05/22/2024
1 Thessalonians 1:2 "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers."
It is with great sadness that we tell you of the passing of Lydia Comfort Dog. Lydia was truly a gift of God’s creative wonder. We are deeply grateful for the moments shared with Lydia, for the countless hugs, the soothing nuzzle, and the calming presence she offered when words fell short. Lydia's life reminded us of the goodness of God and together with the Psalmist we declare, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:9)
We give praise and thanks to God for the lives touched through the faithful service of Team Lydia alongside Messiah Lutheran Church in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Team Lydia brought the comfort of Jesus to many who were suffering and in need by playing an active role in the community and beyond. In her community, Lydia could often be found doing visits at nursing homes, hospitals and schools.
Lydia Comfort Dog was placed at her church one year after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. With her team, Lydia traveled to Boston often to bring the love of Christ to those who continue to heal from the tragedy. They regularly attended the Boston Marathon over the years to bring comfort to runners, staff, and first responders present. In addition, Team Lydia traveled hundreds of miles to be there during several national deployments such as the shootings at Santa Fe High School in Texas, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and Lewiston, Maine.
We give thanks to God for the gift of Lydia as a bridge to sharing the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to so many. We give thanks to Messiah Lutheran Church. We pray now for them as they grieve Lydia's loss, for God’s comfort, strength, guidance and that we can now be there for them. In the middle of our sadness, we find Good News believing that the very comfort of Jesus which Team Lydia shared with others is the same comfort given to each of us. Our Lord has, is, and will continue to be faithful to His Word: He is near to the broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. May you find this peace and comfort as you trust every one of His precious promises (2 Cor. 1:20).
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