Redeemer – Fort Collins, CO)
Eden (Peace – Columbus, NE)
Glory (Christ – Lincoln, NE)
Joanna (Christ – Lincoln, NE)
Keren (Immanuel – Ellsworth, KS)
Meshach (Peace – Grand Island, NE)
Phinehas (Trinity – Fremont, NE)
Zacchaeus (Redeemer – Fort Collins, CO)
In-process teams from Trinity – Lincoln, NE, and Trinity – Fremont, NE

The gathering had training sessions for all members of the team. 

• Top Dogs planned and shared ideas for team strengthening and community outreach. 
• Ministry partners discussed how to support people through asking open-ended questions, providing affirmation, and reflecting back what they heard. At the heart of the training was the importance of focusing on the hurting individual through listening, caring, and presence. 
• Handlers spent time with LCC staff K-9 trainers to practice their commands and communication skills with their canines.

Throughout the gathering, teams uplifted one another through prayer and encouragement with a focus on the simple, powerful practice of learning and using a person’s name. Asking someone what their name is can be a meaningful act of ministry that helps them feel seen, known, and valued. 

Isaiah 43:1 reminds us: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.”

This lesson became especially meaningful when the teams put it into practice during their visits to the Grand IslandCancer Treatment Center. 

As the Comfort Dogs and their teams met patients, families, and staff, they intentionally asked people their names. These were more than introductions —they were opportunities to pause, listen, and connect with the person standing in front of them.

By asking someone’s name and remembering it, our teams communicated a simple but powerful message: You are seen. You are known. You are loved. You matter.

In the midst of appointments, treatments, hospital stays, uncertainty, and the many challenges people carry, the Comfort Dogs opened the door to conversation. But genuine connection happens through the caring presence of handlers and ministry partners who help a person feel important.

Teams also joined together to bring comfort to patients, families, and staff at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Grand Island Regional Medical Center.

Smiles, conversations, shared memories, welcoming greetings, gentle presence – there were so many wonderful moments to be with people carrying difficult circumstances. 

The Comfort Dogs and team members offered a reprieve from the stress of the day.

With each encounter, the teams were reminded of the importance of seeing the individual, not just the circumstance. Behind every appointment, treatment, hospital room, or difficult day is a person with a name, a story, hopes, fears, and a need to know they are not alone.

And, of course, the Comfort Dogs got to enjoy some well-deserved fun and relaxation. They were treated to wonderful massages and then enjoyed a fun play session, chasing balls, running together, and enjoying time with one another.

What a blessing to gather as a region, to learn from one another, to encourage one another, and to serve together. Through every conversation, every prayer, every touch of soft fur, and every person met, the teams were reminded “there is Another in the fire.”

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