Recognizing Compassion and Comfort

Rev. Chris Singer Honored for Leadership in Disaster Relief

When Rev. Chris Singer stepped into his role as President/CEO of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) in 2023, he immediately connected with the organization’s guiding principle: "BE THERE."

In just two words, the heart of LCC’s ministry was captured — the commitment to offer a ministry of presence, a beacon of hope for those who are hurting. Under Rev. Singer’s leadership, this simple yet profound call has continued to grow, reflecting LCC’s steadfast message: God's love never wavers.

“Because of what God first did for us, we can answer the call to join Him in serving others as a source of strength and comfort,” Rev. Singer shared.

LCC’s mission finds its biblical foundation in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

From disaster zones to the aftermath of school shootings, from communities devastated by storms to individuals facing personal hardships, LCC volunteers offer tangible care and Christ-centered compassion.

Now, that work is being honored. On Wednesday, April 30, Rev. Singer is accepting the 2025 Disaster Relief Hero Award from the Greater Chicago chapter of the American Red Cross on behalf of LCC. In their announcement, the Red Cross recognized LCC’s remarkable impact:

“Under Singer's leadership, LCC has mobilized more than a thousand trained volunteers to respond to natural disasters, tragic events, and personal hardships across the country. Their programs include Disaster Response, aiding communities in cleanup and recovery; Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, providing personalized crosses and hearts to comfort grieving families; Human Care Ministries, supplying essential resources like food and clothing; and K-9 Ministries, bringing peace through comfort dogs to those in distress. In 2024 alone, LCC responded to hurricanes, school shootings, and summer storms, offering hope in the aftermath of devastation.”

Since 2002, the Greater Chicago chapter has recognized individuals and organizations for “acts of immense bravery, dedication, and service to the community.”

For Rev. Singer, this award is not just a recognition of work — it’s a testament to a calling.

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“What we are called to do is a mission to serve others with love and mercy,”
Rev. Singer said.

Please join us in congratulating Rev. Chris Singer on this well-deserved recognition! We invite you to keep him in your prayers as he continues to lead LCC’s ministry with compassion, strength, and faithfulness.

Answering the Call: LCC Disaster Response Impact 2024

In 2024, LCC worked at nearly 200 disaster zone sites with the help of nearly 350 LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers, including the Iowa/Nebraska tornadoes, New Mexico wildfires, and North Carolina hurricane and flooding aftermath.

Approximately 850 active LCC LERT volunteers have been trained, many with expertise with chainsaw work, heavy equipment, debris removal, flood recovery, mucking homes, and providing emotional and spiritual care. LERT volunteers also support their communities by doing clean-up work for members of their congregations and churches.

LCC Disaster Response trained nearly 300 new volunteers across four time zones during the year.

LCC also partnered with Spiritual First Aid™ in 2024 to certify more than 1,000 people in frontline spiritual and emotional care. Spiritual First Aid'" is an 8-session certification course that teaches peer-to-peer spiritual and emotional care and trauma-informed best practices.

LCC’s first Spiritual First Aid'" certified LCC Care team deployed to Asheville, N.C., in the wake of Hurricane Helene.