January 26, 2011 In This IssueLCC Trains Another

Group of LERT VolunteerHope, Tara, and Tillie in

SpringfieldYour Donations Make A

DifferenceHelp Bring the Word ofGod to Christians in the

PhillipinesHelp Equip HaitianWomen and YouthLeaders Spread the

GospelLERT Training Sessions in

2011Join Mission Trip to Haiti

Leaving February 22Important Year-end IRA

InformationComfort Dog UpdateItems Available to a

MinistryItems Free for the Asking

Vehicle DonationsNeeded for Families in

NeedHousing Needed for

Winter for Single WomanAdministrative Help

NeededCars Needed for

Immigrant FamiliesNikki Berg and Her Twin

DaughtersMalaria Initiative

How To Conduct ASuccessful Mission Fair

Bible Study ClassesTim's Pick of the Week

Stories Still SeekingSupport...

Upcoming EventsHow To Support LCC

Prayer WallPost a prayer, orpray for others!

LCC Trains Another Group of LERT VolunteersSt. John Darien Hosted the Training for Circuit 22

Last night, January 25th, Lutheran ChurchCharities conducted another LERT (LutheranEarly Response Team) training for DisasterResponse. Seventy people were trained andcertified. All the people who were certified areEarly Responders when a disaster hits. Theywill join the other 335 people trained andcertified with Lutheran Church Charities andLCMS World Relief and Human Care. Bybeing an LCC LERT volunteer you are able toshare the Mercy and Compassion of JesusChrist with people when they are hit with a

disaster and Make A Difference in their lives! Pictured is Pete Imlah, Director of Mission and Outreach, leading the LERT training,accompanied by LCC staff member Tim Hetzner, Dona and Rich Martin, and ErinErzinger. If you are interested in hosting a training session please contact Lutheran ChurchCharities at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org. To help supportthe work of LCC in disaster, please contribute here.

College Students Needed in Haiti!Our Making A Difference 2011 Spring BreakMission Trips

LCMS World Relief and Human Care and Lutheran ChurchCharities are partnering to offer five different Spring BreakMission Trips to Haiti! Cost is ONLY your expenses to getto Port-au-Prince and back plus a $150 registration fee.Costs for transportation, food, lodging, and materials arebeing covered by donors.Are you a College Student wanting to touch lives with theMercy and Compassion of Christ this Spring Break?Consider Making A Difference by Building Homes andHope for Haiti's 1.5 million people who are still living intents from the earthquake a year ago!

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The following dates are currentlyscheduled:

Arrive inHaiti Depart Haiti

Trip A February 27 March 5Trip B March 6 March 12Trip C March 13 March 19Trip D March 20 March 26Trip E March 28 April 1

For more information or to register for a trip - click here To donate to help offset the costs to put up the college students

Click here to donate through LCMS.orgClick here to donate through Lutheran Church Charities

To view pictures of the site where you will be working - click here For a poster to pass out to your college friends - click here. For more information contact Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466 or emailSpringBreak2011@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Hope, Tara, and Tillie in Springfield Last Tuesday and Wednesday, LCC Comfort Dogs Hope, Tara, and Tillie (along withPete Imlah, Lynn Buhrke and Matthew Winkelman) visited four of the LCMS Lutheranschools in Springfield, IL:

Concordia Lutheran Church & School - 2300 Wilshire Road, Springfield,IL 62703Lutheran High School - 3500 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL62711-7922Our Savior's Lutheran Church & School - 2645 Old Jacksonville Road,Springfield, IL 62704Trinity Lutheran Church & School - 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield,IL 62704

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Pete Imlah shared about the mission andministry of Lutheran Church Charities alongwith sharing a message of hope, compassionand challenge with the students and teachers.The dogs visited the classrooms wherestudents and teachers had a chance to askquestions about the dogs and then get to petthem. Each student was also given abusiness card of the LCC K-9 Parish ComfortDogs. Each card has a picture of the dog andinformation about the work that they do aswell as their contact information. Every LCCK-9 Comfort Dog has their own Facebook Fan Page and an email address so thatindividuals can follow the Comfort Dogs' activates and stay connected.

On Tuesday evening, Our Savior'sLutheran Church hosted a "Who LetThe Dogs Out" Rally where Pete Imlahshared how and why the LCC K-9 ParishComfort Dog Ministry began, ways in which K-9's can be used as a outreach tool forcongregations and schools to reach theircommunities, and success stories on theimpact the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are having.The event was interpreted for the hearingimpaired who attended. We appreciate MattWinkelman, the new DCE at Our Savior's

Lutheran Church in Springfield, who helped as a K-9 Handler for Tara, and for hishospitality.

Your Donations Make A Difference

Keith and Jana Peters from Fellowship ofFaith in McHenry donated their car to amissionary working with the Muslimcommunity in Greece.

Pastor Galen Sollie of Peace LutheranChurch in Plainfield stopped by theLCC offices in Addison to pick up a donatedrefrigerator for a member of hiscongregation.

LCC volunteer Ray Bogaert delivered acorporate donation of food to ZionLutheran Church in Chicago. PastorStephane Kalonji and his daughter Deonawere at Zion to receive the donation andhelp unload it. Currently Zion does not havea food pantry but they have a lot of peoplein need who come to the church to seekhelp. Meeting the need of food for peopleand their families opens the door for ministryopportunities.

Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to ProvideAssistance to the following:

- Ethiopia Master Builder Center- Ethiopia Missions Trip- Ethiopian Seminary- EECMY-CES Church in Ethiopia

Now Available: A History of the Missouri Synod AsTold By The Lutheran Witness by the late LelandStevens Reprints of Synod's ONLY history: A History of the MissouriSynod As Told By The Lutheran Witness by the late LelandStevens are now available for purchase. All previous histories ofour church body have long been out of print. This 300-page bookhas been self-published by a former editor of LW for Synod's150th anniversary. In addition to Synod's history, this book alsooffers an interesting look into the history of our officialpublication.

The reason for reprinting this book is to make it possible forothers to obtain their own copy of Dr. Stevens' well-written book.Because this is a non-profit venture, it can be offered for the lowprice of $19.00 (including tax) plus $4.50 to cover the cost ofshipping. If interested, please contact Roland Mueller at rmueller22@cox.net or at 1625East 7th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156.

Nine-Year-Old Ethiopian Boy Needs Surgery in theUnited StatesRequest from Pastor David Hudak, St Peter Lutheran Church,Schaumburg, Illinois

Pastor Tadesse Kasse, who serves the Ethiopian Mekane Yesusgroup here at St. Peter, has a nine-year-old grandson who lives inEthiopia with his parents. He was recently diagnosed with aseizure disorder. He had an MRI taken which showed a cysticmass in the left lobe of his brain. The usual treatment involvessurgery to remove the mass and a biopsy to diagnose the natureof the mass. The treatment needs to be done in a timely mannerto prevent any kind of permanent damage to the brain. There is nopediatric neurosurgery hospital in Ethiopia that can do thisprocedure. Depending on the result of the biopsy, he may needchemotherapy. He needs to come to the United States for the

surgery. It is estimated that the cost of the surgery may be around $30,000.

The congregation at St. Peter is committed to helping to get Nahom Moges to the UnitedStates for this surgery. We will be sponsoring fundraisers but additional assistance isneeded and will be much appreciated. Pastor Tadesse Kasse and his wife Zerfe aremembers of St. Peter. Click here to donate

Join LCC Staff Member Tim Kurth on a MissionTrip to Kenya

As the newest member of the LutheranChurch Charities staff I am pleased to inviteyou to join me on a short-term mission trip toKenya this coming August. Together we willserve the neediest children in that countrybringing them help and hope in the name ofJesus. Working with Kenyan folks I've knownfor over a dozen years means the projects willbe meaningful and well-prepared. This is acombination medical/construction trip so weare looking specifically for doctors and nursesto join us.

If you are not able to join the team please consider sponsoring someone from yourchurch and encourage others to become sponsors, as well. Click here for more details...

Calling all Local Volunteers - Project LARRINeeds Your Help

It's been 22 months since the tri-county areaof NW Indiana flooded and 22,000 familieswere impacted as the result of flooding fromthe remnants of Hurricane Ike. A tremendousamount of recovery work has been completed

but there are still 800 families waiting for assistance. Project LARRI (Lakeshore AreaRegional Recovery of Indiana) is seeking volunteers to help with the rebuilding efforts. Will you help to repair or rebuild a home? Our work continues through the winter and this spring. We are scheduling volunteers intoJune of 2011 at the current time. If you have volunteered with us in the past, THANK YOU, and we hope you will join usagain. If you have not yet volunteered with us, we will be happy to train you on everything youwill need to know! To learn more about volunteering locally with LARRI, please contactKasie Tenbarge at ktenbarge@larri.info, or 219-836-1325 x 112.

Pete Imlah Leads Devotional at NIDAdministrators Conference

On Tuesday, January 25th, LCC staff memberPete Imlah was the Devotional Leader at theNID Administrators Conference held atConcordia University Chicago. Accompanying Pete was Lynn Buhrke, RichMartin, Marie Payes and LCC K-9 ComfortDogs Hope, Tara, and Tillie. Pete shared withthe Administrators the importance of being still

before the Lord, to never lose sight of who they are as a precious child of God, and toremain faithful to their call to teach the lambs of God. LCC commends our NID Principalsand Administrators for their ministry in our LCMS Lutheran schools and thank them fortheir commitment and dedication in making an eternal difference in the lives of childrenand their families.

Nurses and Medical Personnel Needed for MarchMission Trip to Haiti

On Thursday, December 9th, Sue Gross fromChrist Lutheran in Orland Park stoppedby the LCC offices to pick up your donationsof prescription eye glasses. The glasses willbe taken to Haiti as part of the Haiti MissionTrip planned for March 3-12, 2011. Nurses are still needed for the Mission Trip.We will be training local Haitians to administerbasic health care to school children and theelderly as well as teaching hygiene to childrenand prenatal care to expectant mothers. Thecost of the trip is $2,000.00. We must knowbefore the end of December if you are

coming. For more information email Sue Gross at suelynn144@aol.com .

Immanuel Palatine Youth Raise Money for Haiti LCC staff member Dona Martin picked up acheck from Deaconess Brenna Nunes,Director of Youth Ministries at ImmanuelLutheran Church in Palatine. The fundswere raised by the Extreme Teen Youth Groupwho sold coffee and chocolate from LutheranWorld Relief's Fair Trade items, as well ashand made craft items. The 3rd through 8thgrade Sunday School classes also contributedby creating decorative jars of cookie mix aspart of their Second Serving Sunday servingproject. The monies raised were donated tosupply families in Haiti with Water Filtersas well as Shoes for Haiti for Haitianchildren. The youth and children's efforts had great support from the Immanuelcongregation who were thankful to have the opportunity to respond to the growing needsof the people of Haiti.

Thank you to all involved, you have demonstrated the Mercy and Compassion of Christto those in need in Haiti!

Help Bring the Word of God to Christians in thePhilippines and Make A Difference in Thousandsof Lives Crossways International's Bible studymaterials have been used in the Philippinesfor many years. A layman, Vic Pabellon(based in Zamboanga in the island province ofMindanao) has taught its materials tohundreds of clergy and thousands of lay-people. Although Vic is a members of theChristian and Missionary Alliance Church, heworks with all denominations. Crossways International also works inpartnership with Archbishop Valiant Dayagbil,who teaches CI's courses at hisdenomination's seminary (with 30 students) - the denomination being the FilipinoIndependent Church (IPP). The IPP has about 200,000 members, 24 bishops, 80 priests,and 20 deacons. The denomination plans to conduct a four-day training event (March

14-17) in Padre Burgos to equip its leaders to understand and teach CI's materialsacross the Philippines. However, because of the financial downturn around the world, Archbishop Valiant hasbeen unable to raise any funding for the event from international partners (because ofthe world-wide economic downturn) and is asking us to supply him with $6,000 to enableit to happen. Dr. Harry Wendt has known and worked with Archbishop Valiant for manyyears; he has a Th. D. Degree from a US seminary. Dr. Wendt has also visited with himin his home; it consists of one large room with little alcoves where family members sleep.Its walls and roof are made of thatched bamboo. Please, can you help this remarkableman equip his denomination's leaders to touch the lives of thousands of fellow-Filipinos? Tim Hetzner - President of Lutheran Church Charities comments: This training canliterally impact thousands of lives with the saving message of salvation in Jesus Christ.This is a very important country to support the Christian Church and helping them Getthe Story Straight - and Get the Story Out. Thank you for any support Click here to donate

Help us Feed People in NeedIn Disaster Response and Outreach Events

Because Christians do food well - and food isalways needed in a Disaster Responsesituation and other outreach events, LCC islooking for a FOOD WAGON that we can cookand serve food from. Needs to be portable -can be a pull trailer or mobile unit. If you know of anyone who has one theywould like to donate, or if your group wouldlike to help purchase one that would be

shared with our NID congregations and beyond, please contact Tim Hetzner at LCC at866-455-6466.

Help Equip Haitian Women and Youth Leaders toSpread the Gospel On February 22nd, Lord of Life LutheranChurch in LaFox, Illinois, will be leavingfor Port Au Prince,Haiti to equip and trainwomen and youth leaders to evangelize.Currently 50 people have signed up for thistraining. The goal is to provide eachparticipant with a French Bible and CreoleFrench Bible tracks to prepare them to go outand spread the Gospel. Please prayerfully consider a gift. A ten dollargift would be enough to provide the materialfor one participant. As with most successfulministries, women and youth are on the front line in their communities. Click here to donate

LERT Training Sessions in 2011 Saturday, February 12th - Our Savior LutheranChurch, Louisville, KY Tuesday, February 22nd - Fellowship of Faith,McHenry, IL

Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the trainingmaterials, meal, and the LERT T-shirt, which is required tobe worn in a disaster response situation. Registration canbe paid by credit card online at time of registration or bycash or check at the door. To register click here.

In order to better manage volunteers andresources, FEMA is finalizing a guideline oncredentialing volunteers for large-scale disasters.The federal guidelines indicate that volunteersresponding to a disaster should be trained andcertified. LCC is providing training for LutheranEarly Response Teams (LERT) throughout our

district. Should a disaster strike these teams would be put on call and may be asked todeploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site.

This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety,work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders.

Click here to register. For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466.

Join Mission Trip to Haiti Leaving February 22

Lord of Life Church in LaFox, Illinoisin parternship with First Lutheran Churchin Texarkana, Texas, will be sponsoring amission trip to Haiti February 22- March 1.We will be conducting VBS for our sponsoredorphanage in Port Au Prince. In addition, Dr.Susan Busse will be providing medical care intwo rural villages that rarely see any medicalattention. Also, Dr. Barry Kolb will beconducting a "Walk Through the Bible"training seminar using the Crosswaysmaterials to equip lay leadership, both men

and women. This multi-faceted team welcomes your prayer and financial support. A yearafter the earthquake, people in Haiti are still recovering physically, emotionally andspiritually. What a joy to be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you would like to join this mission trip please click here to fill out a registration form.The cost of the trip is $1,200 per person, which includes airfare. Deadline to register isWednesday, January 26, 2010. Click here to financially support this Mission Trip

Washer and Dryer NeededRequest from Pastor Jeremy Heilman, Bethlehem LutheranChurch, Chicago

I have a couple who are in desperate need of awasher and electric dryer. They have the hook-upsbut can not afford to buy the appliances. If anyonehas a set they can donate it would be a tremendousblessing for this family. If you have a washer or dryer to donate pleasecontact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Important Year-end IRA Information. Donors 70-1/2 and Older Are Eligible for Tax-freeGift Opportunity

Congress has extended legislation that allowsdonors ages 70-1/2 and older to gift up to$100,000 from their lRAs to charity. lt's easy tomake a gift by directing your custodian to transfera portion of your required minimum distributiondirectly to charity. The gift is not counted as part ofyour taxable income, so it is tax-free!

The new law extends legislation for 2010 and2011. Also, because of how late the bill was passed, IRA gifts made through January 31,2011 can be treated like they were made in 2010-applied to the 2010 required minimumdistribution, the 2010 tax year, and the $100,000 limit for 2010.

Here is a brief summary of the details:

Your gift can be any amount up to $100,000.Your gift can count toward your minimum distribution.You must be age 70-1/2 or older.You must make a direct rollover, not a personal distribution.You must make the gift before January 31, 2011 to apply it to the 2010 tax year.

This is a great opportunity to make a direct rollover gift to your church or to LutheranChurch Charities. For more information contact Rich Martin at Lutheran Church Charities- RichMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org or 866-455-6466.

Comfort Dog Update JoJo Turns One!!

On Sunday, January 16th, LCC Comfort Dog JoJoand her friends at Living Christ LutheranChurch in Arlington Heights handed out goodiebags of "puppy chow" snack mix to celebrate her firstbirthday. She was delighted when the congregationsang "Happy Birthday" to her at the end of theservice!

Tara Visits Calvary, Elgin On Thursday, January 20th LCC Comfort DogTara and LCC Staff member Vida Johnston,joined members of the Service Guild atCalvary Lutheran Church in Elgin fortheir January meeting. Vida spoke to thegroup about the LCC K-9 Parish Comfort DogMinistry and Tara spent time visiting with eachof the Service Guild members.

Tara and Tillie in Batavia On Sunday, January 23rd, LCC Comfort DogsTara and Tillie attended the ImmanuelLutheran Church's Mission Fair in Batavia.Many enjoyed their visits with the ComfortDogs and hearing about the many differentways in which Lutheran churches and schoolsare utilizing LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs toreach out into their communities with theMercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ.

Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit

Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

Items Available to a Ministry2822 several hundred 90-minute audio tapes2821 Sony Master tape duplicator w/two slave units that allows duplicating of 11tapes at one time2817 300 Blue Lutheran Worship Liturgy Books (1982)2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upperfuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $2502813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench2809 Small, electric organ2806 (60) metal folding charis2805 Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday banner - deep purple velvet

with black and yellow gold star and a white star2804 One felt Reformation Banner that says, "Sola Scriptura and Fides Gratia" inthe shape of a cross

For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...

Items Free for the AskingLCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To requestan item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask thatthey call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be madeto connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church thenplease call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who canassist you.

2825 Combination washer/dryer electric. Front to back measures 2' 2"x2' wide x55-2/8" tall2824 Whirlpool refrigerator - Almond color2822 several hundred 90-minute audio tapes2821 Sony Master tape duplicator w/two slave units that allows duplicating of 11tapes at one time2816 Commode, box of gloves, Adult Depends and Ensure. All new andunopened2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upperfuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $2502813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench

For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATE page...

To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated,CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM

Building Homes and Hope for HaitiMaking a Difference in Haiti, One Family at aTime

A group from Trinity Lutheran Church inUrbana, Illinois arrived on Saturday,January 1st to help build homes in Jacmel,Haiti. The team included 15 members andranged in age from 17 to 76! It was alsofamily generational from grandson to parent tograndparent. The team was led by David Kuehn and alsoincluded Pastor Terry Strom. By the end of theweek the team made significant progress on

building four homes. It was a daunting task as the teams mixed mortar and laid heavyconcrete blocks. The team worked closely with other Haitian workers and quicklydeveloped a strong bond with them and their country. On Sunday the team also participated in worship and confirmation services led by PastorMarky Kessa. Goodbyes were the same as anywhere else. By the end of the week theteam had made some strong spiritual bonds. What a great witness to the Mercy andCompassion of Jesus Christ and what a great example for future groups!

Click here to see video testimonies from thistrip Click here to view photos from this trip Click here for a short video of this team inaction

Haiti: All We Want for Christmas is a Toilet!Request from Susan Gross, Haitian Lutheran Mission Project

These children are asking for a TOILET forChristmas. Yes, that must sound strange tomost of us but it is true. Cholera is invadingthe country of Haiti. Clean water and toiletsare needed to prevent thousands of deaths. Click here to read Pastor Isaac's letter Click here to donate

LCC Announces Haiti Spring Break Mission Tripsat Concordia Chicago

LCC staff members Tim Hetzner, Pete Imlahand LCC Comfort Dog Tillie attended ameeting on Friday, January 21st at ConcordiaUniversity, Chicago. They met withrepresentatives from the Concordia UniversitySystem to announce the launching of theLCMS World Relief and Human Care andLCC Spring Break Mission Trips toHaiti. LCMS World Relief and Human Carewill be offsetting over half of the cost of thetrip.

Click here for more information on Spring Break MissionTrips to Haiti

LCC Meets with Ghana Pastor on MalariaTreatment

LCC staff met with Pastor William Boatengfrom Ghana to talk about LCC's continualMalaria Research and treatment in Ghana. Pictured are: (seated) Rev Walt Otten, Rev.William Boateng; (standing) John Peterson,Dr. Susan Busse, Tim Hetzner and Pete Imlahfrom LCC. Pastor Boateng was treated and cured ofMalaria - and is requesting more treatment be

brought back to Ghana to be used through our Lutheran Congregations there.

To help finance Malaria treatment, click here

Haiti Update from Pastor IsaacThank You to all Who Have Donated-Your DonationsContinue to Make a Difference!Dear sisters and brothers I ask you send this message to all our Sponsors who supportthe work in Jeremie.

Thank you!Pastor Isaac

Dear Sponsors,

Best wishes and a BIG THANK YOU from all of us herein Jeremie, (Pastors, lay preachers, orphans, students,teachers and all the population) to you all for yourmoney, your love, support and everything you did to helpus stay alive till this day.

According to the Scriptures, each time we help someonein need, it's like helping God. That's why, please don'tgive up on us. Your reward will exceed your effort upthere in heaven. One more time, THANKS A LOT foryour support during THE EARTHQUAKE, HURRICANETHOMAS, CHOLERA DISEASE THAT IS NOT OVERYET (in fact, right now, Jeremie area has the highest

rate of cases. Too bad so sad! But, this is the reality).

May God continue to spread His manifold blessings upon you day after day all throughthe New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here in Jeremie!Past. Isaac Jacquet Click here to support Pastor Isaac's work in Jeremie

Vehicle Donations Needed for Families in Need

LCC has received numerous requests fromchurches for vehicles for families in need ofreliable transportation. The need for cars andvans to provide a means for getting to work,school and medical appointments has neverbeen higher.

If you have a working car or van pleaseconsider donating it to LCC for one of thesefamilies.

All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families orindividuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.

If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Housing Needed for Winter for Single WomanRequested by Pastor Gerald Menk, Faith Lutheran Church,Lake Forest, Illinois

A 41-year-old woman needs accommodation through thewinter, preferably a room in house. She can cook, helpclean, and also can pay something. With winter here she isanxious to find a room soon as her current housingarrangement is ending and she is having difficulty findingsomewhere else. If anyone can be of assistance it would bea great blessing.

If you have a room available please call the church office at(847) 234-1868

Administrative Help Needed for Rev. HichamChehabRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam ChristianFellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran MuslimMission Association (CLMMA)

Because of the rapid growth of the Lutheran Outreachministry to Muslims, Hicham is requesting volunteer help of3-8 hours a week. If you are able to volunteer please callHicham at 331-645-0650 or email him athicham.chehab@gmail.com Information about the Ministry:With the generous prayers, guidance, financial assistanceand direct involvement of many of the area's LutheranChurches and pastors, we have progressed and now cometo a new level of development in our mission's outreach

program. A new governing and supporting organization, the Chicagoland LutheranMuslim Mission Association (CLMMA), has been formally established. CLMMA's ministry,outreach mission and governance involve many of these LCMS congregations. As a partof this restructuring, Salam Christian Fellowship is now an associate congregation withPeace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, meeting in fellowship every Saturday.

Disasters Can Hit Anytime Anywhere, ThereforeLCC Will Continue To Offer CongregationalPreparedness Training

LCMS Human Care and World relief has put togetherthe training and tools needed for a congregation todevelop a plan for being prepared if a disaster hits. Notonly that - LCC and the District Disaster ResponseTeam are trained and willing to take your congregationthrough the plan. This takes about 3 hours with keyleaders of your church. Members of LCC and theDistrict Disaster Response team will continue to consult

with your congregation, helping you through each of the various aspects to have a planin place. Congregational Preparedness Training (CPT) addresses questions like "Do we have acontingency plan in the event that the pastor becomes a victim of a disaster?" or "In theevent that a tornado is bearing down on our church on Sunday morning during worshipservice who should be the person to say we need to evacuate the sanctuary and where

is the safest place for all these people to go?" Having recognized that God often uses disaster to open doors for his Church to doministry, participants address questions like "What are some ways that our congregationcan offer Christ's comfort to the community after a disaster?" or "What happens to thechurch budget - can designated funds be used in times of crises?" If you are interested in scheduling a CPT session, Click here to fill out the CPTinterest form or contact Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or emailDianna@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Thrivent Choice - Help Support Making ADifference Through Lutheran Church Charities Thrivent Choice is the new charitablegrant program through which ThriventFinancial for Lutherans members are able todirect Thrivent charitable funds. Eligiblemembers are designated Choice Dollars,based on insurance premiums, contract values, and Thrivent Financial volunteerleadership which are directed by the member to Lutheran organizations.

LCC Emergency Assistance Fund

LCC gets requests daily concerning people who needassistance, and it is increasing because of the currenteconomic times we are living in.

LCC works through our churches to provide assistance bymaking the need known - and dollar per dollar we give themoney to a church to help the family or individual. However,we receive some requests that are emergencies, andmoney is needed that day or the next day and we can'talways get the need out in our weekly email newsletter first.

Would you consider making a gift to our LCC EmergencyAssistance fund so that when these emergency needsoccur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This isan important way for the Body of Christ to share the Mercy

and Compassion and Proclamation of Christ.

To contribute please click here

Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner

Cars Needed for Immigrant FamiliesRequest by Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam Arabic Fellowship,Lombard, Illinois

Greetings in Christ, We have two refugee families thatSalam is working with who need reliable transportation. Oneof them is a single mother who recently got a job and willnot be able to continue to get to work without a car. Thedonation of a car would be a tremendous blessing andwitness to these families. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Nikki Berg and Her Twin Daughters, Ella and LinaRequest from NID President Rev. Dan Gilbert

With the sudden death of her husband, Rev Darrel Berg, aspecial fund has been set up with Lutheran Church Charities tohelp Nikki and her two-year-old twin daughters, Ella and Lina,with living expenses. Any financial assistance would be greatlyappreciated to help them at this difficult time. Help show theMercy and Compassion of Christ to the Berg family.

To contribute please click here or send your gift to LCC at 333W Lake St, Addison IL 60101 and mark you check Berg Fund,or call LCC at 866-455-6466 and talk with Tim Hetzner.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against theauthorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forcesof evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The Gospel is Still the Best Way to CounterTerrorism!Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the few countries in theMiddle East that still has a Christianpopulation. It is a strategic country to reachMuslims in the Middle East. The LutheranChurch has been actively involved in Gospeloutreach in Lebanon since the 1950's.Because of Mission cutbacks, support isdesperately needed to continue bringing theGospel to those of the Islamic faith.

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, will be traveling to Lebanon tomeet with our Lutheran Missionaries there to help share the story of the work that isgoing and can be done! They are desperately in need of our support and prayers duringthis time of unrest in the Middle East. If we want to effectively fight terrorism, we need touse the only weapon that will make a difference - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please help our fellow Christians in Lebanon continue to proclaim theGospel and serve those in need with the Mercy and Compassion ofChrist.

To help, send your support to: Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W Lake St, Addison IL60101 or call LCC at 866-455-6466 or click here for online donations.

Dr. Rev. Bernie Lutz shares a brief history of Middle East Lutheran Ministry (pdf)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab shares why heasked LCC to Get Involved (video - 1:50)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab describes theneed in Lebanon, with introduction by PeteImlah, LCC's Director of Mission and Outreach(video - 4:22)

Click here to view more videos from Pastor Hicham Chehab's interview

Click here to donate

Malaria Initiative

Update: LCC received the following email from a Pastor in Ghana who receivedtreatment for Malaria from Dr. Busse during her recently medical mission trip to Ghana.The results have been wonderful! Below is now another testimony on the value thistreatment can bring to the Christian Church - at pennies a dose. This is all being done toprovide the Christian Church another tool to touch lives with mercy and compassion andhealing - in the name of Christ.

I am very very happy to write to inform you that yourmalaria treatment I received in Kumasi when you cameto Ghana works well and it is better than any othertreatment I have ever received for malaria. Malaria killsmany many children in Ghana as well as adults. I willbe very happy if you can come to Bawku to help us. Weare hoping and praying to see you. Ever since I receivedthe treatment I never experience malaria again at all.

COME AND HELP US TO BE FREE FROM MALARIA!

Pastor Celtus AlaleBawku Lutheran Mission West Africa, Ghana

For more on the Malaria Initiative, click here

Visit their web site: www.malaria01.org or E-mail: malaria01@yahoo.com

Click here to view a video about this project

Click here to donate

How to Conduct a Successful Mission FairLCC's Newest Resource FREE for Congregations!

Has your church considered hosting a Mission Fair for yourcongregation? For your Community? Tim Hetzner and staff ofLCC have put together an online resource that can help you dothis. It is a step by step guide on how to plan a successfulMission Fair - along with sample letters and everything you willneed. In fact, if you are planning a Mission Fair, LCC will helpyou promote it - all free of charge.

Request your copy of HOW TO CONDUCT A SUCCESSFULMISSION FAIR here or call Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466

Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy andCompassion of Christ to Those in Your Churchand Community? We are in hard economic times. "Times are terrible"many say. But just think what a blessing God has givenus to share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ! Thedoor is wide open for the Church to be the Church.Jesus showed us by his life that we are to be thechurch that "Does Feet" (John 13).

People say that they would "do" evangelism, they would

reach out to people in need, but their church simply does not have the money right nowto do it, things are tight! Dear Christian brothers and sisters, it doesn't take money totouch those in need and pain - it takes you and your willingness to follow Jesus'example.

If you would like a staff member of LCC to come out and share ways for you and yourchurch to reach your members and community with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ- without money - contact us at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org. We would be more than happy to come andwork with you! By the way, we can even bring our K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs with us.This also will NOT cost you!

Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? YourSmall Group?Indicate Your Interest Here

Register Online - Click Here

Looking to Host a Bible Study?

WORD AMONG US Bible StudiesLutheran Church Charities In-Depth Bible Studies -WORD AMONG US - May be your Solution!

Free for Congregations!If you would like to be a host site click here

If you would like to join an existing class -click here

If you would like to take a course by Internet - click here Short-Format Courses

James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourseJude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-weekcourseKnow that God Exists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course

Long-Format Courses

Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible60-week courseThe Gospel of John31-week courseApocalypsis Jesu Christus:

The Book of Revelation30-week course

For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email atWAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Tim's Pick of the WeekGod Is In The Small StuffBy: Bruce & Stan (Author) & Stan Jantz (Author)

Does God care about the details of your life---your flat tire, thatargument with your spouse, your finances? Absolutely! And GodIs in the Small Stuff proves it. Bruce & Stan's modern classiclaunched a series of books that sold in excess of one millioncopies---now, it's part of a four-title "Small Stuff" paperbackassortment. In their lighthearted yet thought-provoking style,Bruce & Stan encourage readers never to disregard the minor,seemingly insignificant things of life---because their infinite Godis also intimate. God Is in the Small Stuff promisesencouragement and challenge to readers at all levels of spiritualgrowth.

LCC Staff and Comfort DogsAvailable for Church Functions andSchool Chapels!

For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 ParishComfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCCat 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

To help support the growing Ministry of theComfort Dogs click here... To find out information on how yourcongregation can get one of the LCC K-9Parish Comfort Dogs Click here

Click here for some Photo Albums showingsome of the many places the dogs havebrought comfort.... And click here for the DogBlog, featuring "Tara's Twitter"

Other Stories Still Seeking SupportRequest from Rev Abraham Mengesha, EECMY-CES President of the LutheranChurch in EthiopiaHelp Lutheran Hour Ministries Build Wells in Ghana - Each Well Costs $3,300Church Secretary with Serious Eye Condition in Need of AssistanceNew Boiler Needed at St. Paul Lutheran School - DorchesterWidow in Need of Help to Pay Rent

Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals andMinistriesAll vehicles that are donated to LCC godirectly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NOvehicles are sold.

Photo: Jennifer's daughter had medical needs thatrequired a vehicle with a lift. This donated van helped to

meet that need.

Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting forsome word...

Car Needed for Nigerian ImmigrantVan Needed for Faith, StickneyTruck Needed for Sexton at First Saint Paul's, ChicagoCars Needed for Immigrant Families

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please contactLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call 866-455-6466

COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ...You recognize this prayer written by MartinLuther ...Come Lord Jesus, be our guestAnd let thy gifts to us be blessed. AmenIf we really mean this prayer and want Jesusto be our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also?

Consider becoming a part of LCC's individualchallenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST- AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to helpfeed the hungry.

Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert

Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online!Christians contact us frequently who are looking foremployment - either because the company they are withhas downsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you arelooking for people to hire and would like to consider afellow Christian for a position, please check herewww.servantatheart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers canpost job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listingsthrough National Labor Exchange...

Servant at HeartLutheran Church Charities' Online Christian BusinessDirectoryLooking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online ChristianBusiness Directory called Servant@Heart. This online directory allows:

Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses.

Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing.

Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your businesslisted. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466.

It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!

Lutheran Hour Ministries Youth Event

Saturday, January 29, 2011 1-8:30 pmSt. Peter Lutheran Church(in the school gym)202 E. Schaumburg Rd.Schaumburg, IL 60194$10.00 per youthLight dinner will be served Click here for event flyer WWW.WHATSFIVE14.COM

For more information please contact Jim Decker (847)302-7173. RSVP by January 21, 2011 to (847) 302-7173

Movie Event at Trinity Lisle

Sunday, February 20, 2011, 5:30 pmTrinity Lutheran ChurchTrinity Green Trails at the Green Trails Shopping Center2701 Maple AveLisle, IL 60532 We are showing the movie "To Save A Life" on February 20th, Sunday evening for FREE.Our doors will open at 5:30 pm. We will show the movie at 6:30 pm. Light snacks anddrinks will be available before the movie.

Our goal is to reach high school youth in our suburban high school area who need to hearthat God loves them and has answers for their struggles in life. You can view a movie trailer

at www.tosavealifemovie.com or on YouTube by searching for the "To Save A Life" trailer.

We are in the process of making flyers for the event and will send them to interested youth groups. Our location is TrinityGreen Trails at the Green Trails Shopping Center, located on the corner of Maple Ave and Steeple Run in Lisle. Theofficial address is 2701 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL 60532

For more information, please call/text Craig Larsen at 630-854-7977 or email clarson36@yahoo.com.

Unique Financial Course Provides "Peace" of Mind Financial Peace University Incorporates Humor, Financial Advice, and Scripture

Sunday, February 20, 2011, 5:30 pm

Immanual Lutheran Church200 N Plum Grove RdPalatine, IL 60067 Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Palatine, is providing a 13-week financial course, entitled FinancialPeace University, to help couples, singles and families get out of debt and stay out.

The course is a video-based curriculum taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey and is led byRev. Warren Schilf, associate pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Participants can select aTuesday-evening track beginning January 25th, or a Sunday-evening track beginning January

29th. Both sessions begin at 6 p.m. and are held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 North Plum Grove Road, Palatine60067.

Financial Peace University uses small-group discussions to encourage accountability and discipleship. The curriculumincorporates a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice and biblical messages. Financial PeaceUniversity focuses on eliminating debt, building wealth and changing marriages. More than one million families haveattended Financial Peace University with amazing results. On average, participants pay off $5,300 in debt and save$2,700 in just 91 days.

For more information or to register, please contact Immanuel Lutheran Church at 847-359-1549.

Fashionable SupportA Fashion Show and Luncheon for Haitian Relief

Saturday, February 26, 2011, 12:00 pmChrist Lutheran Church14700 94th AveOrland Park, IL Top local boutiques will be on hand to display the year's trendiest fashions. Proceeds from the show go directly to the support of our Haitian Missions. Tickets: $20 for adults, $7 for children (3 to 12)For reservations call Jan Johnson at 708-361-9757Deadline for reservations is February 15th

Battle of the Praise Bands!

Sunday, February 27, 2011 4:00 pmWalther Lutheran High School900 Chicago AveMelrose Park, IL Looking for an afternoon of fun and music? Want to hear great Christian music but notspend a lot of money? Need an event for the whole family? Join us at the Battle ofthe Praise Bands II at Walther Lutheran High School, 900 Chicago Avenue, MelrosePark, Sunday, February 27 at 4:00 p.m. Local church praise bands will be competingfor your votes as they vie for the title of "Best Praise Band" and help Grace ChristianAcademy raise funds for its Scholarship Program. Every ticket holder will receive 15ballots for voting with additional ballots only $1 each. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15at the door. Children under 12 are FREE. Send an email tobattle_of_the_band_tickets@yahoo.com or call 708/594-7924 to place your order.Come join us for an uplifting afternoon of fun, food and fellowship!

Grace Christian Academy is a Lutheran Elementary school serving children age 3 - grade 8 in the Little Village/SouthPilsen neighborhood of Chicago. A mission school, Grace has no home congregation for financial support. Moreinformation about the school can be found at www.graceonkarlov.org.

Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events

How To Support Lutheran Church Charities

All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter.

If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please contactTimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.orgor send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://LCC.LutheranChurchCharities.orgor call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466