Comfort Dog Ministry

May 25, 2023 - Paws for Prevention

Amos and Kezia Comfort Dog (Emmanuel, Baltimore, MD) were invited by the National Captial Area of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to share comfort and hope at their Paws for Prevention event on Saturday, May 20th, at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria, Virginia. This community event was created to highlight the role that pets can play as a source of support and comfort in our lives.

The comfort dogs were happy to show others how comforting a furry friend can be while sharing the message that we are never alone in our struggles with mental health.

May 17, 2023 - National Police Week

It is National Police Week. During this week, we join with law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

As we honor and give thanks for law enforcement personnel who serve and protect our communities, let us also pray for them, for their safety and protection, and ask God to care for affected families. May He grant healing through the many peer support systems available, and may His presence, comfort, and guidance bring them peace.

May 10, 2023 - New Handlers

Our ministry is truly blessed to have two new handlers on Team Amos! Kim Perdos and Heather Novak attended handler training at Lutheran Church Charities in Chicago over the weekend, and they are returning home ready to go out and serve our community as we share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need.

Please join us in encouraging and praying for Kim and Heather as they step into their new roles. Each day we serve in faith, knowing that God has prepared us and has a plan for us. We pray that He helps us to love all who we encounter.

May 3, 2023 - Spring Family Festival

Amos had a great time visiting families and friends last weekend at the Spring Family Festival, sponsored by Open Arms and Our Savior's Way. The children enjoyed introducing their friend Amos to family members, and it was a nice time to connect and welcome our neighbors by sharing the love of Jesus.

God's love motivates us to look for opportunities to love, serve, and give to others. In God, we are changed so that we may share the joy and truth of His word wherever we go.

" . . . may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you . . . " 1 Thessalonians 3:12

April 26, 2023 - Jill's House Camp Blue Ridge

The start of spring marks the return of Jill's House Camp Blue Ridge, a weekend retreat that provides rest and renewal for families raising kids with intellectual disabilities. As the campers and staff were winding down from the day's adventures, Amos arrived to share Jesus's love and friendship. "Amos is here!" They called out excitedly when they saw that their dear friend arrive, and soon Amos was surrounded with hugs and kisses.

The children have grown so much since last summer, but they haven't outgrown their need for loving and caring friendships. We serve God by showing up at the camp regularly to share His love and devotion to us.

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:10-11

April 19, 2023 - Volunteer for Ministry Partner!

Team Amos was excited to participate in the Volunteer Fair held between Sunday's worship services, as we continue to pray that God will place those who are able to serve with us in our path.

There are many ways our ministry can incorporate the gifts and talents of our congregation to serve the community. Our greatest need is for volunteers who can serve as Ministry Partners.

What is a Ministry Partner?

• Ministry Partners are the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are in need
• They accompany the handler and Amos, and do not actually handle Amos
• Ministry Partners interact with others, listen, and pray with them while we share Jesus’s love
• Flexible hours are needed, especially weekday/school hours (a typical visit is 1 to 3 hours long)

Let us answer any questions you have about joining Team Amos! Talk to a team member or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

April 12, 2023 - Inland Northwest Honor Flight

On Tuesday, April 11th, Amos and George Folta, his veteran handler, were honored to join Kezia Comfort Dog (Emmanual - Baltimore, MD) in Washington, DC to greet Isaac Comfort Dog (Redeemer Lutheran - Spokane, WA) who was arriving with 95 veterans on the Inland Northwest Honor Flight. Honor Flights transport local war veterans free of charge to visit their war memorial in DC.

It is truly a privilege to honor and welcome the veterans to the memorials which recognize their military service and be there with the calm and comfort of Jesus' love as our nation's heroes experience the many emotions that this trip brings.

On this trip, we accompanied WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as we walked alongside them in support. We prayed for those who died in their service to our country and for the treasured memories of those who love and mourn them. At one point after a veteran located his friend’s name on the wall, he came over, hugged Amos tightly, and started sobbing. He told us about his friend and that he’d just lost his own dog last week. They carry their losses, still painful as ever.

March 29, 2023 - LCMS Southeast District Middle School Youth Gathering

This weekend, Amos and his comfort dog friends, Kezia (from Emmanuel-Baltimore, MD) and Solomon (from King of Glory-Williamsburg, VA), were invited back for their second year at the LCMS Southeast District middle school youth gathering in Williamsburg, VA.

The comfort dogs shared Jesus’ love, brought smiles and furry hugs, and fostered connections with nearly 250 youth and volunteers. The handlers' presence illustrated the theme of the weekend: Together: Living in Christ-Centered Community by sharing pictures of the comfort dog ministry that embody mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation. Our goal was to demonstrate to the youth what Christ-centered living and drawing people to Jesus looks like.

The comfort dog teams went out into Colonial Williamsburg to meet people and share the love of Jesus with anyone that God placed in their path. It was a wonderful weekend spent in fellowship and faith as we connected our hearts and minds to Jesus!

March 22, 2023 - Grace Lutheran School

Amos received an emergency request this week to visit the students and staff at Grace Lutheran School in La Plata, Maryland, after the news that one of their middle school teachers had been arrested for sexual abuse of a family member. This situation has the students, staff, and families hurting and in need of comfort. They were truly grateful for our presence and the love of Jesus that was shared during our visit. We ask for your prayers for Grace Lutheran Church and School, their staff, students, and families, and all those affected by this news.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3

March 15, 2023 - Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Event

On Saturday, March 11, Amos and his veteran handler and ministry partner joined Kezia Comfort Dog (Emmanuel, Baltimore, MD) to bring comfort and love to a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Event in Bethesda, MD. The event was held for pre- and post- deployment Air National Guard service members and their families from New Castle, DE; Baltimore, MD; Washington, DC and Langley, VA.

The comfort dog teams were present for attendees as they spent the day learning about all the resources available to support them as service members prepare to leave or return home.

During one emotional moment, a service member shared that she was there for both post- and pre- deployment as she had just come home and was getting ready to leave for the next assignment. She talked through tears about how hugging the comfort dogs was helping her let go of her worries and how she wished her children and husband were able to have a dog to comfort them while she was away.

It was a blessing to be able to bring smiles to the attendees and to honor their selfless service during this stressful period.

March 8, 2023 - LSW Kick Off

On Sunday after worship, Amos joined Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church and Open Arms families to kick off Lutheran Schools Week. It was a wonderful time sharing Jesus' amazing love with the children and their families! We look forward to returning to visiting students and staff at Open Arms, and we are looking for volunteers who have time to share in the mornings. Please speak to any member of our team to learn more, or reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

March 1, 2023 - Join Amos!

The Comfort Dog Ministry at OSWLC is always looking for additional handlers who are willing and able to take Amos to various locations around the community. We are especially in need of volunteers who have availability during the weekday, as many of our requests for visits are during regular business hours. Handlers are given training and must pass a background check in order to be a part of this team. If you feel called to this ministry, please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10

February 22, 2023 - Trees of Gratitude

While visiting Mill Run Elementary School, we noticed there are Trees of Gratitude placed throughout the building where students are adding leaves with messages of things they are grateful for. As you walk through the halls, these trees are beautiful reminders that each of us have something to be thankful for and there is happiness when we have a grateful heart.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

February 15, 2023 - Do Everything in Love

You are deeply loved. Our God fills us with His steadfast love and through scripture calls us to share that love with others so that they will know His love for them.

"Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

February 8, 2023 - Sharing Love with Church Family

Amos enjoys sharing love with his church family on Sunday mornings. You may have noticed him looking at you in a way that calls out to you, sometimes from across the room. That is how we are at worship with our family in Christ. We seek out each other and gather together to strengthen and inspire one another. We follow God's command that we encourage and love one another.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

February 1, 2023 - Bull Run Elementary School

Team Amos has joyfully returned to serving at Bull Run Elementary School! We had a wonderful time reconnecting with staff and students, and picking right-back up with our friendships. The time with Amos helps students to settle down, and they share with us how it makes a difference in their day. We see the same reaction with the hard-working teachers and staff who tell us our presence is just what they needed.

We know that moments like these are brought to us by our Heavenly Father who cares for us and wants us to love one another.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

January 25, 2023 - Maple Grove at Ashby Ponds

Our regular community outreach includes weekly visits with the residents of Maple Grove at Ashby Ponds. These visits are truly God's gift to us and we enjoy the time to slow down, offer a listening ear, meet family members, or share photos and stories. Amos and "Jack" have developed a loyal friendship formed by presence. In these shared moments, "Jack's" wife knows God is with them and caring for them.

Heavenly Father, we rejoice that you have called us to share your love with those who are aging. We are comforted by your promise of love and concern that continues through our lifetime, and we know that you place us where we need to be. Help us to remember to listen and shine Your light.

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:4

January 11, 2023 - Back to Schools!

This week, schools were back in session following winter break, and Amos was excited to return to his weekly classroom visits. This was a special opportunity to help teachers and students set back into their routine with the calming and comforting visit from Amos and the team.

One student summed it up perfectly, "I love Amos Friday!"

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." Romans 1:11-12

January 4, 2023 - Happy New Year!

A new year brings excitement and worry, joy and pain, resolutions and failures. All around us, there are people who need God’s light to guide them and comfort them. Let us move forward into 2023 sharing the love of Jesus.

Happy New Year from Team Amos

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).

December 28, 2022 - Sharing Christmas Love with Friends at Maple Grove

Glory to the newborn King! The week before Christmas can be a busy time getting all the plans, food and presents ready. Amos was happy to leave the hustle and bustle behind and just be present for his friends at Maple Grove. This week, he was able to meet many families who were visiting the residents, which was very exciting! It was a wonderful opportunity to share God’s Peace, comfort and joy to all!

December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas from Team Amos

Wishing you peace and love this Christmas season! Your friends in Christ, Team Amos

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14

December 14, 2022 - Last Week of School

This week is the last week of school for students and educators before the start of Winter Break, and students have been busy with projects and preparations that are a little less stressful when shared with Amos. Team Amos enjoys visiting classrooms and attending holiday sing-alongs and other celebrations of the season. The extra hugs and shared excitement for the holiday brighten each day.

Heavenly Father, we pray that this Christmas season brings love, peace, and joy to the lives that you place in our paths each day. May they know through us that the greatest gift of all is your son, Jesus.

December 7, 2022 - Worshiping with our Church Family

Amos was happy to be back from deployment and return to worship with the congregation this week! On the Second Sunday of Advent, we prepare our hearts in faithful waiting as we look forward to the Joy of Christmas in the midst of hectic holiday activities and the brokenness in this world. Remember that as we walk with Jesus, we carry Christ's love for all people everywhere we go.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

November 30, 2022 - Chesapeake, Virginia

On Friday morning, Comfort dogs Amos, Claudia, Kezia, and Solomon along with their handlers responded to the community of Chesapeake, Virginia following the tragic Walmart shooting on Tuesday evening. The teams were invited by Pastor Nate Speerbreker and the Chesapeake Community of Hope Lutheran Church. Members of their congregation met us to help assemble and sign six crosses and Hearts of Mercy and Compassion, one for each victim killed, which we then placed at the memorial site near the Walmart.

The Comfort Dog teams responded as a loving and comforting presence to walk alongside the hurting. We listened to the pain and sadness that was shared, while some at the memorial site petted the dogs. We prayed with and for others who are struggling in their grief and fear. There were many emotions and feelings of uncertainty, as well as loving acts of support and hope.

We remembered to give thanks to the first responders who answered the call for help: the quick thinking 911 operators, the Chesapeake police officers, fire fighters, and EMS. These brave women and men face and respond to tragedies that none of us can imagine. We were invited to spend time with Chesapeake Fire Station 4, the closest station to the Walmart and the first to arrive on scene that Tuesday evening. We also visited with Chesapeake Fire Station 3, who also responded to the shooting. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were honored to be able to meet and thank those on shift that night.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:6

November 23, 2022 - University of Virginia

Last week Amos Comfort Dog, Kezia Comfort Dog, and Solomon Comfort Dog and their handlers deployed to the University of Virginia following the tragic shooting that occurred on campus.

We were invited to meet with the UVA Cru ministry who were meeting on Thursday for togetherness and prayer. Many of these students had just returned to campus, and the presence of the dogs provided comfort to anxious, sad, and confused students.

The next day we went to The Lawn for a moment of silence in remembrance of the three students killed on Sunday: Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr, and D’Sean Perry, and the two injured students. Students and staff continued to carry the weight of grief and shock after such a devastating loss. We greeted students as they walked to class, and they shared with us that they were devastated, but committed to getting through this together.

We saw this sense of community support and faith when we visited the Beta Bridge where students left notes of remembrance and words of love, strength, and encouragement. As the students and community saw us at the bridge, they sought comfort from the team and felt safe in a gentle embrace and loving touch.

We continue to pray for students, staff, the community of UVA, and for the victims and families of those affected by this violence.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November 16, 2022 - Mill's Run Elementary School Visit

On Friday's visit to Mill Run Elementary School, Amos was excited to be able to bring his Veteran Handler to their Veteran's Day assembly. The students did an amazing job of remembering, honoring, and celebrating the sacrifice and service of the veterans in their lives! After the assembly, we shared special time with friends in their classrooms.

Through this ministry, we are building relationships and supporting students and staff with a comforting presence. Our new friends are sharing with each other, collaborating, and having more smiles in their day. We are blessed to be able to serve God in this way.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

November 9, 2022 - Veterans Day

As we observe Veterans Day this week, we remember and honor all who serve and have served in our nation’s armed forces.

With grateful hearts, we ask for God’s blessings on our veterans. We are thankful for their selfless sacrifices and services to protect our freedom. We pray for their courage, strength, healing and peace, now and always.

May we always remember to say, “Thank You for your service!”

November 2, 2022 - Join our Ministry!

Amos Comfort Dog and his team of caregivers, handlers, and ministry partners are called to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We serve through friendship, connection, prayer, and presence in the community every day.

As we begin our 5th year of Comfort Dog Ministry, we invite you to join us. There are many ways our ministry can incorporate the gifts and talents of our congregation to serve the community, and our greatest need is for volunteers who can serve as Handlers or Ministry Partners, especially on weekdays.

Handlers and Ministry Partners interact with others, listen, and pray with them while we share Jesus’s love. Handlers commit to a minimum of 2-5 hours per week, are physically able to work directly with Amos, and are available to take him to outreach events as well as to train and exercise him. Ministry Partners are not handlers, but go out with the handler and Amos on visits (typically 1-3 hours) to provide assistance, interact with the people being served, and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Let us answer any questions you have about joining Team Amos! Send This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).