SELCU Pastors Helping Ukrainians 100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need 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.
SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy and lay member Nikolay Pholily prepared 130 humanitarian food parcels for distribution in the ship district of Nikolaev. There even water is in short supply and greatly appreciated when received. In spite of the ongoing Russian invasion and bombardments, a SELCU congregation was able to conduct a youth camp in eastern Ukraine in early July. SELCU Pastor Valeriy Verba (Kherson & Nova Kakhovka) expresses his gratitude: “When we say that we are going to the Donetsk region, people ask if we are afraid to get under fire? Today there is a war in our country. Today in any city of Ukraine, you can get under fire. Should this stop God's plans? No. The Lord preserves His messengers who bring help and blessings and who proclaim the Word and prayer! ‘The Lord is my rock and my refuge; my Redeemer, my God, my rock; in him I trust; my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge.’ (Psalm 17:3:) Amen!” “I never stop thanking the Lord for His support and your service. I believe that our joint efforts serve the glory of God. I hope that after the end of the war, we will be able to drink a cup of tea together and chat. God bless!” Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need!
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians 100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians The humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow larger and larger. 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. The SELCU pastors were able to meet Sergiu Trifa in person recently. Sergiu lives in Romania, is a member of the Confessional Lutheran Church in Romania, and is the son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa of that national church body, an alliance church with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For the past four months, Sergiu has purchased and shipped food items and other supplies from Romania to the SELCU congregations and pastors in Ukraine. Funds were provided by your donations to Lutheran Church Charities. SELCU Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko in Odessa reports: “Finally, after many times and late hours talking on the phone and lots of emails, we see each other face to face! Dear Sergiu, thank you and all the people behind the world for your support, help, and care for our people. The Lord loves you. You are truly a man of God.” Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor) "For a long time, I did not share what is happening with us and what we are doing now. As before, we are immersed in work and service. Every Tuesday and Thursday we receive refugees in the church building, share the Gospel with them (sermon 10-15 minutes), and bless them with food packages. On each such day, we receive about 100-130 people. For many people, this is the first time in their lives when they can listen to a sermon and hear the Word of God with an accessible and relevant explanation. Once a week, if possible, we deliver aid to the villages that are located in the frontline zone. It's the most difficult situation. Also, in the last month, we visited several villages in our region where refugee settlements are organized. As a rule, these people live in poor housing conditions and have much less help from the government than in larger cities. We also provide targeted assistance for individuals who deal with special situations. As for the situation in our city and in general, in the country, it became more dangerous. As you probably already know, the Russians have begun to strike a lot of civilian targets and civilian homes. You have probably heard about the latest high-profile events - missile attacks on a residential multi-story building in Kyiv, a shopping center in Kremenchug, and strikes in the Odessa region. Last week there was a blow to our city. The missile hit the service station and the transport park. People died. Early today, six missiles were shot down over our city by air defense. Therefore, we try to be even more careful and, if possible, avoid crowded places. Thank you for continuing to help people in Ukraine! We want you to know that your assistance helps not only to saturate the human body, it also serves to saturate hearts with the Word of God. We always try to give people more than food and basic necessities. We are always trying to share with them the gospel of our Lord and proclaim to them the hope in the Lord that will help them now. And we see how many people are very open to the Word of God. Thank you and everyone who donates. God's needed help for the body and spirit is now reaching many people." Yurii Timerkan (SELCU pastor) "Thanks to all of those people who continue to pray and worry about Ukrainians. Unfortunately, the war is not stopped. We can see it every day. This situation teaches us to start our morning not with a cup of coffee but with Thanksgiving to God for a new day of life and trying to know that all of our relatives are okay. We continue to serve and help people around us. It is not easy and sometimes scary, but God's grace and your support give us a power and make it possible to tell people about God's love even through the war. Infinitely thank you for your open hearts. Blessings to you.” Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need!
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Spend Time with Their Spouses7/5/2022
100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need The humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow larger and larger. 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. Two weeks ago, the five SELCU pastors, through whom Lutheran Church Charities has been working in Ukraine, traveled to the city of Lviv to spend several days with their spouses. The women traveled from the German towns of Marsberg and Homberg, where they have been residing as refugees together with their children. The children remained in Germany.
Humanitarian Support Still Needed 100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need "We believe and hope that God will stay with us Ukrainians and will save us and lead us through this terrible war.” Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor) “As you may remember, I keep living my life between two cities (Odessa and Nikolaev). For the first part of the week, I stay at Odessa Lutheran Seminary preparing for ministries and resting. Usually, I go to Nikolaev for ministry for 3-4 days at the end of the week. My mother travels with me always. I do not want her to stay in Nikolaev because of often shellings. It is unsafe and very stressful to stay in Nikolaev (she is 81 years old). Last weekend was very difficult for us. Last Thursday I went to Nikolaev as usual. On Friday morning a Russian missile hit my childhood area in Nikolaev, just 500 meters from my old home (where my mother lives). A few apartment houses were damaged: windows, doors, and furniture. Hundreds of families lost a place for living (temporarily). Thanks be to God - only twenty people were injured, but one has died. Only civilians were there, in that area; there were no soldiers at all. The same morning, I visited the place of shelling, helping some people to be evacuated. In the afternoon I took my church elder, Vladimir, and went to the same damaged place in order to distribute water, coffee, and croissants to the people of the damaged area, firemen, and workers. That Friday was very, very difficult. It took me a whole Saturday to rest and recover from the shock and prepare myself for the Sunday Service. On Sunday morning we had Divine Service at Nikolaev Lutheran Church. The church was fully packed with people; there was no place to sit. People of the church surrounding area know that we distribute food bags and veggies and water provided by LCC; so, more and more new people come to church on Sundays with the expectation to receive at least something. With LCC’s support, we are able to share the Gospel to many new people who have passed by our church before; now they are coming inside. 80% of my congregation is evacuated to Germany (all children and women), but I have about seventy listeners at church on Sunday; only seven of them are church members. People are very surprised by the church's generosity. Some of them are touched to the core and curious about our faith! We believe and hope that God will stay with us Ukrainians and will save us and lead us through this terrible war. Your prayers are VERY APPRECIATED! Thank you for all your efforts!" Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need! Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering! Thank you to everyone who donated luggage that will be used to take medical and other items needed for humanitarian aid to those in Ukraine. The Ukrainian church has individuals who will transport the supplies on LOT Polish Airlines which is allowing up to ten bags to be checked at no charge by people with a Ukrainian passport flying into Poland. The luggage will remain in Ukraine. We currently have enough luggage to make several trips. We will let you know when more donated luggage is needed. Lutheran Church Charities also presented Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma with donations received to help the efforts back in Ukraine as there are still many needs. A trip to Ukraine will take place this week with the medical and other items needed. 100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need "I think this is what the Lord is calling His Church to do today – to serve the people.” Pastor Sergey Bevz SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor) "Trips to places with the greatest need are trips to front-line villages. It's always exciting. We ask the Lord for wisdom, safety, and guidance. And it is with His leadership that miles of roads, food distribution, and the preaching of the Gospel is what gives hope! I think this is what the Lord is calling His Church to do today - to serve the people. Thank You, Lord, for all the blessings." Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need! Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need! Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering! Financial Assistance Still Needed for Ukrainian Lutheran Pastor Diagnosed with Lung Cancer One of the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) was diagnosed with lung cancer. Surgery removed 1/3 of the right lung. It will be a long road to recovery. Medical health coverage in Ukraine will not even begin to cover the expected costs of the treatments.
Lutheran Church Charities is making a direct appeal on behalf of this SELCU Lutheran pastor and his family in an attempt to raise $5,000 for ongoing medical treatments and to provide support for the family. CLICK HERE to read the original appeal. This pastor has provided leadership to the SELCU for many years and has been doing so since the beginning of the Russian invasion. If you are so moved, please donate to help this pastor and his family during his recovery. You can help in the relief efforts by donating luggage (new or gently used) that will be used to take medical and other items needed for humanitarian aid to those in Ukraine. The Ukrainian church has individuals who will transport the supplies on LOT Polish Airlines which is allowing up to ten bags to be checked at no charge by people with a Ukrainian passport flying into Poland. The luggage will remain in Ukraine. LCC’s headquarters in Northbrook is going to be the point of collection. Please email LCC at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call John at (224) 373-0083 if you have luggage to donate and to coordinate drop-off times. Tim Hetzner, LCC President / CEO, Presents Your Donations to the Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois From Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12, the Ukrainian Church in Palatine held its annual Palatine Ukraine Festival, featuring two days filled with entertainment, music, and dance. Attendees enjoyed traditional Ukrainian food, and various Ukrainian gifts and crafts.
100% of Your Donations Continue to Support Ukrainians in Need "To all those involved in helping Ukraine, may the Lord richly bless you!” Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians The humanitarian needs continue at an alarming rate in Ukraine. Even though the conflict does not occupy the focus of the American public media, it is very real for Ukrainians. 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 while also caring for the physical needs of their brothers and sisters. Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU pastor) “Many refugees left their homes without taking even the bare necessities with them. But now, in the conditions of war, it is practically impossible to fulfill one's own needs on one's own. Honestly, there is not enough money even for food, not to mention clothes and shoes. We thank and convey gratitude from the people who are in serious need today. To all those involved in helping Ukraine, may the Lord richly bless you!” Worship Service in the Village of Polyanetskoye
Worship service in the village of Polyanetskoye, located about 200 km (124 mi) north of Odessa, after which people could receive humanitarian aid and food packages. Many Ukrainians have become refugees by force. "Your support is greatly needed, and it is greatly appreciated!” |
“We continue to serve the refugees in our city. We keep the rhythm. Sixty to eighty family sets per day. The number of people is only getting bigger. We have now closed pre-registration for assistance for a while. We've got a list for a few weeks ahead. We don't want to get very far. Many people come without registering and calling. Their situation is such that they are ready to spend half a day just to find out why they cannot get through to us and sign up for a queue for help. |
The last week in our city is quite calm. Thanks be to God. But serious problems with fuel began. Filling up the car is almost impossible. Many gas stations do not work because they do not have fuel. You have to stand in line for several hours to buy 10-15 liters of fuel. We assumed that there would be problems with fuel and made a small reserve in advance. Now we are using it. The authorities promise to arrange deliveries within 10-15 days. But the price of fuel will rise even more.
We are all waiting for good news from the front. Our troops are beginning to push the enemy back in some directions. May mercy and peace be multiplied to you!”
Last week we packed 100 food bags for Nikolaev, but more than 150 people came to Nikolaev Lutheran church for food. People fought for bags; so, we made a list of those who didn't get the good bag last Saturday and promised to satisfy them next Saturday. We put Christian literature and calendars in each bag. Many of those people have lost jobs and depend on food provided by municipalities, charity organizations, and churches.
Last Friday, SELCU Bishop Alexander Yurchenko had surgery. After recovery, chemotherapy will be prescribed. I provided some financial assistance from Lutheran Church Charities donors for the bishop's treatment since we have no insurance medicine here in Ukraine yet.”
Rev. Valera Verba was in Odessa and will be driving back to Dnipro. We have already filled up his minivan with some stuff; tomorrow we will get sixty or so grocery bags to Pastor Timerkan (it is on the way to Dnipro). We will divide it among some of our congregation and this will be given to the people.
I am sorry that I am unable to get to you all the tears and smiles for the people who are getting this needed help right now. I think right now we are not only supporting the people of Ukraine; we are spreading the seeds of the word of Christ among the people. We are showing the people who leave near our congregations who God is, that He cares for the people, that His church is not a building but church is loving and caring! Thank you for being a big part of this work!
Another special thanks for Rev. Larry Meyers for visiting our wives and children in Germany! They really enjoyed the visit and were surprised and grateful for the unexpected gift they brought along!
SELCU Bishop Alexander Yurchenko is recovering from cancer surgery and is in much pain but he is already caring for the people at the hospital.
I am continuing to use the financial donations you sent to meet the following needs:
- Vehicles: lots of fuel, oil and filter change, small repairs. I drove already over 20,000km during this difficult time and paid for the fuel of other drivers who helped.
- Medical support: children and adults.
- Refugees: those who are leaving Ukraine and have no money for transportation, food, or other needed supplies.
- People who left their homes or apartments: housing was destroyed (3 families).
- People to move: traveling to the western part of Ukraine far away from the frontline.
- Groceries and hygiene supplies.
- Transportation: cost for people to take train or bus or cost for travel aid.
May the Lord be with you!
Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
ALL GLORY BE TO GOD!
Working through LCC staff member for Ukraine relief Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update on the work of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
Sergiu Trifa (son of Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, Romania)
Sergiu Trifa, son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, continues to purchase and ship medical supplies to the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU). Since the war in Ukraine began, he has literally been in a non-stop mode on behalf of the people of Ukraine.
“I was able to complete one more pallet of food today! Now, as soon as I catch transport, it will go to Pastor Oleg! It took me and a helper four hours to put it together from scratch. Another transport left and already arrived! I am so happy it went so smoothly with the border procedures! All the Glory be to God!”
SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy and colleagues delivered 100 boxes of food to his congregation’s community in Mikolaev. Fifty more boxes are prepared for delivery this week.
SELCU Pastor Valera Verba assists fellow pastors in delivering humanitarian relief in the Savran area outside Odessa.
SELCU Pastors Smokvin and Kostyuk lead an outdoor worship service in the Savran area outside Odessa.
SELCU Bishop Alexander Yurchenko underwent exploratory lung surgery last week. His daughter reports:
“The operation is finished; transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The express test confirmed cancer. Now we wait for the histology, and the doctors will continue to figure out how to treat. Now time for surgery recovery. Keep the prayers coming!!! Thank you for supporting us.”
Christian brothers and sisters in North America join their Ukrainian brothers and sisters in praying for Bishop Yurchenko.
Even in the best of times, challenges occur. An electrical shortage caused a fire in one of the SELCU vans used to deliver humanitarian relief. Fortunately, no one was hurt, nor was the cargo damaged. They hope to find a good specialist who can repair the van for its continued use in serving God and people.
Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Categories
All
"22"
Alabama
All
Belize
BE THERE With LCC
Boulder
Cal Fire
California
California Wildfires
Colorado
Crisis Response
Crisis Resposne
Crosses For Losses
Dayton
Disaster Response
Displaced Children
El Paso
Ethiopia
Families In Need
Florida
Ghana
Haiti
Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion
Hospitality House
Human Care
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Michael
IL Flooding
Illinois Tornadoes
International Missions
In The News
Israel
Jefferson City
Job Openings
K-9 Comfort Dogs
K-9 Court System - Ezra
K-9 Police Ministry
K-9 Travel Expenses
Kansas
Kare 9 Military Ministry
Kentucky
Kind Words For HMC
Kind Words For K9s
Kind Words For LCC
Kind Words For LCC Disaster Response
Las Vegas
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
LERT
LERT Mercy In Action
Lewiston
Linwood
Madison
Maryland Great Falls
Maui Wildfires
Milwaukee
Ministries In Need
Ministry Resources
Mississippi
Missouri
Molson Coors
Myanmar Scholarship
Nebraska Flooding
NE Flooding
Ohio
Parkland
Perry
Prospect Heights Fire
Recommended Reading
Santa Fe
Scrub Buckets
Special Appeals
STEM School
Sudan
Sutherland Springs
Taylorville
Texas
Thank You From LCC
Thousand Oaks
Tornadoes In Tennessee
Turkey And Syria Earthquake
Ukraine
UNLV
Uvalde
Watseka
WI Flooding
Wisconsin
Your Donations Make A Difference
Archives
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017