LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS DEPLOY FOR A SECOND WEEK TO EL PASO, TEXAS AND DAYTON, OHIO TO BRING COMFORT AND LOVE TO INDIVIDUALS AFTER TWO TRAGIC MASS SHOOTINGS IN 24 HOURS
Following invites to respond to two mass shootings that took place on August 3 and 4 – Texas and Ohio – Lutheran Church Charities deployed teams to both locations for a second week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry deployment teams continue to bring comfort to devastated individuals, families, and the first responders who serve their community.

El Paso, Texas Update
 
On Saturday, August 3, a large crowd of back-to-school shoppers at Walmart in El Paso, Texas, were suddenly running for their lives when a young male began shooting throughout the store. The number who have died as a result of the shooting has increased to 22 individuals. Over 26 wounded, with victims ranging from 4 months to 82 years old.
 
Lutheran Church Charities continues working in El Paso through Rev. Roger Schlechte, Rocky Mountain District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, Pastor & CEO of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care and Pastor Stephen Heimer from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church both in the heart of El Paso, Texas . Rev. Martin Danner from Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas , continued his support of our teams. By Monday, August 5, K-9 Ministry teams were on the ground throughout the community serving with the love of Christ.
Janice Marut, Regional Director for the LCC K-9 Ministry Southwest Region returned to lead the second deployment efforts. Six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and sixteen LCC K-9 Ministry Team Members, that included Pastor Stephen Heimer of Zion Lutheran in El Paso, Texas, spent time with doctors, nurses, patients and visitors at Del Sol Medical Center where victims were transported following the incident.

The teams attended vigils, 9-1-1 Dispatch Center that fielded the emergency calls that poured in the day of the shooting, Emergency Operations Center, Family Assistance Center, City Hall workers, and the Mayor of El Paso, just to name a few.
Pastor Heimer accompanied team members as they connected and prayed with individuals and family members. Luz Soto, Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Ysleta Lutheran Mission also joined us in our visits and served as our interpreter, many times leading prayer with those that were served.
We heard many amazing stories of survival, of those who did not survive, or those who gave their lives to save others, such as these:
 
While at the Del Sol Medical Center, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs showed love to Rosa, who was injured during the Walmart shooting. Her sister, who was with her, didn’t survive and her daughter was injured and recovering at a different hospital. They also spent time with Rosa before she attended her sister’s visitation.
Nine-year old Kaitlyn was with her grandfather at Walmart when the gunman opened fire. The grandfather protected her and her grandmother from the shots by shielding them with his body. He did not survive. Kaitlyn shut down following the horrific incident. However, after meeting LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff), she began to open up and talk about her feelings.
During our second week, the following LCC K-9 teams will continue to serve in El Paso, Texas through this Friday, August 16: Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado), Eddie (Peace Lutheran – Grand Island, Nebraska), Elijah (Our Redeemer – Wichita Falls, Texas), Joanna (Christ Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska), Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio) and Triton (Messiah – Plano, Texas).
Dayton, Ohio Update
On Sunday, August 4 at 1:00am, people in the heart of Dayton’s Oregon District were waiting in line to enter Ned Peppers Bar when a man approached and began shooting. Nine people were killed, over 27 wounded, and countless numbers traumatized as they ran to escape an unimaginable attack on their lives.
 
Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Rev. Kevin Wilson, Ohio District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Mark Carlson from Emmanuel in Kettering, Ohio and John Pyron, Manager for Disaster Services with Lutheran Social Services . Rev. Phil Esala, former pastor at Emmanuel , also assisted with deployment arrangements.
Nancy Borders, Top Dog for Anna Comfort Dog at Trinity – Toledo, Ohio returned to lead the second deployment efforts. Seven LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs traveled to Dayton, Ohio this past week to comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones and fearing the unknown following the mass shooting in the community’s Oregon District.
 
Teams spent time with doctors, nurses, patients and visitors at Miami Valley Hospital’s Premier Health where victims were transported following the incident; residents at St. Vincent de Paul’s Gateway Shelters; concertgoers at a nearby outdoor concert venue; dispatchers at the Montgomery County Regional 9-1-1 Dispatch Center who fielded the emergency calls that poured in on that fateful night; and business owners, community members, and visitors in the Oregon District. Here are just a few stories from their time in Dayton:
While at the hospital, a CareFlight nurse who had worked an exhausting full night shift was able to visit with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs the following morning. She later commented through social media that the “[t]hese Goldens were the most docile, calm dogs [she had] ever met.” She appreciated that our teams were there and felt that everyone was “incredibly kind and supportive, and [came to] town to give what healing they could to a community who’s hurting.” 
 
In the Oregon District, the mother of a 1-year-old toddler approached the Comfort Dog teams in front of store front riddled with bullet holes. She expressed her gratitude for the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their showing of love and support. She went on to explain that her little girl’s father had been killed by the shooter that night. Her toddler was the apple of her father’s eye, and her little one would never grow to know him but for that first year of her life. This mother was truly touched and felt blessed to know that someone cared enough to simply be there.
The teams concluded their visit by attending services with Rev. Mark Carlson at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kettering, Ohio on Sunday morning.
 
During our second deployment, the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs brought love and comfort to this devastated community: Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Barnabas (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Bekah (Immanuel – Belvedere, Illinois), Bethany (Trinity – Danville, Illinois), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois).
We don’t know why these mass shootings took place, but we know that comfort is needed at this time to help people heal! Help us to be the presence of Jesus Christ to the El Paso and Dayton communities.
 
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite.
 
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to frightened communities.
 
Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.
LCC DISASTER RESPONSE LERT TEAMS
CONTINUE TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN STEGER, ILLINOIS WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response was invited by Pastor Craig Meissner of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Steger, Illinois to come and assist many of his congregation and community members who were still struggling with the flood recovery of their homes. On June 26 and 27, the towns of Steger, Crete and Chicago Heights in the Northern Illinois District had 6-8 inches of torrential rain fall overnight causing major flooding.
Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response spoke with many homeowners to assess the damage. LCC LERT teams completed a second flood recovery workday on Tuesday, August 6.
These LERT team members from the following churches or teams were present:
 
Immanuel, Palatine – Steve MacKay
Immanuel, Steger – Pastor Craig Meissner, Paul Sengstock, John Stachulak
St. Peter, Hampshire – Dan & Bobbie Swyndroski
The teams were able to help an elderly and disabled gentleman that had 7 feet of water in his basement. They removed damaged electrical conduit and outlets, wood studs and doors from his basement, as well as power washed all of the concrete walls and floors. He was very appreciative to have his basement cleaned out and the mold gone. Now, he will be able to have his electric repaired, and have the furnace and hot water heater safely replaced.
Kathy O’Day and Paul Sengstock, Immanuel Congregation President, met with a woman who had called to see if she could get any assistance removing damaged items she had managed to pull by herself into the garage. When we arrived, she told us that the garage door spring was broke, and she has been unable to lift the door to remove the items. In meeting with her, Kathy and Paul found out that she had several basic needs that she was struggling with. Kathy was able to give her Walmart gift cards to purchase the necessities, and contacted a garage door repair company.

Immanuel Lutheran Church is going to follow up with her to provide other needed assistance. She shed tears of joy from unexpected blessings. She is a Christian woman and told us that she knew God had heard her prayers and sent angels to help her. She showed us her written prayer request of needs that she wrote that morning. She knew it was a sign that if she trusts in Him - God will provide for her needs. It was a blessing and a privilege to see how LCC’s mission to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need made a difference in her life.
Your donations to the LCC Disaster Response Fund are greatly needed to help LCC LERT teams continue to physically assist homeowners impacted by the floods. Please keep Immanuel Lutheran Church and their surrounding communities in your prayers during their long recovery.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite.
LCC K-9 TEAMS ATTEND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
National Night Out is an annual campaign by the National Association of Town Watch to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It's celebrated on the first Tuesday of August. This year, events were held across the country on Tuesday, August 6.
National Association of Town Watch is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation.

The following K-9 Ministry teams were blessed to attend National Night Out events in their areas across the country to interact with people, and show support for first responders:
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Adeena (St. John - Burlington, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Chloe (Lord of Life - Elburn, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Cubby (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Katie (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ladel & Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lizzie (Trinity - Savannah, Georgia)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rosie (Atonement - Columbus, Ohio)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog-in-Training Samson
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog-in-Training Zoara

PASSING OF THE VEST FOR LCC K-9 COMFORT DOGS JARED AND MICAH
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared at Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana
On Sunday, August 4, Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana was presented LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared's vest by Jenni Hoffmeyer, Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake) representing LCC.
 
The Holy Cross ministry team is excited to share compassionate ministry throughout their community.

Jared's Bible verse is Psalm 100:5, "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

The following LCC K-9s and their handlers joined the celebration:
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna (Trinity Lutheran - Toledo, Ohio), Caleb (Immanuel Lutheran - Valparaiso, Indiana), Levi (Immanuel Lutheran - East Dundee, Illinois), Mercy (Our Savior - Louisville, Kentucky), Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana), Rosie (Atonement - Columbus, Ohio), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois); LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff).
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah at Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California
On Sunday, August 11, Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California was presented LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah's vest at Light of the Valley Lutheran Church in Elk Grove, California . Tim and Christy Kramer, West Coast Regional Coordinators representing LCC, presented Micah’s K-9 vest to Top Dog Lee Hunter, and his Kare 9 vest to retired Army nurse, Sue Mason.

Micah's Bible verse is Micah 6:8,
"No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
After the Passing of the Vest ceremony at both services, the team enjoyed lunch and then attended chapel at Camden Springs Gracious Retirement Living in Elk Grove, California.  

The following LCC K-9s and their handlers joined the celebration:

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John's - Napa, California), Marie (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington), and Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California).

Two teams who are expecting K-9s were also present: Good Shepherd - Turlock, California and St. Andrew’s - Stockton, California.
The LCC K-9 Ministry welcomes Jared Comfort Dog and Micah Comfort Dog and their teams as they carry out LCC’s mission to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.
"GIANT KILLERS"
NEW FOUR-PART DEVOTION SERIES
BEGINS AUGUST 18th
Start your day with a free devotion from
Tim Hetzner, President/CEO of Lutheran Church Charities . A new four-part devotional series "Giant Killers” begins Sunday, August 18th.
Study of the Gospels

The course begins Monday, September 9
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

No other person has impacted human history like Jesus. No other person has lived like Jesus, made claims like Jesus or performed miracles like Jesus. No other person has been followed in the past or present like Jesus. No other person has been more misunderstood than Jesus! This begs the questions, who is Jesus really?

Documentaries on the History Channel, news anchors, televangelists, preachers, politicians, self-proclaimed prophets, your parents, your crazy uncle, all have their theories and opinions. How are we supposed to make sense of it all?

This course will be an Investigation of Jesus, letting Jesus interpret Himself and scripture. Too often our understanding of Jesus comes from the doctrine and theology that we were taught and Christians, all reading the same Bible, come up with so many differing and conflicting views of Jesus and what the will of God is.

This course could be radical to your thinking and life changing to your understanding of Jesus! Jesus asked the question "Who do you say I am?" Matthew 16:13. This course will help you answer that question!

The instructor is Tim Hetzner, President / CEO of Lutheran Church Charities. Tim has been teaching in-depth Bible Studies for over 35 years. His textbook is the Bible! This course is non-denominational - as Jesus was!  

This course is open to all people regardless of their faith background, or lack of.

It will be taught three times live on Mondays but will also be available on the internet for those registered.

Class resumes Monday, September 9, 2019

Learn live at:

Harris Bank - Palatine, Illinois at 6 am

St. Matthew Lutheran Church - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois at 9:30 am

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - Palatine, Illinois at 7 pm
LERT MERCY IN ACTION
Last week the Northern Illinois District hosted one of the sites of the nationwide Global Leadership Summit Events at Trinity Lutheran Church – Green Trails in Lisle, Illinois.

Lutheran Church Charities LERT team members from Trinity, Lisle (Illinois) and Lord of Life, Elburn (Illinois) worked together to prepare, cook and serve lunch for attendees to raise funds for equipment for a LERT mobile kitchen. The meals each day were professionally prepared, delicious and appreciated by all. It was also a great opportunity to showcase another aspect of what LERT teams do in response to a disaster.

Many thanks to: Clay Arnold, Jan Boerman, Karen Buckley, Darlene King, Barb Lehl, Terry and Mary Kramer, Jim Reuter, Skip and Karen Sorenson and Bonnie Strieid for your willingness to use your talents to serve others.
FAMILIES
IN NEED
MINISTRIES
IN NEED
VEHICLE
NEEDS
IN THE NEWS
Local comfort dog, Anna, returns home from supporting victims in Dayton

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Anna
(Trinity – Toledo, Ohio)

(Monday, August 12, 2019 – NBC 24 Toledo/Jay Hannah)
Mercy the comfort dog returns from lifting spirits in Dayton

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mercy
(Our Savior - Louisville, Kentucky)

(Monday, August 12, 2019 – NBC Wave 3 News/David Mattingly)
‘Hatred did not succeed’: Lutherans respond to mass shootings with Gospel comfort

LCC K-9 Ministries

(Monday, August 12, 2019 – Reporter/Cheryl Magness)
Viajan a El Paso para ofrecer consuelo a una comunidad en shock

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
 
(Sunday, August 11, 2019 – El Diario de El Paso/Alyssa Cardona)
Sky News speaks to the family of David Johnson - one of 22 people killed in a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
 
(Wednesday, August 7, 2019 – Sky News/Cordelia Lynch)
How These Golden Retrievers Are Giving Comfort to Those Affected in El Paso Shootings

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
 
(Wednesday, August 7, 2019 – Inside Edition)
Comfort dogs visit Dayton

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
 
(Thursday, August 9, 2019 – Spectrum News 1/Chuck Ringwalt)
Local comfort dog travels to Dayton to offer comfort and support

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio)
 
(Thursday, August 9, 2019 – WTOL/Sharisse Thompson)
Local comfort dog helping people in Dayton grieve

 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio)
 
(Wednesday, August 7, 2019 – 13 abc/Lissa Guyton)
Comfort dogs provide support to Dayton community after mass shooting

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
 
(Tuesday, August 6, 2019 – WBNS/Stephanie Stanavich )
'Jessy' brings comfort, love to those in crisis

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jessy (St. Paul's - Concordia, Missouri)

(Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – Lexington News/Joe Parmon)
Extraordinary Dogs: Stories from Search and Rescue Dogs, Comfort Dogs, and Other Canine Heroes

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs

(Tuesday, August 12, 2019 – Publishers Weekly)
THANK YOU FROM LCC
Special Thank You to LCC Volunteers
Who Served at the St. Matthew Pig Roast
A special thank you to fifteen LCC volunteers who came out Sunday, August 11, to help with a servant event for St. Matthew’s Annual Pig Roast in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. The church uses proceeds from the event to cover some of needs that are not met by their regular budget and also to fund missions. LCC has been one of the recipients of their generosity.
 
For the past 14 years, LCC volunteers have been responding to the request for help to clean up, and take down the chairs, tables and tents after the event. Pastor Kinne told our volunteers that the job the group did last year made the set-up this year much easier. 
 
Once again, thank you to the following volunteers for a job well done and for representing LCC as we served our brothers and sisters at St. Matthew’s and all of their guests:

Good Shepherd – Elgin: Anthony Rusenovich and Dave Vollrath
Immanuel – Belvidere: Darlyne and Jan Jurgens
Immanuel – Des Plaines: Bob Desiron
Immanuel – Palatine: Marlyn and Steve Kosmella
St. John – Lansing: Mary Wells
St. Mary of Vernon: Mark and Sandy Smedinghoff
Salam Christian Fellowship: Amir Chehab and Hesham Shehab
LCC Staff: Sue Olson
Nickolas Chioni
Jackie Richards
K-9s IN THE COMMUNITY
Click the picture below to read more! 
KARE 9 MILITARY MINISTRY
Click the picture below to read more!

K-9 POLICE MINISTRY
Click the picture below to read more! 
Join Us for a Special "22" Event
 
The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry invites you to attend the August "22" Program and Dinner. Each month we gather to remember the 22 veterans who choose to end their lives each day. We must never abandon the effort to bring this number to zero.
 
A great program is planned to include Military ceremonies, prayer, and a video of a true American hero, Eric Maddox, (Keynote Speaker at the 2019 LCC K-9 Ministries National Conference). As always, our chef Kevin has planned a delicious summertime meal of burgers on the grill, fried onion rings, french fries, and a green salad. Additionally, LCC friend, Lori Wood, will again prepare a homemade dessert.

When: Thursday, August 22
Time:  6-8PM
Where:  Lutheran Church Charities Headquarters | 3020 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois
 
As always "22" is offered at no charge.
 
Please RSVP to  jimmorrison@lutheranchurchcharities.org  if you plan to attend or have any questions.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Christkindl Markets   
 
Austria | Slovenia | Croatia

11 Days | November 30 - December 10, 2019
 
Hosted by: Tim Hetzner, President / CEO, Lutheran Church Charities
AloaFest at Sea

Western Caribbean Cruise

4 Nights | January 16 – 20, 2020

Meet and Greet with Dr. Rich Bimler
Hope-Full Living Cruise  
 
Port Canaveral, Florida | CocoCay & Nassau, Bahamas

4 Nights | February 24 - 28, 2020
 
Speaker: Dr. Rich Bimler
Oberammergau Passion Play 2020
 
Berlin | Potsdam | Wittenberg | Eisleben | Erfurt 
Wartburg Castle | Nuremberg | Oberammergau

11 Days - Germany and Lutheran Heritage | May 10 - 20, 2020 

Hosted by: Tim Hetzner, President/CEO, Lutheran Church Charities
NEW | Biblical Egypt & Nile Cruise

Cairo l Alexandria l Goshen | Saqqara l Memphis
 
Upper Egypt

Luxor l Aswan l Karnak | Valley of Kings & Queens Edfu l Kom Ombo

12 days | February 19 - March 2, 2021

Hosted by: Tim Hetzner, President/CEO, Lutheran Church Charities
NEW | Biblical Study Tour of the Holy Land and Jordan
 
Jerusalem | Bethlehem | Sea of Galilee | Nazareth | Tiberias Caesarea-by-the-Sea | Masada | Mt. Nebo | Jericho Bethany (Four Homes of Mercy) | Arad | Beersheba Bethany Beyond The Jordan | Petra | Wadi Rum | Jerash| Machaerus

15 days | March 2 - 16, 2021

Hosted by: Tim Hetzner, President/CEO, Lutheran Church Charities
COMING UP
Saturday, September 7, 2019 - Run/Walk for Refugees
Sunday, September 8, 2019 - Kindness 5K
Saturday, September 21, 2019 - Community Health & Wellness Fair
Sunday, September 29, 2019 - FREE Family Fun Event
Sunday, October 13, 2019 - Move Your Feet for Hope! 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MANY
MINISTRIES OF LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES
GOT STUFF? NEED STUFF?
WAYS TO GIVE TO LCC
All gifts designated for ministries outside of LCC are made
dollar for dollar without administrative fees deducted.
TEXT
@LCCgive to 52014 - text gift amount
Follow prompts on phone to
complete one-time registration
PHONE
Toll free number:
(866) 455-6466
AMAZONSMILE
Do you shop on Amazon.com ? You can benefit Lutheran Church Charities automatically, without any extra steps to your purchases. Just create an account on AmazonSmile  and select Lutheran Church Charities as the beneficiary. Every time you shop, Amazon will make a donation to LCC! What a difference we can make together!
CONTACT US!
Phone: 866-455-6466
Address: 3020 Milwaukee Ave
Northbrook, IL 60062