I want to express my deep gratitude for your continued support of Lutheran Church Charities and our mission to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus to those who are suffering and in need. Your generosity has brought meaningful impact to people throughout various regions around the world, including Haiti, Ukraine, Turkey-Syria, Ghana, Israel, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Myanmar, to name a few.
I also want to thank you for joining me in prayers for peace in the Israel-Hamas war. This war has deep roots throughout history and therefore raises deeply complex and sensitive issues. The conflict has reverberations here in America and in other parts of the world, as seen in walk-outs, angry protests, and continued frustration expressed.

Therefore, since the Israel-Hamas war is a highly intricate and multifaceted issue, and because any involvement requires a comprehensive understanding, significant resources, and a careful approach to avoid exacerbating tensions, we are choosing to remain steadfast and faithful in our prayers at this time. Prayers and the pursuit of peace continue to be of utmost importance as well as the most appropriate response. In 1 Timothy 2:12 we are encouraged to lift up “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” But especially, our prayers are being lifted to the Lord on behalf of every member of the body of Christ, regardless of their nationality or side in this conflict.

Your continued support and partnership are invaluable to us, and it enables us to fulfill our existing commitments effectively. We remain dedicated to our mission and look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and achievements. We will continue to seek avenues for sending support to those hurting throughout the region, but we will refrain from doing so until we can be confident that your financial support will truly reach the people for whom they are intended. The support given to The Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, Israel, previously gathered will be delivered at the next available opportunity.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Because of your generous donations, LCC is able to continue sending support to Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, Israel. We received the following update from Liz Mulford, President, Friends of the Four Homes of Mercy:

Dear Lutheran Church Charities,
 
You are so generous! On behalf of the Homes, thank you so much for your marvelous gift. What a wonderful and needed surprise!!
 
With your help, despite the Covid-19 challenges, the doors of the Homes are open, and our guests served. One of our guests, Aida, came to us as a small youngster, perhaps 30 years ago. One of 12 children, her parents despaired of her ever being able to leave her crib.
 
Now she maneuvers her wheelchair rapidly wherever she wishes to go (if she can’t con someone into giving her a ride!), feeds herself, brushes her teeth, engages in many activities, including art and gardening, makes her wishes known clearly even without speech, and is working on her next goal—walking!

In addition to helping Aida achieve greater control over her life, our physical therapists are working hard to restore a number of our guests to their level of comfort and functioning, which they had achieved before their 18-month hiatus caused by Covid. 
 
We’re readmitting our former guests too each week and now have increased from 15 at the height of Covid to over 40. Few of the families were able to provide sufficient therapy to keep our guests from declining. Nursing staff, under the direction of our physical and occupational therapist, are also helping with the therapies.
 
The residents and their families are deeply grateful to be getting all their help at last—and to be able to celebrate each another’s accomplishments—and birthdays—with parties! The laughter in the building now is wonderful to hear.
 
Again, our deepest thanks for your caring and sharing.
 
Sincerely,
 
Liz Mulford
President, Friends of the Four Homes of Mercy

Four Homes of Mercy is a Christian run home for the emotionally and physically disabled children (many of whom are orphans) and adults in the poor area of Bethany, Israel.

LCC received the following request from Liz Mulford, President, Friends of the Four Homes of Mercy.

The work that is done by Four Homes of Mercy is important and ongoing. Please consider a gift to support them as they continue to reach out "to the least of these" with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany Israel cares for 68 mentally and physically disabled children and adults. They are always in desperate need of resources to care for those who cannot care for themselves. While there, Tim Hetzner learned that the staff has not been paid in three months. 

Thank you for your help in helping those who Jesus cares for.

Tim Hetzner
President / CEO
Lutheran Church Charities

Today, Four Homes of Mercy cares for 68 mentally and physically disabled children and adults. Most of their employees receive no income but volunteer their services and time. They are always in desperate need of resources to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

I am asking for your financial support so that I can buy these supplies here in the states before I leave this Sunday, February 3, and have them carried in with the 34 people going on the trip with me.

If you are moved to help those who cannot help themselves, please consider making a donation now to help. Dollar per dollar it will go to getting these supplies and other needs to the residents of Four Homes of Mercy.

Thank you for your help in helping those who Jesus cares for.

Tim Hetzner
President / CEO
Lutheran Church Charities