On April 26, nineteen EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes tore through Nebraska leaving a trail of destruction in many communities. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response had been asked by Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, to provide chainsaw and debris removal assistance with heavy equipment in communities around Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, with Mick Onnen, Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator. The Northern Illinois District volunteer deployment to Nebraska has ended. We were able to serve 32 homeowners with chainsaws, lifts, and heavy equipment, as well as give some blessing buckets and gift cards from local churches. Deaconess Kathy O'Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response (DR), and LCC DR Equipment Manager Jamie Miller, along with 27 Northern Illinois District Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) chainsaw volunteers, served from April 29 through May 10 with volunteers from several other districts.
Serving Overwhelmed Homeowners with Significant Property Damage Mr. and Mrs. H. rode out the storm in their home and found themselves facing significant damage to their property. The sound of their roof being torn off and trees snapping filled their home with fear and uncertainty. Their barn, crucial for their livelihood as they raised pigs and chickens, was completely destroyed in a matter of seconds. Feeling overwhelmed by the devastation and unsure of how to begin the cleanup process, they were grateful for the support of their fellow Lutherans who came to their aid. They not only received practical help in cleaning up the debris but also experienced the comforting presence of Christ's love within their community. Clearing 35 Storm-Damaged Trees from Homeowner's Property
Powerful Testimonials from Property Owners One of LCC's final work sites was at the home and ranch of Mr. and Mrs. McG. Despite minimal damage to their home, the devastation to their horse stables and barn, along with the multiple downed trees on their property, left them feeling overwhelmed. However, the team's swift and efficient work in making their property safe brought them a newfound sense of hope and relief. Mrs. McG. stated, “All week we have felt overwhelmed and at a loss, but in one day, you have given us hope and lifted our burden.” She gave the team several hugs and thanks for assisting and caring for them during their time of need. Mr. and Mrs. G. lost their home and had their wooded property severely damaged by the tornado. Despite the loss and damage they faced, Mrs. G. took the time to express her sincere gratitude in a thank you note sent to us for the assistance they received, and the mercy and compassion shown to them. “Thank you so much for coming and serving! We could not feel more uplifted and cared for during this whole ordeal. It was truly an honor to meet you and your team. We came home last night and we will head back for Mother’s Day weekend to get more things arranged. Take care! We are truly thankful for people like you!” Mick Onnen, the Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator, sent a message of gratitude expressing his thanks to all those who served and supported the disaster response efforts in the district. “On behalf of the Nebraska District LCMS and LERT members, I'd like to extend heartfelt thanks to each of you for your hard work and dedicated service to the Omaha area residents in the aftermath of the recent tornadoes. I am humbled to see your faith and compassion in action for the hurting folks in the Omaha area. We heard so many sincere words of thanks from those we served. They really appreciated your work and the help you provided. As the DDRC, I extend thanks to each of the daily leaders - without you things would not have run smoothly. And to each of you, a big hug for your part in serving our community. May God bless you all as you continue to serve where He leads.” Lutheran Church Charities thanks the following LERT volunteers for their willingness to serve: Illinois Alleluia, Naperville - Ann Quigley, Rachel Rogers Good Shepherd, Elgin - David Vollrath Immanuel, DeKalb - Pete Springmire Immanuel, Dundee - Carl Fischer, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug and Kelley Hoyt, Al Navarro Immanuel, Shobonier - Fran Collier Lord of Life, Elburn - Mark Holstein, Kevin Krage, Terry and Mary Kramer, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski Prince of Peace, Palatine - Jim Beckley St. John, Wheaton - Marty Johnson Wisconsin St. Paul's, Janesville - Lark Sanders Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls - Roger Kautz St. Paul, Grafton - Mark and Beverly Brueggemann The destruction and trauma experienced by many residents is widespread, but the spirit of community and faith has provided much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process. It has been a blessing to listen to the survivors' stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we served those in need. Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist. Thanks to You, We Were Able to BE THERE!
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bring Love and Compassion to the Nurses at OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital5/14/2024
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31. Last week Maggie, a registered nurse for Advocate Children’s Hospital died very unexpectedly. Her colleagues at Superior Ambulance were devastated by the news. Maggie was beloved by her fellow nurses and the dispatch team at Superior Ambulance. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was asked to be there for Maggie’s colleagues to offer them compassion, comfort, and love as they shouldered the news of her death. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was there for all three shifts of nurses and other emergency medical transport staff who work 12-hour days. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff) and their handlers spent time with the staff at 6:30 am, then LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Benjamin (LCC Staff) and his handler were there to support the 11:00 am shift. At day's end LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Gethsemane, Glory, Olive, and Saul spent time with the 6:30 pm shift, which was the shift Maggie primarily worked. We pray for Maggie’s colleagues as they continue to miss and grieve their friend. We also ask for God’s continued strength and love for Maggie’s husband and her seven-year-old child. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is thankful to Colleen Butler, Registered Nurse Advocate Children’s Hospital for the request to be there for the staff at Superior Ambulance.
On April 26, nineteen EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes tore through Nebraska, leaving a trail of destruction in many communities. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response had been asked by Rev. Ross Johnson, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Director of Disaster Response, to provide chainsaw and debris removal assistance with heavy equipment in communities around Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska with Mick Onnen, Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator.
When her site was completed, the LERT team presented her with a quilt and a signed tree slice with a cross. She insisted on praying a blessing over each team member to show her appreciation. LERT volunteers spent two days helping clear many downed trees from a several acreage property of a husband and wife who are Omaha police officers. The tornado leveled their two-story home and garage, as well as rolled their trailer and pickup truck. They were overwhelmed with and greatly appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community, volunteers, and fellow officers. he destruction and trauma experienced by many residents are widespread, but the spirit of community and faith is providing much-needed hope, encouragement, and help in beginning the long recovery process. It is a blessing to listen to their stories and offer a word of encouragement and prayer as we serve those in need.
Lutheran Church Charities thanks our generous donors and volunteers for their willingness to serve. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and those responding to assist. Monday, May 6, marked the first anniversary of the Allen Premium Outlets Mall shooting that took the precious lives of the Cho family, Kyu, Cindy, and their 3-year-old son James; sisters, 11-year-old Daniela Mendoza and 8-year-old Sofia Mendoza; Christian LaCour, 20; and Aishwarya Thatikonda, 27; and Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32. Seven others were injured. The community of Allen was left shaken by this tragedy and continues to feel the trauma of that day. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Pastor Will Kemp, Tangible Grace Lutheran Church, Allen, Texas, returned to be there for the community one year later. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Pax & Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas), Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma), and Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) did not hesitate to say, "Here am I, send me" when they received the request to return to Allen on this first anniversary. The Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Triton, Persis, Phoebe, Pax, and Martha began visiting with Allen High School students and staff Monday morning as they remembered and shared that day. Persis, Phoebe, Pax, Triton, and Martha also brought calmness to the morning as the students prepared to take their finals. Comfort Dogs Martha, Pax, and Phoebe then joined the students, staff, and parents of Daniela and Sofia at Cheri Cox Elementary School as they remembered and celebrated the lives of sisters Daniela and Sofia Mendoza with the dedication and groundbreaking of the Mendoza Memorial Garden. One of the handlers shared, "At the remembrance ceremony and groundbreaking, they released butterflies, and a butterfly struck me on one of the student's hands. The student was a close friend of one of Mendoza's sisters and was part of the groundbreaking ceremony. The butterfly stayed on her hand and was in no hurry to fly away. This sweet young girl was mesmerized by it. At the same time, while it had been sprinkling a bit, a tiny break in the clouds appeared, allowing some light to shine through. To me, that was a powerful God moment during a very emotional and difficult time for everyone in attendance." The Comfort Dogs and handlers also spent time with staff and the community at the Allen Premium Outlet Mall. The mall established a memorial for the eight victims killed. The eight wind chimes at the top of the memorial represent the eight lives lost in May. Later that day, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team spent time with the 911 dispatchers and officers of the Allen Texas Police Department, who responded quickly and professionally to the call that day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Comfort Dogs and handlers to reconnect, appreciate, and support these dedicated first responders. The team ended the day by joining the Allen community at the Remembrance Ceremony at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. It was a beautiful ceremony honoring the lives lost and coming together as a community. We continue to pray and support the community of Allen, Texas, as they continue to move forward from the trauma of this shooting just one year ago. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were invited to Charlotte, North Carolina, by Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Pastor Steven Newberg of Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte in response to the shooting on Monday, April 29, that killed four law enforcement officers: Officer Joshua Eyer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, North Carolina Department of Corrections; and Thomas Weeks, U.S. Marshals Deputy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Faith (St. Stephens - Hickory, North Carolina), Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, South Carolina), and Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and their handlers spent the week visiting with countless law enforcement personal, 911 dispatchers, EMS workers, firefighters, military personal, and their families. The teams also set up an LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion memorial to honor the victims. They gifted several departments an LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion to show their love and appreciation. The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were customized and shipped quickly to Charlotte last week when LCC learned of the shooting. Kyra Carbone, Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, North Carolina), received the hearts, packed them up, and headed to Charlotte for the evening candlelight vigil. The hearts were presented there, and many signed them, offering sincere support and appreciation for the officers and compassion to the families in their loss. The messages of comfort, just like the candles at the vigil, provided light in a dark time. The next day, the HMCs were taken to the “Fallen Officer Memorial Statue,” adjacent to the police headquarters in Charlotte -- a fitting place to remember the four officers who lost their lives boldly serving the Charlotte community. The four crosses and hearts displayed here will allow the community more time to engage with the hearts and crosses, offering notes of love and gratitude. On Friday, May 3, the teams were honored to be present at the funeral of Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Teams were all deeply touched to witness the procession of law enforcement with the bagpipes, drumming, and American flag flying high above. It was incredible to witness the support of the law enforcement community coming together from all over the country for their fallen brother and his family. Each first responder God put in our path exemplifies the teachings of Christ, showing compassion, mercy, and sacrificial love to those in need. Behind their outward strength lies the weight of immense responsibility and the toll of constant exposure to trauma. The demands of their profession and the relentless stress take a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Their sacrifice is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well. We recognize the importance of supporting their mental health and offering them the same care and compassion they so willingly give to others. As we offer our gratitude to first responders, please lift them up in prayer, seeking protection and peace for their weary souls. May the Lord's guiding hand continue to sustain and protect them. We want to thank our wonderful LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handlers for all their efforts in Charlotte. They had a full schedule but showed up to each first responder with an open heart full of love and compassion. We also thank Paul Soost for his outstanding leadership on this deployment. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors. Thank you for allowing us to say, "Here I am, send me," and be there for Charlotte. "I wanted to send an email simply restating our overwhelming gratitude for your team and organization. You responded to our community without hesitation and were a comforting, calming presence for us all week/weekend. We cannot thank you enough for what each of you and your dogs do in tragic times such as these. We have had SO many people talk about the impact you made on them. Please share this with each team that dedicated their time to us at CMPD this past week. Thank you, and God bless you!" Lt. Amy Wheaton Learning and Wellness Service Group Peer Support Administrator Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department |
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