 Last week a tragedy happened to a small community in Williamsburg, Iowa, when 13-year-old Nolan Bayer was killed in a UTV accident and his eleven-year-old friend was severely injured. Nolan had just finished 7th grade at Lutheran Inter-parish School in Williamsburg. Nolan's family, which includes three siblings, attend St. John's Lutheran Church, in Victor, Iowa. In light of this heartbreaking event, Pastor Stuart Rethwisch has requested the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams at Nolan's visitation and funeral on behalf of Nolan’s family. Nolan had a special bond with Joanna Comfort Dog , whom he had met during her previous visit to St. John's. The comfort and love shared by Joanna brought joy to Nolan, making him a cherished friend to the comfort dog team. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), and Michael (LCC Staff) and their teams said “Here am I, send me,” to this request and traveled four hours to be there for the Bayer family and all those who knew and loved Nolan. Hundreds of people came to support Nolan’s family. The three Comfort Dog teams met and visited with Nolan's grandfather. One of the handlers shared Joanna's Bible verse with him and asked for his favorite. He said there were so many but then said, "God is love" as tears streamed down his face. He found solace in the support of the hundreds who attended Nolan's visitation. As a man of strong faith, he expressed that above all, he felt God's love in his heart during this difficult time. His wife and Nolan’s grandmother, Betty, was in hospice and passed away later that same evening. When Nolan’s funeral service began, a young girl came over to Joanna Comfort Dog, gently touching her fur. The handlers were seated in the narthex and asked her if she wanted to sit next to Michael Comfort Dog and Joanna Comfort Dog, which she did. She remained there during the entire service with Joanna’s head in her lap and cuddled up to Michael as well. At the end of the service, Joanna’s handler said to this young girl, “Jesus loves you and so does Joanna, Michael, and Eden.” She looked up at the handler with a sweet smile on her face. The little girl was Nolan’s friend and classmate. God works through the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, sending the teams to love, comfort, and carry others’ burdens during loss and grief. We give thanks to Him for showing us how. "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) We hold close in prayer Nolan’s family and loved ones as they move forward in this life without him. We pray for God’s comfort and love to guide them through. Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
June 2025
|
RSS Feed
Location |
|