SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
The humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow larger and larger. Many geographical areas in eastern Ukraine are in mere survival mode. Working through LCC staff member for Ukraine relief Rev. Larry Myers, the pastors and laity of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue to put forth outstanding efforts in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel through Word and action.

Valera Verba (SELCU Pastor)
The photo shows Pastor Valera Verba in one of several vans that are used by the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine to deliver humanitarian relief. He reports the following:
 
“And another trip! I love this time of roads, distances, new places, and new people. Everywhere there is a deficit of the Word and food. We thank all our partners, thanks to whom the service in the Donetsk region continues. Praise God; serve people!”
 
“The Lord, in His mercy, blesses again and again. Donations from Lutheran Church Charities came. Our gratitude knows no bounds. The people of Ukraine need your support and service. And we all thank God together for everything we receive in this difficult time of war.”

SELCU Pastor Sergii Bevz reports:
 
“Received money transfer today [from Lutheran Church Charities]! We know that collecting donations has become more difficult now. Thank you for continuing to help those affected by the war! We really hoped and prayed a lot that by August, there would be positive changes and the prospect of an end to the war would be visible. But unfortunately, the war machine continues its terrible work.
 
Now we are again seeing a large flow of refugees from the Donetsk region. There, the Russians are slowly seizing new territories. Albeit in small parts, but still. Recently, an evacuation from this area was officially announced. There are many people who will still live in their place. Valera Verba and I continue to visit the villages of the Donetsk region with different frequency. We also continue to help refugees who are in our city and its district. Now our grocery sets have become simpler. However, people are grateful for any help.”

The SELCU pastors who receive support from Lutheran Church Charities are producing video recordings that will provide updates on their ongoing ministry. Those videos will soon be available for LCC donors to view

They also report that water and wastewater systems in multiple counties are not operational or functioning in a limited capacity only. Unfortunately, there have been 37 confirmed fatalities and at least 25,000 homes and hundreds of businesses damaged or destroyed, 5 schools destroyed and another 6 damaged, and 2 hospitals damaged.
 
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund so that, when invited, we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Thanks to your generous donations, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Buffalo, New York was able to host Camp J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, Yourself), a 6-week day camp focused on spiritual and developmental growth, bringing stability and growth to children affected by the tragic Tops Supermarket shooting on May 14th.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Abraham (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) visited Camp J.O.Y. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Buffalo, New York.
 
Camp J.O.Y. is serving this community by teaching the children not only life skills but the love of God. They are each given breakfast before starting their day filled with prayer, arts and crafts, reading, and community service.
 
Our Savior is just a few short blocks from the Tops Supermarket shooting, and many of the children were affected in one way, shape, or form, so to have a place to go that’s positive and uplifting for them is what they need.

During their visit, the team met Barbara Glover, Church President at Our Savior Lutheran Church who is the founder and director of Camp J.O.Y.

Please prayerfully consider continuing to support Camp J.O.Y. as they seek to bring Jesus to the community of Buffalo, New York.

The St. Peter, Schaumburg, Illinois Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T) worked on their church grounds this past weekend.
 
They felled, cut, and removed four large 75-year-old trees that were diseased, showing hollow trunks and posing a danger of falling.
 
These trees were located in the grove, where children play at recess, and the church uses for gatherings. Pastor Jerry Hays expressed his appreciation for making the grounds safe for school and in preparation for the upcoming 175th Anniversary celebration.
 
The team will also remove damaged trees and trim hanging limbs in their cemetery in the coming weeks.

Just over a week ago, a tragic crash took the lives of the Dobosz family from Rolling Meadows, Illinois: Thomas Dobosz (32 years old), Lauren Dobosz (31 years old), Nicky Dobosz (6 years old), Lucas Dobosz (7 years old), Ella Dobosz (5 years old), and Emma Dobosz (13 years old).
 
Also taken too soon were Katriona Koziara, Emma’s 13-year-old friend, and the driver of the other vehicle, Jennifer Fernandez (22 years old).
 
The community of Rolling Meadows is heartbroken at the loss of the Dobosz family, who was known and loved by many. The school district attended by the four Dobosz children and Katriona Koziara reached out to their community to help the parents and students process this great loss.
 
Community Consolidated School District 15 invited the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present at a meeting last week as they reached out to their school community in its grief. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eunice (LCC Staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) were present at the meeting and gave much love and comfort to the families, staff, and friends while they processed their thoughts and feelings over this great loss.
 
Later that week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Hannah (LCC Staff) and Jacob (LCC Staff) were present at the Carl Sandburg Junior High to bring calm and comfort to friends of one of the children killed.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers will be present next week for teacher institute and first day of school at both schools the children attended, and will be available when needed as the classmates and teachers return to school in the coming weeks.

We pray for all those who suffer the loss of the Dobosz family, Katriona Koziara and Jennifer Fernandez. We pray they feel the loving and comforting presence of Jesus and seek His strength as they take each step forward in their grief.

LCC has received a request from our Mission Partner Jackie Rychel with Ministry in Mission:

Thanks to your generous donations, our Mission Partner, Ministry in Mission, was able to bring Vacation Bible School opportunity for hundreds of children in Haiti. It was a great success and gave these children a chance to learn about Jesus and His love for them. In addition, meals were provided. For many of these children, the meal they receive at VBS is their one meal for the day.
 
Due to the current socio-political situation in Haiti, guest speakers spoke with the children via Zoom for Bible Study throughout the week. Tim Hetzner led the session on Friday, July 29.
 
Click on the link to watch a thank you video from Pastor Marky Kessa: https://fb.watch/eC2tZnJ-5h/