![]() We are touched to share that the Dallas County Medical Center in Fordyce, Arkansas, sent a note to express their gratitude for the visit of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma) and her team. Following the tragic grocery store shooting incident on June 21, 2024, where four lives were lost, Persis brought solace and support to the hospital staff. The note read: We want to thank you for the visit on June 25, 2024, to our hospital and for bringing Persis to our staff. Persis helped bring some smiles during this difficult tragedy. We also thank you for the prayers that were spoken with our staff. The ministry your team provides to others is a blessing. Please continue to pray for everyone affected by this tragedy. Thanks again for thinking of us during this time. DCMC Administration & Staff Toy Donation from Immanuel, Des Plaines, Illinois, Benefits Two Ministries ![]() We are thrilled to announce that we have received a significant toy donation from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Des Plaines, Illinois. This generous donation was shared with Breakfast with Baby at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, Illinois. Breakfast with Baby is a wonderful ministry that meets monthly to support local families by providing warm meals, fostering community connections, and supplying essential items for families with young children. We are grateful for this collaboration and its impact on families in need. Tabor Lutheran Church Receives a Generous Kitchenware Donation for Families in Need in Their Community ![]() A generous donor has contributed $1,000 worth of kitchenware to Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago. This donation included sets of dishes, pots, and pans, as well as small kitchen appliances. The donated items will be instrumental in supporting families in need within the community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous donor for their kindness and generosity towards those who will benefit from these essential household items. Collaborating with Others to Provide Items for Those in Need ![]() We received a generous donation of 50 pairs of shoes from the Naperville Running Store and a donation of 30 shirts along with 25 pairs of pants from GiveNKind. These contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. We are deeply grateful for the support shown by these organizations. The donated shoes and clothes will be shared with the Free Store in Downtown Chicago, a vital initiative that collaborates with First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Chicago Help Initiative, St. Chrysostom, and Lutheran Church Charities. The Free Store plays a crucial role in providing essential items to individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Your donations will directly benefit those who rely on the Free Store for basic necessities. Thank you to Naperville Running Store and GiveNKind for their generosity and to all those involved in supporting this important cause. Pastor Henry Biar of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Skokie, Illinois, and Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship (Messiah for Muslims) in Lombard, Illinois, are mentoring a young man named Hazim, who has a remarkable conversion story and is preparing to become a Lutheran pastor. Previously, Hazim and his family have received help with a vehicle and an apartment. His rent is $1,900 per month, and both pastors are asking supporters of Lutheran Church Charities for assistance. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois, has made a one-time donation, but the need for Hazim’s family remains. Would you consider joining LCC, St. Paul Skokie, Salam Christian Fellowship, and Immanuel Palatine in providing housing support for this future LCMS pastor? Read below to learn more of Hazim’s divine call and journey to faith in a letter from Pastor Hesham: ![]() Dear Supporters of Lutheran Church Charities, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share the remarkable impact of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois, and the invaluable support provided by Lutheran Church Charities. Sixteen years ago, an Iranian refugee named Azad arrived in the United States with zero dollars to his name. Fleeing persecution by the Iranian regime. Azad faced immense challenges. Not only did he leave behind all his family wealth and belongings in Iran, but he also did not speak any English. However, Salam Christian Fellowship, with the support of LCC and other LCMS churches, stepped in to provide essential assistance. Salam Christian Fellowship offered Azad rent support, ESL classes, Bible study sessions, translation services, assistance with immigration paperwork, have him a car donated by LCMS, and even food support. Their commitment helped Azad settle into the Chicago area, where he eventually became a successful business owner with a shop and real estate properties. Azad, grateful for the support he received, wanted to pay back the support he received. He reached out to Salam, offering to help a young man named Hazim — an Iraqi asylum seeker. Hazim, a former imam in Iraq, had bravely protected Christian families from ISIS. His courageous act led to an assassination attempt that severely injured his leg. In a dream, Hazim encountered Jesus, who miraculously healed his leg and guided him to read the Word of God and to follow Christ. Facing ongoing persecution, Hazim and his family fled to the United States this year, and he was baptized in June 2024. Salam Christian Fellowship stepped in once again, finding them temporary housing in Wheeling, IL, and securing a donated car to ease their transportation challenges. Currently, Hazim attends a local LCMS church while preparing for seminary. However, finding suitable housing was a hurdle. Hazim lacked a credit history and official residency status, making it impossible to rent an apartment. Azad generously offered an apartment for rent to Hazim without any of the prerequisites that other landlords typically ask for. The impact of Salam Christian Fellowship and Lutheran Church Charities is immeasurable. With the power of Christ, together, we continue to change lives and create a supportive community for those in need. Noteworthy is that Iraqis and Iranians usually hate each other because of the devastating 8-year war between them that had killed 1 million people. But the Prince of Peace is always at work to reconcile enemies through His cross and resurrection. If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you for your continued support of our mission. Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship ![]() Last Wednesday, the Strasburg-Stewardson, Illinois, community faced a heartbreaking tragedy involving the loss of three young lives in a devastating UTV accident. Our hearts ache for the families and friends of Edie Whittenberg, Karly Wetherell, and Sienna Bostedo during this incredibly difficult time. All three girls were members at local Lutheran churches and poised to start high school in the fall. A group of school superintendents and principals, along with LCC staff, helped set up the Crosses and Hearts in memory of the three girls. Rev. Whybrew of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg extended an invitation to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to join in offering comfort and solace to those affected by this tragedy. The vigil held at Stewardson-Strasburg High School last Thursday provided a space for students, staff, and community members to lean on each other for support. We are deeply grateful to the group of school superintendents, principals, and LCC staff who helped set up the Crosses and Hearts in memory of the three girls. This display serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the love they shared with those around them. Over 1,000 people attended the vigil , filling the gym with a shared, reflective mood. Pastor Weaver had baptized and confirmed one of the girls and Rev. Whybrew, similarly, had confirmed two more recently. They offered prayers and scripture readings amidst the grief. The vigil focused on scriptures about eternal rest and faith in Jesus, reflecting the community's strong Lutheran beliefs. Despite the sadness, there were moments of solace and even smiles among the grieving families, supported by friends and families. One of the local teachers spoke of survivor guilt as her children were with her, safely. She emphasized how everyone is united in faith, emphasizing their reliance on God, and His promises, to cope. The vigil highlighted the community's resilience, unity, and unwavering faith as they mourned their loss together. Rev. Whybrew knew Edie and Karly as these young girls and their families are part of St Paul’s church family. This has been an emotional time for his congregation and him as well. Sienna and her family are members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. The truck driver, who survived, and his family are members at Grace Lutheran Church in Strasburg where Rev. Whybrew is also their pastor. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther and Jordan from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, traveled immediately to be there for the hurting communities of Strasburg-Stewardson. They spent time with those who knew and loved Edie, Karly, and Sienna, surrounding them in love, comfort and protectiveness as the dealt with the shock of this unthinkable loss. The teams for Esther and Jordan returned to Strasburg-Stewardson on Tuesday, July 16, for the visitation held for Edie Whittenberg, Karly Wetherell and Sienna Bostedo. Edie was a driven, determined, ambitious soul with a contagious smile that lit up a room. She radiated a pure love for life, Jesus, family, and her friends. When you think of Karly, remember her smile, her love for Christ, her laugh, her long thick hair that got frizzy when she would sweat, her sportsmanship, her enthusiastic cheering at games, and the brightness she brought to all those around her. Sienna was goofy, smart, fun, caring, a hard worker, and a natural born leader. She loved her family above all else. They were her world and she was theirs.
We remember the families and loved ones of these three precious children of God and pray for them to be wrapped in God’s loving and comforting arms. Last weekend there was much fellowship, learning and growing together during the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Central Regional Gathering led by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry staff and hosted by Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana. We thank God for the wonderful turnout of at least 100 handlers and ministry partners who came together from the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams: Atonement Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio, with Rosie Comfort Dog Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, Indiana, with Magdalene Comfort Dog Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, with Naomi Comfort Dog Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with Jared Comfort Dog Our Savior Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky, with Mercy Comfort Dog Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, Indiana, with Dove Comfort Dog St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio, with Damascus Comfort Dog Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio, with Claudia Comfort Dog and Lazarus Comfort Dog Upcoming LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams: Atonement Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Bethany Lutheran Church, Parma, Ohio Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, Indiana – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Our Savior Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky – second Comfort Dog Ministry team St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westlake, Ohio The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams participated in Spiritual First Aid training and certification. This training will help equip the handlers and ministry partners even more as they care for others struggling with everything from mild stress to mass trauma. It is an amazing opportunity for the Comfort Dog teams as they continue to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are in need. The handlers also enjoyed some refresher training of their handling skills as they work with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. It was a lot of fun incorporating the ministry partners as well into the training. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and LCC staff members are thankful for the warm hospitality and delicious food provided by the Cornerstone Lutheran Church during the training. They went all out to make everyone feel welcomed. LCC looks forward to sharing Spiritual First Aid with the other LCC K-9 Comfort Dog regions across the country who will gather at different times throughout this year for fellowship and refresher handler training as the ministry continues to learn and grow in God’s kingdom.
"Be merciful to me, O God ... for in You, my soul takes refuge ... til the storms of destruction pass by." (Psalm 57:1-2 ESV) We are ready to BE THERE!
In response, LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer coordinated the mobilization of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from Tyler, Texas, to Trinity Klein Lutheran to provide chainsaw and debris removal help for 15 homes. Trinity Klein families are among more than 2.5 million people in Houston who have been waiting for power to be restored. “Pastors are telling me that getting the lights and air conditioning back on is the greatest need,” Rev. Singer said. "But we also are assessing immediate and ongoing human care needs. We need to provide much more help to the many communities that are hurting during this time."
Lutheran Church Charities is able to provide this assistance because of generous donors and volunteers who are willing to serve and give. But additional assistance to provide food, logistics, and home-to-home support and care is still strongly needed, Singer emphasized. "Any financial support you can offer will go directly to helping families in the Houston area," Singer said. Thanks to you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support is greatly appreciated by all the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are compelled to give, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Additionally, click the button to learn more about how LCC Human Care is proving assistance to families affected by Hurricane Beryl and other efforts. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus! LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
On Monday, the team worked at Mrs. K's home, a disabled congregation member who runs the church's food pantry. She is also a caregiver to a disabled adult son. The team removed several damaged trees with hanging limbs that required the use of a lift for safe removal. One of the LERT volunteers climbed one of the trees to remove limbs as well. They also cleared overgrown bushes and trees from around her home, making her property more accessible. Mrs. K was thankful for the care shown and the work done for her to make her home safe. Thanks to You, We Can BE THERE! We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve. We thank our generous donors and appreciate your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist.
If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
Lutheran Church Charities is always recruiting new volunteers to help train these amazing animals. If you are interested in joining us on this mission, please contact LCC at [email protected] or click here for further information.
![]() The Fernandez family, from the Las Vegas area, experienced a heartbreaking incident on June 25th when they lost their beloved 14-year-old daughter, Tonya, in a tragic car accident. In honor of Tonya's memory, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team from First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, gifted a heart and cross at her funeral last Saturday. The heart was adorned with inscriptions of faith, including the words "Love you, princess of the Most High God," and messages of reassurance such as "Now you live forever with Jesus in the presence of God." During this challenging period, the family finds comfort and strength in their faith in God and the unwavering support of their community as they come to terms with their profound loss.
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