September 22
September 22, 2021 - Bringing Comfort
During his weekly visits with the residents of Maple Grove (Ashby Ponds), Amos met a new friend who is a caregiver. Marie Grace was instantly drawn to Amos because she has been missing her own yellow lab back home in the Philippines. After several hugs and smiles, she returned to her work and told us, "You made my day so happy and I'm comforted because of Amos, thank you. I have been feeling bad lately, but I feel good when I hug him."
Heavenly Father, these days are more emotionally and physically demanding than ever before. Help us to listen, love, and care for each other in Jesus' name, Amen.
September 15
September 15, 2021 - Tower of Light
This past weekend, Amos went to see the Tower of Light shine above the Pentagon in honor of the people who died there on September 11, 2001. Twenty years later we still pray for those who continue to mourn, and honor the memory of the heroic acts and ultimate sacrifices made on that tragic day. We will never forget!
“Let light shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
September 8
September 8, 2021 - School is in Session
Amos was excited to be welcomed back to Bull Run Elementary School and see his friends. Since the weather was so nice, they decided to gather outside for fresh air and friendship with lots of hugs and pets for Amos. We are grateful for the time to connect, share kindness, and have a calming presence. Team Amos will be returning weekly to support and love the students.
Heavenly Father, bless us to be examples of Your love, compassion, and kindness to all those You place in our path.
September 1
September 1, 2021 - Summertime Slow Down
As Amos enjoyed a relaxing moment on the porch this weekend, it occurred to us that right now it's about as summery as summertime gets. It's that perfect time when we enjoy the warm weather and slower pace a little bit extra before it's gone. Lord, let us savor the quiet times and simple pleasures that are Your gifts to us. Because we have You, we have everything!
"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11
August 25
August 25, 2021 - Returning to School
Amos will join some of his elementary school friends this week as they return to school. It's been a while since Amos has visited students and educators in person and we are ready to bring his calming presence, comfort, and friendship to help the children with this transition. As we start the new school year, there are many emotions, possibilities, and worries ahead for our students, caregivers, teachers, and staff. We ask God to bless their journey and to help us remember that He is with us always. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
August 18
August 18, 2021 - Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
Last weekend Amos and his veteran handlers were honored to attend the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in Crystal City, Virginia along with Kezia Comfort Dog. They were able to meet over 300 Air National Guard members and their families as they received pre-and post-deployment services. Some of the children talked about the challenges their families face with having pets in military life and they were so happy to spend time visiting Amos!
We pray for our nation's military members and ask God to watch over, protect them, and guard their families and loved ones back home.
August 11
August 11, 2021 - National Night Out
The first Tuesday in August is National Night Out, a community-building campaign that brings neighbors, law enforcement, and other first responders together to promote partnership and spend the evening outside together. This year Amos and one of his police handlers were invited to return to St John's Lutheran Church in Alexandria to bring comfort and connection to their community-building event. We were blessed to be able to share our ministry while spending time with friends, neighbors, and first responders for fun community fellowship.
"...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:25-27
August 4
August 4, 2021 - Comfort Dog Ministry Meeting
This Sunday, August 8th, Team Amos will meet in the Great Room following the 9:30 am worship service for our monthly meeting to connect, refresh our training, and share ministry experiences and plans. This month we continue to focus on ways to involve the congregation as ministry partners in the Comfort Dog Ministry. Will you join us?
Our ministry is one of mercy, compassion, presence, and the proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. While there are many ways to help, the most important role of a ministry partner is to be present and to pray with or for those approaching Amos. No skills or prior experience are necessary. Through our ministry, we are witness to a loving God who places the people we need to meet in our path and we provide comfort with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, we pray that you help us to embrace your calling for our lives.
July 29
July 29, 2021 – Vacation Bible School
It's Vacation Bible School week at church and Amos has another incredible opportunity to share God's love with others! On the first night we met several new friends who do not go to our church while also welcoming back many friends that Amos has missed seeing. Through a pat on the head, shared smile or a furry hug on arrival, Amos's presence is just one way that the children experienced God in action at VBS. This week is a celebration that God knows us and we are treasured!
We thank God for his unconditional love as we remember each day to see Him at work in our lives.
July 21
July 21, 2021 – Camp Highroads
Amos has returned to making weekly visits to Camp Highroads, a weekend adventure provided by Jill's House and tailored for kids with intellectual disabilities. The campers and staff were so excited to visit, hang out, and snuggle with Amos, and we love the time spent connecting with the children and staff who support them. During our visit, one staff member held out until she couldn't resist any longer. When she finally came over to pet Amos she told us that she was afraid of dogs, but there was just something about Amos that drew her in to be near him.
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
June 30
June 30, 2021 – Lutheran Women's Missionary League
This week Amos traveled to Lexington, Kentucky for three mission full days at the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) Convention. The LWML are great supporters of the LCC Comfort Dog Ministry and were eager to meet Amos, Abraham (NY), Myra (IL) and Benjamin (IL), and to acknowledge all that we do as the hands and feet of Jesus. We heard many stories from around the country of how comfort dogs have impacted lives. We prayed with others who came to us for comfort and shared the love of Jesus with all who were drawn to stop and pet or hug the comfort dogs.
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" John 17:21
June 9
June 9, 2021 – Playtime
Did you know that Amos’ schedule includes time with his handler to play, relax, and de-stress after every visit? God wants us to make time for ourselves, to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with Him each day.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
May 26
May 26, 2021
This week's theme for the monthly Team Amos meeting was "How do you go out and love others who need your light?" Handlers and ministry partners shared our comfort ministry experiences over the last year as we continued to see and bring comfort wherever we go. We know that God calls on us to serve and we are reminded that He is close to us even in our uncertainties.
We are ready to serve! We are ready to welcome new team members! If you would like to learn more you can talk to any team member or reach out to us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isaiah 40
May 5
May 5, 2021
Amos enjoys his regular Monday visits in the classrooms at Open Arms where he builds relationships that help the children grow their faith. This week the Giraffe class presented the pictures they painted of Amos and read the cards they had written to him. The children always make Amos smile from one big fluffy ear to the other.
