College students petting a dog named Blessing wearing the Canines 4 Christ logo. The event occurred at Campbellsville University to provide student care after a student passed away. Photo courtesy of Jill Powell
In the Bible, healing is presented as a major message in many forms. These forms fall into four categories: physical, emotional, relational and spiritual, according to Rev. Jonathan Srock. While many ministries have found unique ways of helping people heal, like The Art*FULL Faith Studios, one ministry sticks out by providing healing through canines.
Texas-based ministry Canines 4 Christ uses dogs to help provide people therapy and allow their members to minister to others. Through this ministry, dogs allow a unique opportunity to help out local communities.
“Dog spelled backward is God,” Powell said. “He put in them an unconditional love that makes them special and allows them a unique way to touch people deeply.”
Chaplin Jill Powell, Board President and Director of Membership for Canines 4 Christ, joined the organization in 2017 to help her community through her family’s dogs.
“My husband and I heard through an archived podcast about the ministry,” Powell explained. “We had been in prayer about how we could use our dogs to serve those in our community, since we're such big dog lovers and also lovers of God.”
Chaplin Jill Powell with her Canines 4 Christ dog volunteer Rocco on their front porch. Photo courtesy of Jill Powell
Since then, Powell and her dog, Rocco, have reached out to public schools and law enforcement to form connections through their love of dogs. One encounter involved bringing comfort and healing to a kid at a public school.
“We were having the kids read to Rocco to gain confidence in their reading skills. But then, Rocco got up and went to comfort this one specific kid who was going through some rough times at home. How did he know that? He knew because that’s how God designed them; they have that intuition.”
The organization also shares many testimonies, ranging from those helping out their local schools to providing professional therapy and stability to those in rescue services, according to their website.
While the dogs provide a level of comfort and healing, true healing comes from the Lord, according to Jill Powell.
Jill Powel with her dog Rocco with kids at Beginners Skateboarding Workshop in Pleasanton, Texas. Photo courtesy of Jill Powell
“When we're given the opportunity to pray with people and share about Jesus Christ, we know that that's when complete healing can come,” Powell said. “And we're building relationships with those people. So, it's not just walking in and saying you better believe in Jesus. But it's more through that ministry of presence, consistency and building relationships, so that we gain the honor and the privilege to be able to speak about Christ and have those faith conversations.”
Larry Randolph and his wife, Susan Randolph started Canines 4 Christ in 2007. He shared that God called him to start up this ministry to help spread love, kindness and healing in His name, according to Gifts for Glory.
“That’s how God does things,” Randolph explained. “He puts those ideas in your heart, and it’s up to you to obey or not to obey.”
Since then, Canines 4 Christ has grown to 1,200 members across 38 states and eight foreign countries, according to Dunndeal Publications.
Canines 4 Christ members Chaplin Ross Powell (left) and Chaplin Diane White (right) with Gabe (middle) an officer at the San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters. Photo courtesy of Jill Powell
The organization also hosts various programs and positions for those volunteering their dogs and time. These programs include the Junior Handler Program, Local Chapter, Care Partner Ministry, Crisis Response and Reading Buddies.
The Junior Handler Program focuses on providing an opportunity for the youth to help volunteer with the organization, while Reading Buddies supports kids in public schools through therapy dogs to teach and provide comfort.
Local Chapter creates spaces for local communities to come together through the ministry, and the Care Partner Ministry offers prayers, consultation and support to members within the organization to ensure that all are supported.
Crisis Response reaches out to communities that have been hit by natural or man-made disasters.
Anyone can join these programs after their dog passes the Canine Good Citizen Test by the American Kennel Club. After that, the person has to become a member through an online application that must be approved and paid for with a fee.
Canines 4 Christ continues to grow and reach out to local communities through its dogs. Bringing therapy, comfort and healing to many, the organization's main goal is to share the Good News with people who need it the most.
Kairos was born and raised in Hawaii as the son of a pastor. In 2023, he graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Journalism: News & Storytelling. He aims to write insightful, unbiased, and truthful stories on the Body of Christ.
