On Monday, September 29, our Cornerstone Comfort Dogs and handlers Duke Koelsch, Chuck and Judy Mihalik, Beth Murphy, Linda Tape, and Suzanne Ward traveled to Grand Blanc, Michigan, to join four other Comfort Dog teams from Indiana and Ohio. Our mission was to bring comfort and hope through the love of Jesus to the hurting people in the community. Eternity was commissioned into service just the day before we left!
Within hours of the shootings and fire that occurred at a congregation of the Latter-Day Saints, Faith 
Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc requested that Lutheran Church Charities send Comfort Dogs to assist the grieving community. LCC had dogs on the road, including Magdalene and Eternity, by Monday afternoon. The teams arrived at Faith Lutheran Church in time for a community service held on Monday evening. The Comfort Dog teams also participated in the preschool opening at Faith on Tuesday morning, visiting staff and children. They offered comfort and hope to first responders, including police, fire personnel, the county coroner, and the 911 call center. Additionally, the LCC team visited municipal offices, attended a memorial service, supported nurses near the hospital where the wounded were treated, and engaged with community members encountered on the streets, in restaurants, and at the team’s hotel.
Our Magdalene and Eternity teams witnessed significant hurt and sadness during our time in Grand Blanc. We were honored to work with Magdalene and Eternity in sharing the love of Jesus. Please keep the people of Faith Lutheran and all residents of Grand Blanc in your prayers.
