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.

The government of Ukraine in the past week has encouraged the evacuation of the complete Donbas region of the country. This means that the SELCU (Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine) pastors and their congregations will once again become very busy in housing refugees, assisting with evacuation from the country, and distributing humanitarian relief packages to residents in their respective communities.
 
The Ukrainian disaster continues. The photos reveal an outdoor proclamation of the gospel in the Dnipro area and the distribution of needed clothing. Assistance is needed now more than ever.

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 pastors continue to distribute humanitarian relief packages to residents in their respective communities. Pastor Yura Timerkan (Bashtanka) writes:
 
“This day was very important and stressful, too expensive for that one kilometer, but at the same time a happy demonstration that God loves us so much that He does such good for us. Thanks to everyone who participated financially, physically, and prayerfully in order to be able to [accomplish the task].”
 
Funds from donor generosity were provided by Lutheran Church Charities.

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!”

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.”

"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."

"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.”

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.

"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

“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!"

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.

"I think this is what the Lord is calling His Church to do today – to serve the people.” Pastor Sergey Bevz

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!

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 [email protected] 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.

"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.

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.

Approximately one month ago, 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, and follow-up treatment is still being decided. 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. Also, family members have already chosen to lose employment income in order to provide care of various kinds. The congregations and members of the SELCU have provided some support; however, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine limits that support.
 
The pastor does not want any attention, nor does he want humanitarian relief to be diverted away from other Ukrainian needs and directed instead to himself and his family. Likewise, Lutheran Church Charities does not wish to divert monies from its humanitarian relief efforts through the other SELCU pastors in the country.
 
On the other hand, Lutheran Church Charities wishes to be of assistance. When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, all suffer together. ( 1 Corinthians 12:26) Therefore, 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 in order to finance ongoing medical treatments and to provide support for the family. The distribution of the funds will be monitored by one of the other SELCU pastors in Odessa.
 
This pastor has provided leadership to the SELCU for many years and has been doing so since the beginning of the Russian invasion. He even provided ministry to those in the hospital with him. Now is the opportunity for Christian brothers and sisters from other nations and churches to render assistance.

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.

Sergiu Trifa (son of Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, Romania)

With the assistance of Sergiu Trifa, a Romanian Lutheran, the SELCU pastors in Odessa last week received a large shipment of food supplies. The driver and shipment had to wait for four days at the Romania-Ukraine border before being admitted into the country. Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko and the laity unloaded the supplies at the SELCU seminary outside Odessa. The humanitarian supplies have already been delivered throughout the Odessa region.

Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor)
 
"Food parcels and bread were delivered from Valera Verba to three villages in the frontline zone. As always, thanks to everyone involved!"

“We are helping different kinds of people. Not all of this assistance was purchased with the money of Lutheran Church Charities, however, all of the costs to transport the food are covered only by LCC donations. During this time when diesel costs somewhere 2.0-2.5 USD, it is very important to have money for fueling.
 
A lot of people in villages still cannot afford to acquire the necessary goods and medicine. And this fund makes some of this need possible.
 
People are very thankful to have help from the Church, but their dream is back to peacetime.
As a pastor, I can see that this help is not only covering of material needs today. It is also an investment in making stony hearts of people into hearts of flesh.
 
Thank you for continuing to care and help for Ukrainians. In God, we are strong. Blessings to you!”

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!

LCC received a request from Pastor Doug Warmann of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois, for a full-size bed for two sisters who came in from Ukraine in April. The sisters have jobs and permanent housing and are in the process of getting the immigration paperwork started through their sponsor.
 
The only need they have left is to find a full-size bed with a mattress, box spring, and linens to make this once empty apartment their new home.
 
If you have a bed you would like to make available, please call John at Lutheran Church Charities at 224-373-0083.