Families in Need - Current Needs
Dollar-In Dollar-Out Policy
Lutheran Church Charities operates with a policy where 100% of the money donated to a specific need goes toward that need.
The transaction costs will be paid by LCC administrative funds, not from a percentage off of the donation.
Lutheran Church Charities operates with a policy where 100% of the money donated to a specific need goes toward that need.
The transaction costs will be paid by LCC administrative funds, not from a percentage off of the donation.
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AIR FORCE VETERAN AND DEDICATED TEACHER FACING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DUE TO DISABILITY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
LCC received a request from Pastor Jay Reed of Light of the Valley Lutheran Church, Elk Grove, California (pictured with his wife, Shannon), for financial support for an Air Force veteran and teacher. An Air Force veteran and classroom teacher who is suffering from the effects of acute long COVID-19 has not been able to return to teaching due to respiratory problems and fatigue. The VA is representing her for disability with social security, but that has become a lengthy process. She needs funds to help her with car payments and some other basic expenses. Her shortfall is roughly $600 per month. Light of the Valley Church is coming alongside with some financial help as well as trying to help her get connected to more resources in our community. Thank you for your consideration! Pastor Jay Reed Light of the Valley Church Elk Grove, California Select Family Asst Fund - Light of the Valley - Elk Grove CA to give to this fund. 4/16/2024 IMMANUEL'S FOURTH-GRADE TEACHER NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT AFTER HUSBAND SUFFERS A STROKE
LCC received a request from Pastor Bill Yonker of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, East Dundee, Illinois, to help support the school's 4th-grade teacher after her husband suffered a stroke. Recently, a tragedy happened to one of our school teachers and her family here at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois. Chad Pieper, 49-year-old husband of our 4th grade teacher, Shelly Pieper, had a massive stroke while at a school basketball tournament in Peoria, Illinois. For the last three weeks, Shelly and Chad have been in Peoria at the hospital. Chad‘s recovery has been very slow-going to the point where they have not even been able to transport him back to our home area hospital. Shelly and Chad have four children. Their oldest son is out of college, their second son is in college, their daughter is a senior in high school getting ready to go to college, and their third son is an eighth grader at Immanuel. Twice, Chad has been admitted to the ICU in Peoria and continues to need advanced care for his recovery and rehabilitation. Immanuel, church, and school, as well as a neighboring church are seeking funds and assistance for Chad‘s hospital stay and future care. If you are able to contribute any support to past hospital bills or future rehabilitation and healthcare, the family and our church and school would be so grateful for the blessings you could give. Please prayerfully consider this request, and I also ask that you would offer prayers of comfort, peace, and future hope for the Pieper family. Yours in Jesus, Pastor Bill Yonker Immanuel Lutheran Church and School East Dundee, Illinois Select Family Asst Fund - Immanuel E Dundee IL to give to this fund. 03/13/2024 YOU CAN HELP A DEVOTED FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEER KEEP HIS FAMILY HOME
LCC received a request from Vicar Nathan Linehan of First Lutheran Church Yuba City, California, to help a devoted volunteer pay property taxes to keep his home. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Our small church in Northern California touches over 1,000 people each week with food. It is only possible with the sacrifice of time from our amazing volunteers from the community. One of those volunteers is a disabled gentleman who contributes a minimum of 30 hours a week to cooking and food distribution. He has had many surgeries, but the most recent is a double fusing of his back last week. It has come to our attention that he may lose his house due to back property taxes, which are around $4,000. He and his wife also provide housing to their daughter and her family. In addition, he also suffers from Guillain-Barre syndrome. His dedication to the food programs and God's work in the community is beyond description. Please help us keep his family in their home. Blessings, Vicar Nathan Linehan First Lutheran Church Yuba City, California Select Family Asst Fund - First LC Yuba City CA to give to this fund. 03/13/2024 HELP A MOTHER OF TWO GET BACK ON HER FEET AFTER UNEXPECTED LOSS
LCC received a request from Pastor Chuck Ridley of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Sugar Land, Texas, to help Becky, a mother of two, get back on her feet. Becky’s mother, Nancy, passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2024, just ten days shy of her 76th birthday. Becky had been her mom’s full-time caregiver for the past six years, so she had not been working a regular paying job. Nancy had hip surgery a few years ago and needed surgery on the other hip, so she had been very limited in her mobility for quite some time, requiring Becky and her two daughters to move in and take care of her. Nancy was a registered nurse her whole life and always cared for everyone else, even providing for her daughter and granddaughters as they cared for her daily physical needs. Becky is now scrambling to make ends meet for herself and her daughters. In addition to cremation costs, she has regular monthly bills to take care of with no income now. $5,000 would go a long way in helping Becky in this time of unexpected loss and grief. Please help this mother of two get on her feet as soon as you are able. Peace in Christ, Pastor Chuck Ridley Fishers of Men Lutheran Church Sugar Land, Texas Select Family Asst Fund - Fishers of Men Sugar Land TX to give to this fund. 03/06/2024 HELP A MAUI FAMILY WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN THE FIRES
Kayanna Bayly, a disabled single mom, and her 12-year-old autistic son, Blake, lost everything in the Maui fires and have been struggling to find a stable home, moving from hotel to hotel. Thanks to our partnership with Makai Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity focused on rebuilding Maui after the deadly wildfires, Christ Lutheran Church and School, and Pastor Jeff Schrank in Phoenix, Arizona, we have the opportunity to help them get re-established in Phoenix. They have landed in an apartment and have two beds but are missing furniture, clothing, and basic needs. They are currently waiting for FEMA help for rent, which won't come until April, and will not meet their total rent expense. Let's come together to support this family in need and make their transition to a new home a bit easier. The wildfires in Maui in August last year caused widespread devastation, displacing approximately 12,000 people and leading to the loss of over 3,000 homes, businesses, and land. The impact of these fires goes beyond just physical damage, as they have also caused a loss of identity, heritage, and a loss of ohana (family) for the affected communities. Select Single Mom Asst Fund – Christ Lutheran – Phoenix AZ to give to this fund. 02/28/2024 YOU CAN MAKE A HOME SAFE FOR A FAMILY IN NEED
LCC received a request from Pastor Bryan A. Reeves of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Richton Park, asking for help in assisting the Nichols family during their time of need. Greetings, My name is Pastor Bryan A. Reeves, I serve Immanuel Lutheran Church in Richton Park, Illinois. I also have the privilege of filling the vacancy for St. John Lutheran Church in Country Club Hills and the reason for my reaching out. I recently had an opportunity to do a visit with one of their members, who is battling prostate cancer, also has COPD and a host of other underlying health issues. His wife is the primary caregiver who works full time at Jewel. During the visit they shared that there is a leak in the roof and it is leaking into the kitchen (please see attached photos.) My request on behalf of the Nichols family is to help them in their time of need with the roof leaking into their kitchen. In His Grip, Pastor Bryan A. Reeves Immanuel Lutheran Church Richton Park, Illinois Select "Home Repairs - Immanuel Richton Park IL " to give to this fund. 02/13/2024 HELP A SPANISH-SPEAKING PASTOR MOVE TO ILLINOIS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY
Thanks to your generous donations, a dedicated Spanish-speaking pastor has relocated to Illinois to serve the local community. Your support will enable him to bring comfort, guidance, and hope to those in need, making a positive impact on the lives of many. LCC received an update and request from Rev. Jorge Mazariegos of Vida y Fe/Life & Faith Church in West Dundee, Illinois. Dear Friends, We wanted to give an update on Pastor Juan Aguilar and his wife Zarina, who made their move from Nebraska to Illinois the first week of February. They have been able to settle in well and are very excited to start serving the Lord at Vida y Fe Church. Unfortunately, during their move, they had issues with their only car, whose transmission had failed. Due to the financial situation of the church and the fact that they just moved, they are not able to afford to fix the car. They have been quoted the price of $3,900 to fix his transmission. Pastor Juan and his wife are people who have a humble and serving heart and deeply desire to be able to spread the love and message of God's word. Due to this, we ask that you consider our petition to help him be able to fix his car. Thank you, and may God bless you. Rev. Jorge Mazariegos Vida y Fe/Life & Faith Church West Dundee, Illinois Select "Pastor Moving Fund - Vida y Fe W Dundee IL" to give to this fund. updated: 03/06/2024; 01/10/2024 RELIABLE VEHICLE NEEDED FOR A REFUGEE SUDANESE FAMILY
LCC received a request from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship Lombard, Illinois, to help provide a reliable vehicle for a refugee Sudanese family. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We are writing to you on behalf of a Christian Sudanese family who urgently needs your help. They are refugees who came to the United States a few months ago after fleeing Sudan for their faith. They have seven children who have witnessed unimaginable horrors and suffered great trauma. They are grateful for the opportunity to start a new life in this country, and they appreciate the assistance and support they have received from various organizations and individuals. However, they are still facing many challenges and difficulties in their resettlement process. One of the most pressing needs they have is a car. A car would make a huge difference in their lives. It would enable them to access essential services, such as health care, education, and employment. It would also allow them to participate more fully in the life of their local church and community. It would give them a sense of dignity, independence, and mobility. We hope that you will join us in this mission and help this family experience the love and grace of God through your generosity and kindness. Thank you for your consideration. May God bless you. Pastor Hesham Shehab Salam Christian Fellowship Lombard, Illinois If you have a running car to donate, please contact LCC at (866) 455-6466 or prayerfully consider donating towards the family's vehicle fund. Select "CLMMA Vehicle Fund" to give to this fund. 12/20/2023 RENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR SALAM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MEMBER WITH HEALTH CHALLENGES
LCC received a request for assistance from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois. Dear Friends, We need rent assistance for Mo, a new convert from Islam who was called to faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, irrespective of the hostile environment to the Gospel he lives in. Mo is a Jordanian American. He was born on the south side of Chicago, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian and Jordanian immigrants. Many are radicalized by extremist Islamic organizations and mosques that work against the integration of Muslim immigrants into the American culture. Mo attends our Bible study that is held during the week on the south side of Chicago. A year ago, Mo had experienced a stroke, coma, and paralysis that confined him to a wheelchair. After Mo was baptized in December 2022, when he needed his family most, he was ostracized for his new faith and left to face the difficulties in life alone. Mo has two little kids whom he loves dearly and tries to be a good father who would teach them the Christian faith. Salam Christian Fellowship and the supporting local LCMS churches are the only institutions that help Mo spiritually and in other ways. Right now, Mo is behind in his rent and needs $2,000 before SSI benefits kick in and help him until he recovers from the stroke and gets a job. Please show the love of Christ to our new brother and donate generously to this cause. In Christ, Pastor Hesham Shehab Select "Rent Assistance Jordanian American - CLMMA - Lombard, IL" to give to this fund. 10/10/2023 DONATIONS NEEDED TO HELP FAITHFUL CONGREGATION MEMBER PAY PROPERTY TAXES
LCC received a request for assistance from Rev. David Nelson, Interim Pastor, Saint Luke Church, Chicago, Illinois. Marcia and her family have been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Luke in Chicago for over 60 years. She currently finds herself in a challenging financial situation and is struggling to meet the financial obligation of paying the first installment of her 2023 property taxes. Like so many older residents of neighborhoods that are regentrifying, she has seen her taxes increase as property values have skyrocketed all around them to the point that they have become a burden if they wish to stay in their home. Marcia has faithfully met all her other financial obligations and is current with most bills; however, the tax burden is more than she can bear with the limited resources remaining. She has been unable to pay the bill of $3,154 that was due on April 3, 2023. Her faithfulness is exemplary in that she is unwilling to leave this balance outstanding before her next sizable bill comes in December. While it has never been her intention to shirk this responsibility, she only seeks temporary assistance during this difficult period. She would be deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide or guidance you can offer in this matter. Your support will make a significant difference in helping her maintain her property and financial stability. Thank you for taking the time to consider her request. I look forward to your response and am hopeful for a positive outcome. Sincerely, David C. Nelson, Interim Pastor Select "Property Tax Asst Fund – Saint Luke, Chicago IL" to give to this fund. 09/26/2023 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR MISSION TRIP LEADER RECOVERING FROM BRAIN INJURY
UPDATE: Sarah and her family are grateful for your prayers and donations to help her recover from a brain injury caused by a fall down the stairs during a mission trip. She was transported from Montana to a traumatic brain injury rehabilitative center in Iowa, closer to home. She is a beloved wife and mother of a special needs daughter. Sarah and her family are grateful they can visit each other as she continues to make progress in her recovery. Her family continues to have a significant amount of medical bills and appreciates the continued prayers and donations. Posted: 10/10/2023 LCC received an urgent request for assistance from St. Peter Lutheran Church Council in Greene, Iowa, for a Mission Trip leader who suffered a tragic accident. On July 20, Sarah suffered a horrific injury while on a Luther League Mission Trip to Montana. She fell down a flight of stairs, resulting in a traumatic brain injury along with other fractures to her wrist, face, and skull. Sarah was taken to the Bozeman Hospital before being life-flighted to St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana. Sarah remains in the ICU at St. Vincent Hospital at this time. Sarah was a volunteer leader on the trip. She accompanied her daughter along with twelve teenagers and three adults. Sarah is a loving wife, mother, and friend. She has been a loyal volunteer at St. Peter for many years, including teaching, mentoring, and reading for services. Sarah is an outstanding member of our community and is always willing to give back to others. Sarah's family, friends, and church community are needing to raise around $20,000 to have her flown (by air ambulance) back to her home state of Iowa. Sarah's family desperately needs her to be close for her continued recovery and long-term needs. In addition to the cost of the flight, there are additional financial needs to cover, such as lodging, meals, and other medical bills. If you are able and called by God, please donate to help Sarah return home for further care. Blessings, St. Peter Church Council Greene, Iowa Select "Medical Asst Fund – St. Peter, Greene IA" to give to this fund. 08/29/2023 FUNDING NEEDED TO SECURE AN EMOTIONAL SERVICE DOG FOR A LUTHERAN SCHOOL TEACHER
LCC received a request for assistance from Pastor Steven Warren of St. Paul Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois, for one of their teachers. One of our teachers at St. Paul has been prescribed the opportunity to have a service dog to assist her with her Complex PTSD. She is in need of funding to obtain her emotional support dog. The cost is $25,000. As a recent college graduate and a Lutheran school teacher, she does not have this money. Would you please assist our congregation with helping her to find this funding and the location of a service dog provider? Thank you for your time and efforts regarding this request. Any support you can provide would be a blessing. In His Service, Pastor Steven Warren St. Paul Lutheran Church & School Chicago, Illinois Select "Service Dog Assistance – St. Paul, Chicago" to give to this fund. 08/22/2023 WIDOWED ARAB CHRISTIAN EVANGELIST NEEDS HELP WITH MEDICAL BILLS
LCC received a request for assistance from Pastor Hesham Shehab of Salam Christian Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois. Dear Friends, Brother Boutros, 63, who is part of Salam's evangelism team on the south side of Chicago, needs help paying medical bills. Boutros has recently lost his wife, who helped in paying the mortgage, and is in the process of re-organizing his life around this new reality. $1,000 is needed to relieve Boutros of his debt. Boutros lives on the south side of Chicago, where a hundred thousand Muslims live. Those suburbs are called "Little Palestine." The mosques and Islamic organizations there are mostly run by radical Muslim leaders who polarize the Islamic population against the West and Israel and pressure women to don hijab, as well as work against the integration of Islamic communities in the American way of life. Recently, two Salam Bible study attendees were harassed by three radical Muslims in Bridgeview, Illinois, immediately after they left the Lutheran church in that neighborhood. Please pray for Salam and Boutros as we reach out to Muslims in that hostile environment and donate generously to support our widowed brother. In Christ, Pastor Hesham Shehab Select "Medical Bills Fund - CLMMA - Lombard, IL" to give to this fund. 08/22/2023 YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT A MOM OF FOUR UNDERGOING CANCER Treatment
READ THE LATEST UPDATE LCC received a request for assistance for a congregation member family from Pastor Marty Marks of Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb, Illinois. Danika is an incredibly strong woman of faith. Through the challenges of the past weeks, she has continued to lead the youth group at Immanuel, including organizing and directing the Easter breakfast for our congregation. Recently she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Due to her diagnosis and the risks associated with it, she had to close the in-home daycare she had been running for ten years. She’s looking for other ways to bring in money for her household because the financial needs of her family of four are too great for her husband’s income alone. But she needs to find income that can be made from home and on flexible hours because she doesn’t want to miss a moment with her children. Danika sits on our church council as the Chairwoman of our youth board, and her husband, Keith, is a member of the board of elders. No matter the challenge, they are at almost every worship service, and on the rare occasions they do not attend in person, they are engaged in online worship. The entire congregation is on this journey with them, and their heroism and strength of faith are an inspiration to us all. If you are looking for ways to help Danika and her family in this tough time, please prayerfully consider donating towards their new car fund. They only have one working car and have been having issues with its reliability. They had planned on replacing it just as Danika got her diagnosis, but they have needed to divert those funds to everyday needs like food, diapers, clothing for the kids, and medical bills. Thank you for your assistance and partnership in serving God's beloved who are hurting. Rev. Marty Marks Pastor for Campus Ministry and Church Administration Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois Select "Family of Four Car Fund - Immanuel DeKalb" to give to this fund. 04/18/2023 |