Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) provides a physical and spiritual symbol through the giving of hearts and crosses to families and friends who have suffered a loss or are experiencing the illness of a loved one. An HMC can also be given to celebrate a victory, honor service, as an expression of love, or to be an encouragement in the face of adversity. Given as a gift, each HMC provides the love and hope of Jesus through presence and prayer.
As we journey together, we can share in each other’s sorrows and celebrations. The heart itself is universal and conveys love. The color blue is the color of hope and the fish a symbol of God’s saving grace. To request a Mercy Heart click on the "Request a Mercy Heart" button on this page.
Specialized Hearts of Mercy & Compassion can be provided for:
Hearts for Military Service: This heart is purple, which is a combination of the six military branch colors. It includes a decal from the appropriate military branch (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force).
Hearts for First Responders: The blue heart will have the appropriate Thin Line decal (Law Enforcement-blue, Firefighters-red, Public Safety Service-yellow, EMS/Paramedic - white).
For more information on the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry: Email: [email protected] Call: 866-455-6466
History
LCC launchedtheHearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry in January 2020 and has gifted thousands of HMCs across the United States. The outreach began after Greg Zanis, founder of Crosses For Losses,gifted LCC the ministryto carry onwhen he retired. Starting in 1999, Zanis traveled the country providing heart symbols to communities reeling from mass shootings, including Sandy Hook, Parkland, Las Vegas, Orlando, and others. Zanis made and presented more than 26,000wooden crosses.
Today, LCC and its volunteers craft HMCs at its Northbrook, Illinois, headquarters and at more than 20 affiliate churches around the country. HMCs come in three sizes, ranging from 9 inches to 17 inches across. They are each customized with the recipient’s name and messages are added by friends, church members, and community members to give support and love to the person receiving the HMC.
HMC Memorial Ninety-two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion are placed on white crosses honoring the 137 lives lost in the tragic July 4 flood, standing solemnly at the Coming King Foundation Sculpture & Prayer Garden in Kerrville, TX.
Bringing HOPE for the Hurting in New Orleans, Louisiana, after New Year's Day attack.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in front of LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion set up at the site of the deadly New Year’s truck attack, in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
