LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) were invited by Weld County’s Victim Assistance Coordinator to be present at a “Missing in Colorado” event this past Friday, April 19. It was a gathering to bring “options, services and hope for crime survivors” in honor of Victim’s Rights Week. Redeemer's team has been to “Missing in Colorado” events before in the state of Colorado and this is a new location for them in northern Colorado. They got invited due to the fact that they just started bringing Zacchaeus Comfort Dog to Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Sheriff’s office records department and they could see the impact he had to bring comfort and calmness to these agencies. Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus and their team greeted the attendees and stayed for a short portion of their program. They also reunited with two FBI Agent Supervisors who invited them to be with the “Evidence Investigators” from the King Soopers mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado in 2021. "They remembered us and loved on the pups and thanked us so much for being there today for this important event," says Bonnie Fear, Comfort Dog Ministry Leader at Redeemer. "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, or '911 Appreciation Week' as we call it, is one of our favorite weeks for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado," says Bonnie Fear, Comfort Dog Ministry Leader and handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado). Early in their ministry, Redeemer's team came up with an idea on how to connect with these special people. One of the things they have found is how difficult it is sometimes to describe the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry over the phone to someone unfamiliar with it because it is a unique ministry of presence. So, the team called local police departments and asked if they could drop off some items to show their love and support for their 911 dispatchers. "Oh, and we let them know that we have two Golden Retrievers who would also like to show their thanks. That got us in the door immediately," says Bonnie. Now, Devorah and Zacchaeus visit once a month, and local police departments and 911 dispatch are their regular visits. "We are branching out and adding two more police departments on our calendar by the end of May," adds Bonnie. To present day the Redeemer team calls their 911 “friends” at three of their local police departments and schedules three different “shift” times during the second week in April to spend time with all dispatchers and bring them a small token of their love and appreciation for what they do. "They told us, 'Gifts aren’t necessary; just bring Devorah and Zacchaeus.' That works for us!” says Bonnie. This year, they dropped off appreciation gifts without the dogs to one of their local 911 agencies, which are currently working on getting us approved to bring Devorah and Zacchaeus on regular monthly visits. "I think they found out we were serious about how thankful we are for them by not bringing the dogs! They said it won’t be long before we get them in the door," says Bonnie. As the years have passed, the Redeemer team developed trust and personal human relationships with this special group of people. They are “on call” to bring Devorah and Zacchaeus Comfort Dogs after critical incident situations to bring calmness and quiet to their hearts and minds. "We have a bond and understanding of each other and our passion for serving people. This is a very important part of what we do to bring comfort to first responders," says Bonnie. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was requested to be there for the students and staff at Slinger Middle School in Slinger, Wisconsin, on Monday after the loss of Evan, an 8th-grade student. The school family at Slinger Middle School is mourning Evan’s sudden loss and needs the support of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace - Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin) were there, offering comfort and warm cuddles to the students and staff as the handlers listened with love and compassion. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team walked alongside them in their grief. Near the end of the visit, a small group of kids from the special education class spent time with the Comfort Dogs and handlers. One young man was in a state of pure joy with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria! His speech was impaired, yet he tried to say “Samaria” as it meant so much to him to say her name. He got close as he struggled with the pronunciation; it was a beautiful moment! Another boy from the class came by twice and got so close but then just couldn’t touch Samaria. His teacher said he has never been able to touch a dog. The third time he came around to see her, he could touch Samaria on the head. The team loved how both these boys worked so hard to face their own challenges, and with love, patience, and support, they did! Those two boys made a memorable and emotional impact on Samaria’s team. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Last weekend was busy as new handlers spent long days training and learning more about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Each handler worked with either their affiliate’s dog or an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training. LCC was blessed to have affiliates from Las Vegas, Nevada; Mequon, Wisconsin; Toledo, Ohio; Williamsburg, Virginia; and Oviedo, Florida, represented at the Replacement Handler training last weekend. LCC is happy to welcome these outstanding individuals who have been called to go out and serve their home communities to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need. LCC welcomes the following new handlers to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry: Heidi Albrecht - King of Glory, Williamsburg, Virginia, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Solomon Cheri Baker - Good Shepherd, Las Vegas, Nevada, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lois Abigail Bekx - Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Sage Charles Fahncke - Trinity Toledo, Ohio, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lazarus Chandra Lillemoen - St. Luke's, Oviedo, Florida, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Moriah Andrew Santibanez - Faith Community, Las Vegas, Nevada, with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Salome Lutheran Church Charities is honored to welcome United States Navy veteran Chuck Fahncke and United States Air Force veteran Heidi Albrecht to the LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry.
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 k9trainers@LutheranChurchCharities.org or click here for further information.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams exemplify compassion and empathy as they provide solace and support to individuals experiencing grief, shock, and suffering. Through their presence and attentive listening, these dedicated teams offer a comforting presence, fostering deep connections with those in distress. In the last few weeks, their unwavering commitment to being there for others brought solace and support to many in need, truly embodying the essence of compassion and care. Their commitment to spreading love and healing is commendable, and we are grateful for their invaluable service. "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10 Vigil to Honor Lives Lost in the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse - Baltimore, Maryland On Monday night, a beautiful vigil was held in honor of the six men who lost their lives following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Between 400 and 500 people from the community came together at Sacred Heart of Jesus to support one another and honor the lives of their six Hispanic brothers, Maynor Suazo-Sandoval, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Castillo, Miguel Luna, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Lopez.
After the prayer service, there was a candlelight procession that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia's team joined and offered moments of comfort and love as everyone walked together through the neighborhood of Baltimore. During the procession, everyone stopped in solidarity six times to pray and honor each of the victims—one minute of silence to remember each of these men, God's beloved children. Six helmets and vests, draped over crosses, were carried in front of the crowd. It was an evening of coming together to honor the victims and their families and to take strength in knowing that God is with their community and will remain with them as they move forward. Monday night's prayer service and candlelight procession was a reflection of loving and supporting their neighbor and reflecting His love. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1-5) Passing of a Young Father - Odell, Nebraska Odell, Nebraska, suffered the tragic loss of Kolin Kotas, a compassionate, humble, and generous soul who left his place on earth on March 28. Kolin, husband of Brittney, father of two young sons, ages 12 and 10, and a daughter, age 5, son, brother, friend, and supporter of his community, was 36 years old. Odell is a small community of 300 people who know and love one another. It is a community filled with people of strong faith in the Lord who come together to help each other when in need. Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska) saw the power of this love and support for one another at the funeral service for Kolin at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell. This small church was overflowing with over 450 people that filled its basement, the first floor, and front lawn, all coming together in their grief to say goodbye to Kolin and to support his grieving family. There was so much love witnessed by the sheer number of hugs and tears being shared. Morgan Toensing, a member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Concordia, Missouri, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jessy and Thomas, asked for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Nebraska to be present at her brother-in-law's funeral service. Morgan grew up in Odell, and much of her family is still there. Morgan remembered the comfort and love she had received from Jessy and Thomas Comfort Dogs and their team and wanted that same presence and support for her family on the difficult and emotional day of Kolin's funeral. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Eden, Joanna, Katie & Phinehas, and Nicodemus immediately responded with, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) after learning of the request for support and comfort for Kolin's three young children, his young nieces and nephews, children he coached in baseball, football and basketball, his family, and friends. Pastor Stuckwisch, Our Savior Lutheran Church, led a beautiful service for Kolin. This was a difficult funeral for Pastor Stuckwisch as Kolin was an active member of Our Savior's, participating in various church activities, such as bell choir and church council. He was also instrumental in building the new church, generously offering his skills to the congregation. Kolin was also the pastor's friend. During the funeral service, Phinehas Comfort Dog and his handler stayed right by Kolin’s young children, providing a safe, comforting place during such an uncertain and scary time. Phinehas sensed exactly what the boys needed as he stayed close beside them. Pastor Stuckwisch also gave a children’s message, as at least 50 children attended the funeral service. The children overflowed into the center aisle to hear him share about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the importance of giving hugs so that people know we care about them. He pointed out that our Comfort Dogs give hugs. One of Joanna Comfort Dog’s handlers reflected, “I will never forget the smile on a little girl’s face when she looked up at me and said, 'I really like her. She’s so soft.' It was truly love in action at that moment, as the adults sitting in the pews saw the children receiving comfort from the special children’s message and then smiling as they watched the children gently petting and hugging the Comfort Dogs.” After the service, Pastor Stuckwisch came over to visit with Eden and Nicodemus Comfort Dogs. The handlers thanked him for the beautiful service and acknowledged how it must have been a very personal and difficult one for him to do. It was in that safe and loving place with the handlers who loved and cared for him that he could release the tension and tears he was carrying. As he shared his emotions, he received hugs of comfort from the handlers, just like he spoke about during his children’s message. Another powerful moment shared by a handler was meeting Morgan, who requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry's presence on behalf of her family. The handler introduced herself to Morgan and gave her a big, encompassing hug. It was a heartwarming and emotional moment, knowing that she trusted a total stranger who was there with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The power of a simple hug can be so comforting and reassuring, especially during times of grief. It's amazing how a gesture as simple as a hug can convey so much comfort, love, support, and understanding without the need for words. It was a beautiful God moment, reflecting on how the children's message was based on that. Even on one of these hardest days for the Kotas family, God was with them, sending others to be with them in their grief, to show His love for them. God held their hand in His that most difficult day, and He will remain with them, leading them through their grief and brokenness. As Psalm 139:10 promises, "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." No matter what happens, He goes with them, leading and holding them with His right hand. God will meet them even on their most challenging and darkest days. His hand grabs hold and doesn't let go.
School Bus Accident - Buda, Texas The families, students, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School in Buda, Texas, faced a horrible tragedy when a truck heading in the opposite direction veered into the wrong lane and struck their school bus filled with 44 pre-kindergarten students and 11 adults as they were returning to school from a field trip to Bastrop County Zoo on March 22. This horrible accident took the precious lives of 5-year-old Ulises Rodriquez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who was in the vehicle behind the bus. The return to school after this tragic event was an emotional and challenging time for the students, parents, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School. With heavy hearts, parents brought their children to school, knowing that one of their classmates, Ulises, would not be there. The school staff, however, was prepared for this difficult transition. Social workers and other support staff were available to provide assistance and comfort to the students, staff, and parents who were affected by the tragedy. Despite the sadness and worry that permeated the school, the community came together to support one another, ensuring that the students felt safe and cared for.
Loss of 8th-Grade Student - Pontiac Junior High School, Illinois Last week, the Pontiac Junior High School community in Illinois mourned the loss of Ashton, a beloved 8th-grade student known for his infectious smile and love for mathematics. Returning to school without him was heart-wrenching for many who had known him since kindergarten.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 Vigil of Fallen Police Officer Jonathan Diller
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Rockford, Illinois Last week, the city of Rockford, Illinois, faced moments of unimaginable shock, fear, suffering, and loss after two violent incidents struck this community.
We are so grateful to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams of Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois), Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois), for being there for the Rockford community. Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Tim Laabs, LCC staff, brought four hearts and crosses to pay tribute to the four lives lost. The victims' names were inscribed on each heart, and prayers were lifted for strength and support. The solemn procession to the vigil site, with hearts and crosses in hand, symbolized a collective effort to uplift and remember. Witnessing the outpouring of flowers and silent contemplation at the foot of each cross was a poignant reminder of the impact of loss. When the vigil location was suddenly relocated, community members were the first ones to pick up the crosses and move them to the center of the vigil to ensure the names remained at the forefront, showcasing a deep commitment to honoring and cherishing the memories of those no longer with us. We pray that the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion served as a reminder of the hope we find through Jesus Christ.
God asks us to love one another and carry each other’s burdens. We are thankful for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams that responded to be there for the Rockford community to love, support, and listen, always carrying Jesus with them. Jac-Cen-Del High School - Osgood, Indiana LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana), and Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana), traveled to Jac-Cen-Del High School in Osgood, Indiana, to be with the students and staff who are mourning the loss of Carson Hughes who meant so much to this small community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent two days at Jac-Cen-Del High School, middle school, and elementary school in Osgood at the request of Superintendent Sam Melton after their community faced the heartbreaking loss Carson Hughes, a senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School, was reported missing on Friday, March 15. After three emotional days of searching, police found his body at Versailles State Park. "Carson was a senior and honor roll student at the high school. Many remembered him for his infectious smile, kindness, and love for his family, friends, and faith. Carson’s passion was photography. His beautiful photos earned Carson much recognition and awards for his work, skill, and passion." (from Carson's Obituary) "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Community is important when we suffer loss as it helps us to process and heal. As LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams gathered around the hurting students and staff, Jesus was there with them, an anchor in the storm of grief and uncertainty. The handlers and ministry partners, with Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs by their side, sat with the students, listening and comforting them. The students and staff signed the Heart of Mercy & Compassion for Carson with messages for his family. The students colored pictures of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in the coloring books, encouraging more conversation and smiles. Carson’s friends and classmates rotated between the Comfort Dogs, seeking their comforting touch and warmth. It was good to see smiles and the heaviness of grief ease from the young shoulders. The school has requested that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs return to Jac-Cen-Del High School in May to continue to support the students in their grief. With the anticipation of prom, finals, and graduation, it may be difficult for the students, especially the seniors who will miss their classmate Carson. The teams of Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs replied, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) and said they would return in May to be with the students and staff, strengthening the cherished connections already made. York Community School - Elmhurst, Illinois
We are thankful the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers could be there for the students and staff, walking alongside them in their grief.
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
In light of the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, and the recent stabbing attack in Rockford, Illinois, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion volunteers are uniting to BE THERE to provide support and comfort to the affected communities. Driven by their faith and compassionate spirit, these dedicated individuals are committed to being a source of solace and assistance for those in need. We are ready to BE THERE! Baltimore, Maryland Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Deaconess Sally Hiller, District Disaster Response Coordinator of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Baltimore, have extended an invitation to LCC to bring our K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to provide support and comfort to the community and to help those who have been deeply affected by the tragic event. Among the teams ready to respond is LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland). Additional LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams stand by, prepared to offer their services whenever they are needed to assist the shocked and hurting community during this difficult time. Rockford, Illinois Pastor James McCoid of Christ The Rock Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, extended an invitation to LCC to bring our K-9 Comfort Dogs to offer solace and support to the community in the wake of a senseless act of violence that killed four beloved members of the community on Wednesday.
Additionally, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry (HMC) has placed four hearts and crosses to pay tribute to each victim and in encouragement for community members to sign and write messages to each of the victims' families, embodying the spirit of compassion and unity during this difficult time. We pray that the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion will serve as a reminder that people across the nation love and support them, and that both communities would find solace in the presence of these comforting reminders of the hope we find through Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus! |
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