THE DOG HOUSE - November 2019

It’s Not Just About Petting a Dog

Lizzie is a Comfort Dog. She is not a service dog although she serves many. She is not a therapy dog although people do feel better when they spend time with her. Lizzie is a ministry dog. God leads Lizzie’s handlers and helpers to interact with people in need of Christ’s love at Trinity and outside Trinity. Through the Lizzie Comfort Dog Ministry, Trinity is present in our community and region five or six days each week sharing Christ’s love, having faith conversations and praying with and for those we encounter. God leads Trinity members, as handlers and helpers to interact with people in need of Christ’s love both at Trinity and outside Trinity.

How does God direct and use us to accomplish His purpose? Some of our work is scheduled work. We show up at the same place at a particular time every month. We build relationships with people. When Lizzie enters the room at these places, God uses her to start the conversation. It might sound like this: “I needed this today.” Lizzie’s handler responds, “What’s been going on?” Then we listen as they pet Lizzie and pour out their story. “Why do you come?” Lizzie’s handler responds, “It’s our way of sharing the love we have from Jesus with you.” “Thank you for coming. This is such a blessing.” Lizzie’s handler responds, “It’s a blessing for us, too.” The wording may be different for different visits and for different handlers. Proclamation of the Gospel does not have to be complicated.

Sometimes God directs us to accomplish His purpose through one-time visits or while doing daily errands with Lizzie along. God creates these moments to introduce us to people. Lizzie handlers are mindful that being present in that moment is a chance to share our ministry. We might only have time to share some simple facts about Lizzie and the Comfort Dog ministry. During that moment we are like the sower, planting a seed. Perhaps the person will take a Lizzie card and notice that she has a Bible verse. Perhaps they will go a step farther and follow her on Facebook or Instagram. On Lizzie’s social media site anyone can easily see and read more ways that God leads us to love and pray for each other. More than 80% of the posts share a Bible verse connected to daily life. These random moments of daily life may result in an invitation to join us in worship or Bible study at Trinity where the tending of the seed is carried out by our congregation. More often the seed will be sown for someone else to nurture. However, Lizzie and her handlers always work to have positive interactions with those we meet. We always present them with a card or enough information to connect with us again. We learn to trust in God’s timing, and we are blessed when a card handed out during our travels leads someone to request a visit, request a prayer or to share how that brief Lizzie visit helped refresh God’s presence in their lives.

Lizzie Comfort Dog Ministry is not just about petting a dog. It’s about what we say and do while people are petting the dog. It is about how God uses that time and the love He has given us to bless others. Life is a struggle and often painful. God is with us through those struggles and surrounds us with the love of Jesus. The goal of Lizzie Ministry is to deliver that message in person and let God provide the healing and comfort.