Finding Grace Through Canines for Christ

By Joni and Friends|Published On: July 20, 2023|Categories: Podcast|

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”
Proverbs 3:5–7

Larry Randolph, author of Finding Grace: the Inspiring True Story of Therapy Dogs Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Love to a Hurting World, joins the podcast to share the story of how God called him to start Canines for Christ, an organization spreading the Good News of Christ through therapy dogs and their owners.

Larry, a board-certified crisis response specialist, rapid response chaplain, and graduate of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, uses dogs to bring comfort and joy to people facing hardships, from disability to PTSD. In this episode, Larry talks about how therapy dogs can help people to receive the love of God. He also offers practical advice to improve your prayer life and ways to help you shine the light of Christ in your community.

Trusting God to Lead the Way

Larry didn’t even have a dog when God placed two words on his mind during his morning prayers: “therapy dogs.” Leaning into God’s leading, Larry decided to trust and take a step forward.

“I just told God, ‘All right, God, I don’t have a dog, but I’m going to trust in what you’re saying. I’m going to believe in Proverbs 3:5–7,” says Larry.

There was only one problem. Larry hadn’t had a dog since the loss of his beloved basset hound, Gus. Why would God say that? Could Larry even open himself up to loving a dog again? He had far more questions than answers.

But then came Grace…

Together, Larry and his beloved white Lab Gracie brought hope and healing to hundreds of sick and lonely people. And today, the organization Larry founded, Canines for Christ, operates in countries across the world, with staff bringing therapy dogs to people with disabilities and trauma, people in hospitals, and even to court settings.

Larry says: “We go to nursing homes to visit with the elderly and the sick. We go to police departments to visit with those that are in tremendous stress for what they do on a daily basis… We have a reading program called Study Buddies… We go to hospice centers, cancer centers… The ministry is really to let Christ’s love shine through us and our canines as his ambassadors.”

Larry explains that a dog can break the ice, opening people to hear and receive the Gospel. While most people feel awkward around a stranger, they will quickly warm up to a dog. Establishing comfort with the dog then opens a line of communication for the volunteer who has come to share the love of Christ.

Bringing Joy and Comfort to People with Disabilities

Over years Larry has seen therapy dogs consistently bring joy and comfort to people with disabilities. His team often visits a special needs community with members who live with spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, and a range of other physical and intellectual disabilities. Larry says:

“When we first started visiting there, the level of joy was not very good… that completely changed. The joy they have now, and have had for years… it just changes everybody… It’s made them so much happier to have these dogs in their midst.”

How can you be God’s light in your community?

When it comes to blessing people in your community, Larry recommends starting with your personal relationship with God. For Larry, spending a regular morning time with God, delighting in his Word and seeking his face, changed the course of his life and revealed his calling.

Once your heart and purposes align with God’s, he can and will bless others through you. Even simple gestures of kindness and grace, or a visit from a friendly dog, can deeply impact another person in your midst.

As Larry says: “Most people may not see Jesus in their days, but they can see Jesus through you in the way you act, in the way that you respond… [You] make a difference in somebody’s life…”