Ukraine
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100% of Your Donations Support Ukrainians in Need "[the God of all comfort] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)
"It is difficult and dangerous for us to serve in Ukraine, but without your help, it will be almost impossible!"
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Posted: June 18, 2024
SUPPORTING UKRAINE: TWO YEARS AND COUNTING
Lutheran Church Charities works with the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to continue to provide much-needed support to the people of Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing conflict and uncertainty, the pastors remain committed to spreading hope, love, and faith to those who need it most. Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, they have been able to provide vital resources, spiritual guidance, and practical assistance to those affected by the war.
Despite the ongoing conflict and uncertainty, the pastors remain committed to spreading hope, love, and faith to those who need it most. Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, they have been able to provide vital resources, spiritual guidance, and practical assistance to those affected by the war.
In addition to working with the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to continue to provide much-needed support to the people of Ukraine, Lutheran Church Charities partners with Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma (pictured with Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO) of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to help refugee families settle in the United States.
The Ukrainian Relief Fund is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who are suffering and starting over. By offering both material support and spiritual guidance, we can help bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
With your help, we can provide assistance and spiritual guidance to those who are in need in Ukraine and the refugee families in the United States. With your help, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are suffering.
To showcase the impact of your support, we are releasing a series of video interviews featuring individuals directly impacted by their work. Your ongoing contributions are truly making a difference and empowering the pastors to continue their crucial work in Ukraine. Together, we are bringing hope, love, and faith to those in need.
Thank you for being a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty.
The Ukrainian Relief Fund is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who are suffering and starting over. By offering both material support and spiritual guidance, we can help bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
With your help, we can provide assistance and spiritual guidance to those who are in need in Ukraine and the refugee families in the United States. With your help, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who are suffering.
To showcase the impact of your support, we are releasing a series of video interviews featuring individuals directly impacted by their work. Your ongoing contributions are truly making a difference and empowering the pastors to continue their crucial work in Ukraine. Together, we are bringing hope, love, and faith to those in need.
Thank you for being a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty.
Remembering Those Who had to Leave - Inna's Story
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Remember Those Suffering in Ukraine - Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy
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Remember Those Suffering in Ukraine - Natalia's Story
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Posted: February 28, 2024
AFTER TWO YEARS OF WAR IN UKRAINE, THE NEED FOR HUMANITARIAN AID AND SUPPORT REMAINS CRITICAL
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Saturday, February 24, marked the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The pastors and congregations of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) persist in their vital humanitarian and gospel missions across the eastern and southern regions despite ongoing challenges, thanks to the support and contributions from organizations from other nations.
In the past week, Pastor Sergey Bevz and members of Living Word Lutheran Church took mattresses, bed linens, hygiene products, and medical supplies to a de-occupied region. The small village they served is now occupied by many who left their villages on the other side of the Dnieper River due to shelling. Pastor Bevz reports the following about an event that observed the two-year anniversary: |
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"On this, unfortunately now 'unforgettable' day, Christians of Ukraine, and elsewhere, prayed for victory and peace. In the midst of all the news and the current situation, we confess over and over that our hope is in the Lord. So today, there was a large gathering of Christians in the city praying for Ukraine, for all the soldiers and defenders, for the victims, for the displaced, for all the services saving lives and working at the sites of destruction, for the military-political leadership, for the partners-friends of Ukraine, and so much more. There were many sincere prayers and sharing of the Word of God. Despite the severity of these two years, the Christians of the Dnieper continue to do their best to support their country in this time in word and deed. We do not know how long the war will continue, but we do know that there is One Who will never turn away from us, Who will come to the rescue and will not let the one who puts his hope in Him be ashamed!"
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Amidst the challenges of war, the SELCU pastors express deep gratitude for the unwavering support received, which has not only transformed their own lives but also enabled them to offer hope, love, and faith to those affected by conflict. Your continuous contributions are instrumental in sustaining their mission and empowering them to serve their communities with renewed dedication, making a lasting difference in the lives of those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
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Posted: December 20, 2023
LCC received an update from Pastors Sergey Bevz and Oleksiy Navrotskyy on their humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
LCC received an update from Pastors Sergey Bevz and Oleksiy Navrotskyy on their humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
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Pastor Sergey Bevz of Living Water Lutheran Church in Ukraine reports on ongoing relief efforts in the countryside.
He writes: "There are villages that have enough attention from volunteers and foundations, and there are those that are harder than others. As a rule, the worse the road, the less help they get. During the stay in this village, explosions were continuously going off in the distance. The war continues, although many people in the country and the world are tired of it." |
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Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy, a full-time missionary of the Lutheran Church-Canada, reports in an article published in the most recent edition of The Canadian Lutheran on the general status of the war in Ukraine since its inception and on the continuing efforts of pastors and congregations of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to provide humanitarian relief while also proclaiming the Christmas gospel.
CLICK HERE to read the article. |
Posted: October 31, 2023
Pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue weekly to provide humanitarian relief to various areas in Ukraine. Your ongoing donations make this ministry possible. Pastor Sergey Bevz of Dnipro reports:
Thank you to everyone who continues to support us, even after a year and a half of war! God cares for people and does this often through other people. We continue to help the people in our locality.
Pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue weekly to provide humanitarian relief to various areas in Ukraine. Your ongoing donations make this ministry possible. Pastor Sergey Bevz of Dnipro reports:
Thank you to everyone who continues to support us, even after a year and a half of war! God cares for people and does this often through other people. We continue to help the people in our locality.
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Posted: September 19, 2023
The city of Dnepr has become more frequently hit by missile attacks. There is more destruction. However, this does not stop us from fulfilling our mission. We continue to do what is needed and help people and, if possible, the military.
We again made trips to villages that suffered from the explosion of the Kakhovka dam. There is still no water in many places. Underground currents have changed their routes, and it takes time to build wells.
We also continue to provide assistance to local residents and displaced persons who temporarily reside in the area where our church is located. Now, we can't do this as often. But still, this work continues. Nowadays, we sometimes do group distributions, but more often, it is more individual assistance, where we can help in an individual difficult situation.
We recently traveled to the Donetsk region with help. This was a district of the city of Liman. We transferred part of the assistance to civilians - these are food packages, personal hygiene products, and household chemicals. The other part was given to the military - mainly fast food and medicine.
The city of Dnepr has become more frequently hit by missile attacks. There is more destruction. However, this does not stop us from fulfilling our mission. We continue to do what is needed and help people and, if possible, the military.
We again made trips to villages that suffered from the explosion of the Kakhovka dam. There is still no water in many places. Underground currents have changed their routes, and it takes time to build wells.
We also continue to provide assistance to local residents and displaced persons who temporarily reside in the area where our church is located. Now, we can't do this as often. But still, this work continues. Nowadays, we sometimes do group distributions, but more often, it is more individual assistance, where we can help in an individual difficult situation.
We recently traveled to the Donetsk region with help. This was a district of the city of Liman. We transferred part of the assistance to civilians - these are food packages, personal hygiene products, and household chemicals. The other part was given to the military - mainly fast food and medicine.
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Posted: August 23, 2023
SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba reports:
Greetings, dear friends who support Ukraine.
I am fully aware that the war has dragged on, and many are weary of constant want. We especially feel this fatigue inside the country. But we ask you not to leave this ministry. Supporting the people of Ukraine, you lend to God, helping the needy, you fulfill your destiny in this period of the life of the Church of God.
We are infinitely grateful for each of you, for all the support and help that we receive from you. We highly appreciate your participation and concern. We try to ensure that your support is wisely distributed and involved in those places where there is a special need.
One of the last trips was made to the front-line cities of the Kherson region. The urgent need that we met with your help was barrels for water and fuel for generators. Generators for the operation of water pumps that pump water into these barrels for the population in front-line cities.
I was warned that I was risking my health and transport by bringing help, as Russian troops fired on any volunteer transport and even just a crowd of people. I prayed and drove, trusting not in my bulletproof vest, but in our Lord, who holds my life in His hands.
In a front-line city, we hid from enemy drones that were dropping explosives. They hid at the point of reloading assistance and kept silent on the telephone network so that they would not be discovered, After a quick reload, they quickly dispersed in different directions. The Lord saved! But we constantly receive news that volunteers carrying aid are being fired upon.
Dear friends, it is difficult and dangerous for us to serve in Ukraine, but without your help, it will be almost impossible! We continue to thank you and praise God for our joint work!
With respect and love,
Pastor from Ukraine, Valerii Verba
I am fully aware that the war has dragged on, and many are weary of constant want. We especially feel this fatigue inside the country. But we ask you not to leave this ministry. Supporting the people of Ukraine, you lend to God, helping the needy, you fulfill your destiny in this period of the life of the Church of God.
We are infinitely grateful for each of you, for all the support and help that we receive from you. We highly appreciate your participation and concern. We try to ensure that your support is wisely distributed and involved in those places where there is a special need.
One of the last trips was made to the front-line cities of the Kherson region. The urgent need that we met with your help was barrels for water and fuel for generators. Generators for the operation of water pumps that pump water into these barrels for the population in front-line cities.
I was warned that I was risking my health and transport by bringing help, as Russian troops fired on any volunteer transport and even just a crowd of people. I prayed and drove, trusting not in my bulletproof vest, but in our Lord, who holds my life in His hands.
In a front-line city, we hid from enemy drones that were dropping explosives. They hid at the point of reloading assistance and kept silent on the telephone network so that they would not be discovered, After a quick reload, they quickly dispersed in different directions. The Lord saved! But we constantly receive news that volunteers carrying aid are being fired upon.
Dear friends, it is difficult and dangerous for us to serve in Ukraine, but without your help, it will be almost impossible! We continue to thank you and praise God for our joint work!
With respect and love,
Pastor from Ukraine, Valerii Verba
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Posted: August 6, 2023
SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba reports:
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. Today the situation in Ukraine is a common front; people are united and trying to help.
A recent trip that I made to the war zones was a trip to bring drinking water to people.
After the explosion of the dam near Kakhovka, many areas above the dam were left without water. But downstream areas were also deprived of clean wells and other sources of drinking water due to the flood. In Ukraine, the heat is over 40 degrees Celsius and people need help to deliver water for life.
One of these places is the Nikopol region, which is constantly under fire from the occupied territories. We brought more than a ton of water and distributed it in one of the districts of Pokrov.
A recent trip that I made to the war zones was a trip to bring drinking water to people.
After the explosion of the dam near Kakhovka, many areas above the dam were left without water. But downstream areas were also deprived of clean wells and other sources of drinking water due to the flood. In Ukraine, the heat is over 40 degrees Celsius and people need help to deliver water for life.
One of these places is the Nikopol region, which is constantly under fire from the occupied territories. We brought more than a ton of water and distributed it in one of the districts of Pokrov.
Posted: July 12, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Sergey Bevz:
Over the past month, many of our efforts have been aimed at helping people who have suffered from the explosion of the Kakhovka dam. A large number of people and territories suffered from this disaster. I think it's more than it sounds anywhere in the media space. People suffered the most in those places where there was flooding. But there is a much larger area where people have lost water. And we are talking not only about drinking water but also about ordinary water.
The fact is that after the explosion of the dam, the water went about 100-110 km along the riverbed to the dam. This affected the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions. In that region, it was especially important for many people to preserve their crops, as now they help them survive. But now, without watering, a lot of crops will be wasted. This is also a consequence of the terrorist attack that occurred.
But the biggest problem is the lack of drinking water. Local authorities are trying to do something, but they do not have time to quickly solve problems of this magnitude. In the photo, you can see long queues of people who came to get some drinking water. We give out 5-6 liters per person.
We were in the Kherson region. We brought water, medicines, and some other help to people. Further and at this time, we bring aid to the villages of the Nikopol region. Cities and villages here were also left without water. We see that cities have relatively more attention. Villages are often left without any help at all. This is an area that is located along the reservoir, which is now empty. The locals called the reservoir "the sea." It was very big. Now they point their hand in his direction and say that the sea is no more.
We visited one of the villages several times. Later we learned that the locals found information in the archive about how, once, 50 years ago, they had a borehole. The Soviet authorities mothballed it, and it was lost. Now it has been found, excavated, and cleaned. To run it, they need a deep-sea pump. We bought and handed over this pump to us. Now we are waiting for the result. There is hope that this borehole will provide drinking artesian water. But even if it is technical water, it will also be very good.
Unfortunately, the war is not over yet, and the needs are not getting smaller. Therefore, we especially thank everyone who donates and supports Ukraine and ministries to help the victims.
May the Lord bless you and reward you many times over in His mercy!
Sincerely,
Sergey Bevz
The fact is that after the explosion of the dam, the water went about 100-110 km along the riverbed to the dam. This affected the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions. In that region, it was especially important for many people to preserve their crops, as now they help them survive. But now, without watering, a lot of crops will be wasted. This is also a consequence of the terrorist attack that occurred.
But the biggest problem is the lack of drinking water. Local authorities are trying to do something, but they do not have time to quickly solve problems of this magnitude. In the photo, you can see long queues of people who came to get some drinking water. We give out 5-6 liters per person.
We were in the Kherson region. We brought water, medicines, and some other help to people. Further and at this time, we bring aid to the villages of the Nikopol region. Cities and villages here were also left without water. We see that cities have relatively more attention. Villages are often left without any help at all. This is an area that is located along the reservoir, which is now empty. The locals called the reservoir "the sea." It was very big. Now they point their hand in his direction and say that the sea is no more.
We visited one of the villages several times. Later we learned that the locals found information in the archive about how, once, 50 years ago, they had a borehole. The Soviet authorities mothballed it, and it was lost. Now it has been found, excavated, and cleaned. To run it, they need a deep-sea pump. We bought and handed over this pump to us. Now we are waiting for the result. There is hope that this borehole will provide drinking artesian water. But even if it is technical water, it will also be very good.
Unfortunately, the war is not over yet, and the needs are not getting smaller. Therefore, we especially thank everyone who donates and supports Ukraine and ministries to help the victims.
May the Lord bless you and reward you many times over in His mercy!
Sincerely,
Sergey Bevz
Posted: June 28, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Valerii Verba:
A Trip to the Flooded Part of Ukraine After the Explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station
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The situation is so unusual for us that from the beginning, it was not clear what to do and how to participate. Very quickly, from all over Ukraine, motor boats were taken to the Kherson region, which was flooded after the explosion of a hydroelectric power station, to evacuate people. The water rose more than 6 meters from its normal state. Many houses were completely flooded, and in some settlements, a lot of elderly people and animals died who did not have time to get out of the water danger.
When we were able to go, Pastor Oleg Shevchenko and I bought equipment for pumping water from flooded premises, tools, materials, fuel for motor boats, generators, and just drinking water. War is a terrible problem for all life in the conflict zone, but when the constant shelling of residential areas of settlements is mixed with a flood and mortal danger from water, it becomes really scary. The shelling does not stop for a single day, which greatly complicates the evacuation and rescue work. Valerii Verba |
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Posted: June 14, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastors Oleg Schewtschenko and Oleksiy Navrotskyy:
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On June 6, 2023, a significant portion of the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine was destroyed. The impact on the ecology, the economy, and the lives of residents in the entire Kherson region is catastrophic.
Lutheran Church Charities has sent funds to five SELCU (Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine) pastors and congregations who are pooling their resources and cooperating with one another in order to provide humanitarian relief to those affected. The congregation of Pastor Valerii Verba was located in Nova Kakhovka before the Russian occupation. Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko states: "We are planning new trips to Kherson, due to the catastrophe that took place there, and money will be very needed. Thank you!" |
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We also heard from Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy: “Just on Friday, I came back from Kherson area, which suffers from flooding. It is difficult to look at people standing near their own flooded houses but most of them reject to be evacuated. They just wait for the water to decrease to come back to their homes.
At this stage, we provide them with some food, blankets, medicine, and other urgent stuff; the most needed is drinking water at this moment. After the waters decrease, people would need mattresses, carpets, and basic furniture.
Thank you for your support and for standing with Ukraine.”
At this stage, we provide them with some food, blankets, medicine, and other urgent stuff; the most needed is drinking water at this moment. After the waters decrease, people would need mattresses, carpets, and basic furniture.
Thank you for your support and for standing with Ukraine.”
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, Thanks LCC Donors for Helping to Finish Building a New Orphanage for Children in Ukraine
NEED MET!
NEED MET!
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Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO, delivered a check with your generous financial donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois.
LCC is partnering with Immaculate Conception to provide funds needed to finalize construction for a new orphanage at the Parish of St. Nicholas, Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk. Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to help Father Ivan Zhuk build a new home for the orphaned children in Ukraine. |
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Posted: April 26, 2023
SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba provides the following update on their recent mission:
The Lord blessed us to get to the city of Berislav, located on the banks of the Kakhovka reservoir. This is a closed area due to constant shelling, but with God's help, we managed to get there. The local Church gathered people in need.
These people needed, first of all, the Word of Hope in Christ and food and medicine. We were able to hold a service together in the church building, preaching the good news, and after that, we distributed humanitarian aid to those present. We pass words of gratitude to you from our hearts to your heart.
People were in great need, and we were able to help about 100 people. God at this time is actively sowing the seed of the Word of God, and we are His co-workers in the Field of God.
On my own behalf, I want to thank you and the mission that supports the ministry in Ukraine. We really appreciate our partnerships and want to develop our communication.
With respect and love,
Pastor Valerii Verba
The Lord blessed us to get to the city of Berislav, located on the banks of the Kakhovka reservoir. This is a closed area due to constant shelling, but with God's help, we managed to get there. The local Church gathered people in need.
These people needed, first of all, the Word of Hope in Christ and food and medicine. We were able to hold a service together in the church building, preaching the good news, and after that, we distributed humanitarian aid to those present. We pass words of gratitude to you from our hearts to your heart.
People were in great need, and we were able to help about 100 people. God at this time is actively sowing the seed of the Word of God, and we are His co-workers in the Field of God.
On my own behalf, I want to thank you and the mission that supports the ministry in Ukraine. We really appreciate our partnerships and want to develop our communication.
With respect and love,
Pastor Valerii Verba
Posted: April 12, 2023
SELCU Pastors Oleg Schewtschenko and Valerii Verba recently led a team on another humanitarian trip to the Kherson area of Ukraine. This area is especially meaningful for Pastor Verba because his congregation was located across the river in Nova Kakhovka, where Russian occupation still exists and where he cannot go.
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Pastor Verba reports about the visit to Berislav:
"Berislav is the next city where we went. On the line of fire, under constant shelling, closed to visitation. But the Lord does His thing and therefore sends us to such cities to preach the Word of God, and people receive help. A lot more work and a lot more needs, but we don't stop. Sometimes it seems that it is impossible to fulfill all needs and respond to all requests. But when you see that great army of volunteers who are now working in Ukraine, you realize we are a very unique people, and we thank God for our thinking and attitude. Hold on, Ukraine; pray, Ukraine; work, fight; trust your Lord and love God and your neighbor! Every trip is amazing—feelings, acquaintances, salvation stories, and tragedies. When you have been somewhere many times, you are drawn there because you consider it your place. The Kherson region suffered and still suffers because it constantly receives wounds and injuries. This war is a persistent thing because sometimes it seems that there is peace in the country. But when you get into the respective cities, you realize there is a cruel and unfair war on the destruction of humanity and the Ukrainian nation. But the Lord is with us, and it's not a question; it's an axiom! Because He is our God, and we are His people! So everything will be all right!” Valerii Verba |
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Posted: April 4, 2023
The following is an update of the ongoing work by SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz and his congregation, Living Water Lutheran Church, in Dnipro, Ukraine.
We continue to help people in our city, as well as in places that were previously under Russian occupation. In recent trips, we visited the Kharkov region. These were villages that were under occupation for about six months. Some of them were badly damaged, some not so much. But everyone has a common feature - when the Russians left, they robbed the local population as much as possible. Everything was taken from people from their homes, including dishes and underwear. Many places still lack electricity and gas. Although the work is underway, the process is complex and dangerous due to the fact that the territories have been mined, so it is happening slowly.
We now bring essential supplies, hygiene products, household chemicals, medicines, and clothes to these places. As before, a large number of refugees live in our city. Also, many local residents are in a difficult financial situation and are happy with any help that can be provided to them. Therefore, as before, we help them. Every Sunday, about 70 families get help. Also, during the week, targeted assistance is provided depending on the situation
We now bring essential supplies, hygiene products, household chemicals, medicines, and clothes to these places. As before, a large number of refugees live in our city. Also, many local residents are in a difficult financial situation and are happy with any help that can be provided to them. Therefore, as before, we help them. Every Sunday, about 70 families get help. Also, during the week, targeted assistance is provided depending on the situation
Thank you that even after a year, you still continue to help people in Ukraine! May the Lord richly bless you and everyone who donates for this!
We also wish you a special time this week as we walk Christ's path to crucifixion and resurrection. May the Lord help us to know more and more deeply the power of suffering and the power of the resurrection of our Lord!
Best regards,
Sergei
We also wish you a special time this week as we walk Christ's path to crucifixion and resurrection. May the Lord help us to know more and more deeply the power of suffering and the power of the resurrection of our Lord!
Best regards,
Sergei
The following is an update from SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba about his visits to the Gulaipole area of Ukraine.
People are the most valuable treasure the country has! God loved man so much that He gave His son to die for the salvation of mankind. We go because people need it, and God wants it. We are going and carrying the Word and prayer that the Lord expects from men because, in these difficult times, we want to unite around our Lord and hope for His protection and help!
Ps 37:7-10: "Wait patiently for the works of the Lord. Don't get angry when the attackers plot sneaky plans, also successful. And don't be sad, don't be angry, don't give in to rage, so that the calamity does not strike. For the wicked shall have the end, but he that wait upon the Lord shall obtain the promised land. Just a little more, and the wicked will be gone, and no matter how you look at them, you will not be able to find them."
Valerii
People are the most valuable treasure the country has! God loved man so much that He gave His son to die for the salvation of mankind. We go because people need it, and God wants it. We are going and carrying the Word and prayer that the Lord expects from men because, in these difficult times, we want to unite around our Lord and hope for His protection and help!
Ps 37:7-10: "Wait patiently for the works of the Lord. Don't get angry when the attackers plot sneaky plans, also successful. And don't be sad, don't be angry, don't give in to rage, so that the calamity does not strike. For the wicked shall have the end, but he that wait upon the Lord shall obtain the promised land. Just a little more, and the wicked will be gone, and no matter how you look at them, you will not be able to find them."
Valerii
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Posted: March 21, 2023
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In the past week, SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba and other SELCU laity made a humanitarian trip to the city of Hulyaiopa, a city in the war zone about 40 miles ESE of Zaporizhzhia.
Pastor Verba writes: "We keep going; we don't stop! The Lord told the disciples, 'You give them food...' We are your very disciples, who care not only about the spiritual health of people, but participate in physical needs, bringing to the front-line cities everything they need: food, water, hygiene, and medicines. Sometimes these trips are fraught with danger, and we use bulletproof vests blessed by your mission. |
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We believe that God will save us, but in some regions, we are not allowed to go without them. Heavy gunfire is common in these areas. The main thing is not to fall under such shelling, and if you do, you need to survive. This is how front-line settlements live today. People thank, people hug, people listen to the Word of God with joy. People are happy that they are not forgotten, and that their needs are taken care of.
Photos do not convey the whole atmosphere of what is happening—the horror floating in the air and hope, which cannot be taken away by any invader. We continue and thank God for every tranche that we receive because it is the Lord who uses it for His glory and to help people. May the Lord bless all who read this small letter from Ukraine!" |
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Pastor Verba further expresses his gratitude to those who support Ukraine through Lutheran Church Charities:
"No matter what we do, it's always teamwork! It's always a lot of work and preparation. It's always a whole lot of effort and money to continue to help! It is impossible to count all the people involved in this missionary volunteer activity. Thank you to everyone who supports, helps, works, prays, funds, and worries for us, for Ukraine. I see once-different churches coming together and banding together and doing a lot of work. And it's not only the affliction that brings us together, but the Lord brings us together for His Kingdom to spread in our country despite the war! May God support everyone who is working today for tomorrow's future! Thank you, everyone!" |
Pastors Oleg Schewtschenko and Sergey Bevz prepare pallets of stoves for transport to SELCU congregations in various geographic regions of southern and eastern Ukraine. The stoves were procured with donations from outside the country, including donors to Lutheran Church Charities.
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Your Generous Donations Provide Medical Supplies for Ukrainians in Need
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Last week a check with your donations was delivered to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Illinois.
The funds will be used to purchase much-needed medical supplies for Ukrainians in need. |
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Posted: March 14, 2023
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In recent weeks SELCU Pastors Sergey Bevz and Oleg Schewtschenko were able once again to visit their families in Marsberg, Germany. The joy of being together can be seen in the faces of the Schewtschenko family (Pastor Oleg, spouse Victoria, sons Nathaniel & Dominic).
The Germany trip was also serious business. The two pastors loaded a VW Multivan and trailer full of supplies desperately needed by Ukrainians and transported them back to Ukraine. The supplies were provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Brethren, headquartered in Marsberg, and a partner church of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU). |
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Both the Lutheran Church-Canada, another partner church of the SELCU, and Lutheran Church Charities continue to provide monies to assist in purchasing and delivering needed supplies.
Posted: March 7, 2023
PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE IN UKRAINE
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Thanks to your generous donations, the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) are reaching thousands of Ukrainians with humanitarian relief packages. Every week, they make numerous road trips to deliver critical supplies and proclaim the Gospel.
Lutheran Church Charities has received the following update from SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba, who recently provided humanitarian aid in the geographical area of his former congregation (now occupied by the Russian military): |
Ukraine is one of the countries that feeds many other countries. But now, in the conditions of war, many people do not have even the most necessary things. This time the Lord allowed us to visit the village of Vesele, Kherson region. It is located a few kilometers from the city of Nova Kakhovka, where I served as a pastor before the war. Today, that city is under occupation, and I could only look at it from afar.
The village of Vesele today is not at all fun but a dangerous place, located in the war zone and under frequent shelling. People do not have water, electricity, medicines, and much more. I brought the necessary things to the social worker so that she and her team could distribute this help to the homes of people who, due to illness and old age, cannot go out.
In such places, it is impossible to gather people for communion and prayer because the enemy does not sleep and begins to shoot at the crowds of people. I had to put on a bulletproof vest. The military loaned me a helmet for a while, as the place is very dangerous to visit. But the Lord saved and blessed!
Please accept gratitude from people who are in places where, thanks to your support, we can visit. May the Lord encourage your hearts and supply your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Valerii Verba
The village of Vesele today is not at all fun but a dangerous place, located in the war zone and under frequent shelling. People do not have water, electricity, medicines, and much more. I brought the necessary things to the social worker so that she and her team could distribute this help to the homes of people who, due to illness and old age, cannot go out.
In such places, it is impossible to gather people for communion and prayer because the enemy does not sleep and begins to shoot at the crowds of people. I had to put on a bulletproof vest. The military loaned me a helmet for a while, as the place is very dangerous to visit. But the Lord saved and blessed!
Please accept gratitude from people who are in places where, thanks to your support, we can visit. May the Lord encourage your hearts and supply your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Valerii Verba
Posted: February 28, 2023
ONE YEAR LATER: PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE IN UKRAINE
February 24th marked one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Since March 2022, Lutheran Church Charities has been working cooperatively with pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) to provide humanitarian relief for the Ukrainian people.
Thanks to your generous donations, the pastors are reaching thousands of Ukrainians with humanitarian relief packages. Every week, they make numerous road trips to deliver critical supplies and proclaim the Gospel.
Thanks to your generous donations, the pastors are reaching thousands of Ukrainians with humanitarian relief packages. Every week, they make numerous road trips to deliver critical supplies and proclaim the Gospel.
February 24, 2023; 365 days of shocks, tears, fears, and anger; 365 days of parting, destructions, and deaths; 365 days of hard work and prayer; 365 days of hope, faith, and love; 365 days of the Gospel and ministry; 365 days of courage, feat, and sacrifice of our people.
Ukraine keeps standing, keeps praying, keeps hoping. Lord, have mercy.
People of the world, please, pray for Ukraine.
Thank you for your love and ministry to our country.
My deep gratitude to the team of Lutheran Church Charities for the great work they are accomplishing in my country.
For God's glory,
Oleksiy Navrotskyy
Lutheran Missionary in Ukraine
Ukraine keeps standing, keeps praying, keeps hoping. Lord, have mercy.
People of the world, please, pray for Ukraine.
Thank you for your love and ministry to our country.
My deep gratitude to the team of Lutheran Church Charities for the great work they are accomplishing in my country.
For God's glory,
Oleksiy Navrotskyy
Lutheran Missionary in Ukraine
YOUR SUPPORT ALLOWS SELCU PASTORS TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF UKRAINIANS IN THEIR WAR-TORN COUNTRY
Critical Needs: Drinking Water, Medicine, Building Materials, Hygiene Products
Posted: February 21, 2023
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Thank you for your great support and help. Today it helps a lot to serve; today, it is the answer to the prayers of many people. The proclaimed Word focuses people on the True Giver. Medicines, food, hygiene products, water, building materials, and essentials - all this the people receive.
Thank God and rejoice at the opportunity. Thank you to everyone who is a partner in this ministry. With respect and gratitude, Pastor and Missionary Valerii Verba |
As always, thank you for your continued support all these months to those affected by the war. We continue to serve in those areas that were formed earlier. This is to help those who have suffered in our city - internal refugees and city residents who, due to the war, have lost their jobs or livelihoods or have very little of them.
Organized help is given weekly in the territory of the church building. We also continue to make trips with humanitarian aid to the liberated territories. In recent months, it was the Kherson region and, most recently, the village of Sofiyivka.
Thanks to your support, we were able to buy and bring essentials. More than 130 food bags were distributed, hygiene products, household chemicals, batteries, medicines, candles, diapers, and more. We have noticed that there is also a great need for household chemicals - toothpaste and brushes, washing powder, and the like. Such things as humanitarian aid come quite rarely. Therefore, we have added this item to the list of assistance that we provide.
We received a huge number of thanks and heartfelt words. We continue to serve God by helping people.
Organized help is given weekly in the territory of the church building. We also continue to make trips with humanitarian aid to the liberated territories. In recent months, it was the Kherson region and, most recently, the village of Sofiyivka.
Thanks to your support, we were able to buy and bring essentials. More than 130 food bags were distributed, hygiene products, household chemicals, batteries, medicines, candles, diapers, and more. We have noticed that there is also a great need for household chemicals - toothpaste and brushes, washing powder, and the like. Such things as humanitarian aid come quite rarely. Therefore, we have added this item to the list of assistance that we provide.
We received a huge number of thanks and heartfelt words. We continue to serve God by helping people.
Now we are in anticipation of a new aggravation of hostilities. We know that the Russians are preparing forces for a new offensive attempt. Our military is also preparing for this and building up forces to suppress this offensive and counter-offensive. We pray and hope that the Lord will give us success and that in March-April, we will be able to deliver aid to the newly liberated territories. The longer people lived in the occupation, the more terrible its traces and consequences.
But we believe the Word of God, which is written by the apostle Paul in the Letter to the Romans, that when sin increases, grace abounds. We do not know what awaits us ahead and when the war will end. But we know the One to whom grace belongs and who gives it to all who hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.
In connection with the imminent start of Great Lent, I wish you at this special time to reflect on the way of the cross of our Lord, to know even more deeply the power of His love, which led Him through suffering, the cross, death, and resurrection. Thinking about the coming Easter, we in Ukraine are especially comforted by the fact that death will eventually lose.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergei Bevz
But we believe the Word of God, which is written by the apostle Paul in the Letter to the Romans, that when sin increases, grace abounds. We do not know what awaits us ahead and when the war will end. But we know the One to whom grace belongs and who gives it to all who hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.
In connection with the imminent start of Great Lent, I wish you at this special time to reflect on the way of the cross of our Lord, to know even more deeply the power of His love, which led Him through suffering, the cross, death, and resurrection. Thinking about the coming Easter, we in Ukraine are especially comforted by the fact that death will eventually lose.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergei Bevz
Posted: February 14, 2023
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In early February, SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz, Living Water Lutheran Church in Dnipro, and members of his congregation visited and provided humanitarian relief to recently de-occupied areas in the vicinity of Kherson. He reports:
And again, in the villages of the Kherson region, with the help of household chemicals, products, candles, and medicines, we see hope in people's eyes. They already know for sure that they are not abandoned because, all this time, they were cared for and supported by churches and volunteers. And the main thing is to know that we are not abandoned by our Lord. I'm sure that many people in de-occupied villages and cities have experienced multiple times God's love and presence with us at this time. Continue to serve man and God. |
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Posted: February 7, 2023
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The pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue to serve Ukrainians remaining in their war-torn country, bringing people love, hope, and light.
The conditions are getting worse. In some regions, access to clean drinking water is limited. Many homes and buildings have been destroyed, so there's a great need for building materials. Access to medicine is also limited, making it difficult to treat the sick. LCC received the following update from SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba: |
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A Trip with a Humanitarian Mission to the Kherson Region of Pastors Verba and Navrotsky
We continue to serve people in the villages of the Kherson region liberated from the occupation. Exploring the map, we decided to go to places where the Russian army was deployed not so long ago, where people suffered the most from their actions. The village of Aleksandrovka, Kherson region, came into view. Having contact with the administration of this village, we found out that the main need in this village is clean drinking water since the Russian troops poisoned all wells with clean water before leaving the village, and there is no electricity to pump from the well in this village.
Now the moment has come when the needs of the people in the territory controlled by Ukraine have changed. Many organizations brought in a lot of different kinds of food: cereals, pasta, canned food, and more. And the sphere of needs of people in these territories has changed. People are in great need of medicines, building materials, hygiene products, and household chemicals. There are practically no shops in these places, and therefore, even with the availability of funds, it is almost very difficult to acquire the items desperately needed.
Now the moment has come when the needs of the people in the territory controlled by Ukraine have changed. Many organizations brought in a lot of different kinds of food: cereals, pasta, canned food, and more. And the sphere of needs of people in these territories has changed. People are in great need of medicines, building materials, hygiene products, and household chemicals. There are practically no shops in these places, and therefore, even with the availability of funds, it is almost very difficult to acquire the items desperately needed.
Pastor Aleksey Navrotsky and brother Nikolay Pokhil, together with me, collected the indicated necessary things for the trip: candles, batteries, flashlights, fuel for generators, hygiene products, bed linen, household chemicals, and drinking water, and went to this village.
A lot of people came to be at the source of water, and although there was only one ton of water, a lot of people were able to take it with a supply. The Lord, through us, richly blessed people in this. We became, according to the Word of God, the bearer of living water and drinking water.
The medicines distributed helped people to go through difficult periods of life without worrying about their illnesses and infirmities.
We thank our partners that in this difficult time for Ukraine, we can serve people not only with the Word of God but also meet their extreme needs, showing through this Christ in action and the Church serving.
May the Lord fill every need according to the riches of His grace through Christ Jesus.
Pastor Valerii Verba
A lot of people came to be at the source of water, and although there was only one ton of water, a lot of people were able to take it with a supply. The Lord, through us, richly blessed people in this. We became, according to the Word of God, the bearer of living water and drinking water.
The medicines distributed helped people to go through difficult periods of life without worrying about their illnesses and infirmities.
We thank our partners that in this difficult time for Ukraine, we can serve people not only with the Word of God but also meet their extreme needs, showing through this Christ in action and the Church serving.
May the Lord fill every need according to the riches of His grace through Christ Jesus.
Pastor Valerii Verba
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Posted: January 31, 2023
Extreme Cold and Continuous Destruction
Your Support Saves Lives in Ukraine
Limited Access to Food, Warm Clothing, Electricity, and Heat
Your Support Saves Lives in Ukraine
Limited Access to Food, Warm Clothing, Electricity, and Heat
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians are Grateful for Your Faithful Support
The pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue to bring the good news of Jesus to hundreds remaining in their war-torn country, bringing people love, hope, and light.
Approximately 6.5 million people in Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing winter conditions after being forced to flee their homes. Many take shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heat.
Approximately 6.5 million people in Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing winter conditions after being forced to flee their homes. Many take shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heat.
LCC received the following updates from LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers:
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The pastors and laity of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue to risk their lives to deliver humanitarian aid and the Gospel to their fellow Ukrainians.
A trip was made this past week to the de-occupied coastal region of the Dnieper River near the city of Kherson. Although you cannot always see the protection beneath their outer coats, they do wear bulletproof vests as they travel and visit. The hot items this winter are batteries, candles, and generators. The extremely cold weather and Russia's continuous destruction of the infrastructure make survival in Ukraine quite challenging. |
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Efforts continue to provide supplies from Romania to the SELCU pastors and congregations in Ukraine. The photo shows Sergiu Trifa (in a yellow knit hat), the son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, who has continued to purchase and transport much-needed items to the Romanian-Ukrainian border.
Lutheran Church Charities provided funds to assist in this effort. Pictured in the center is the Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko, pastor of the SELCU congregation in Odessa, who regularly receives the supplies at the border and transports them into Ukraine.
Lutheran Church Charities provided funds to assist in this effort. Pictured in the center is the Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko, pastor of the SELCU congregation in Odessa, who regularly receives the supplies at the border and transports them into Ukraine.
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Your Support Provides Cold Weather Supplies to the Soldiers on the Frontlines
LCC received the following update from Oksana Svidruk of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Illinois:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for supporting the 68 Jager Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. Their hope and perseverance have been fortified by your life-saving help. Although we are not there to witness the war, the donations provided keep them pushing forward every day.
They feel protected through the supplies that we have sent them: bandages to heal wounds, as well as warm clothes to keep them warm during the winter. We are hoping to launch another donation campaign to provide more supplies.
Once again, we would like to come together in prayer as we give thanks for all of the blessings we have received. Let us also remember those in need and humbly ask for God's grace and mercy. May 2023 bring us unity and peace under God's protection.
Thank you for supporting the 68 Jager Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. Their hope and perseverance have been fortified by your life-saving help. Although we are not there to witness the war, the donations provided keep them pushing forward every day.
They feel protected through the supplies that we have sent them: bandages to heal wounds, as well as warm clothes to keep them warm during the winter. We are hoping to launch another donation campaign to provide more supplies.
Once again, we would like to come together in prayer as we give thanks for all of the blessings we have received. Let us also remember those in need and humbly ask for God's grace and mercy. May 2023 bring us unity and peace under God's protection.
Posted: January 25, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Sergey Bevz in Dnipro:
We continue to carry out our ministry. Due to missile attacks on our critical infrastructure, we continue to have problems with electricity. For many people, this becomes even more of a problem because heating their homes relies on electricity. The water supply can also be connected to electricity.
The mobile network also can not work for a long time without it. Therefore, now a very important help for people are candles, batteries, power banks, flashlights, generators, various types of stoves, warm clothes, and blankets. Without this, it is impossible to survive in the de-occupied places because, in most of them, there is no electricity.
Also, many people are asking for some building materials to help them close the holes in their damaged houses. Medicines, food, and other basic food items are also important. We still try to make a trip deep into the de-occupied areas once a week.
We continue to carry out our ministry. Due to missile attacks on our critical infrastructure, we continue to have problems with electricity. For many people, this becomes even more of a problem because heating their homes relies on electricity. The water supply can also be connected to electricity.
The mobile network also can not work for a long time without it. Therefore, now a very important help for people are candles, batteries, power banks, flashlights, generators, various types of stoves, warm clothes, and blankets. Without this, it is impossible to survive in the de-occupied places because, in most of them, there is no electricity.
Also, many people are asking for some building materials to help them close the holes in their damaged houses. Medicines, food, and other basic food items are also important. We still try to make a trip deep into the de-occupied areas once a week.
Also, every Sunday after the service, we receive people in the church. There are also separate groups of people whom we help - wounded soldiers in the hospital, the disabled, and people in special clothes.
In recent months, the Lord has been blessing our church, and it is growing. We are also particularly humble before the Lord because we see a revival starting in the church. New people come to repentance. They confess their sins and faith in Jesus. There have been six converts in the last month. There are many people who come to confirmation classes.
Recently, our city was hit by a rocket attack. The rocket hit a nine-story building and caused severe damage. We were there bringing help. This is something terrible that shocked us all, although this is far from the first such incident in recent months.
Thank you for continuing to remember Ukraine and helping the victims. It helps many people to survive and endure during this time.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergei Bevz
In recent months, the Lord has been blessing our church, and it is growing. We are also particularly humble before the Lord because we see a revival starting in the church. New people come to repentance. They confess their sins and faith in Jesus. There have been six converts in the last month. There are many people who come to confirmation classes.
Recently, our city was hit by a rocket attack. The rocket hit a nine-story building and caused severe damage. We were there bringing help. This is something terrible that shocked us all, although this is far from the first such incident in recent months.
Thank you for continuing to remember Ukraine and helping the victims. It helps many people to survive and endure during this time.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergei Bevz
Your Generosity Provides Computers for Children in Medinya Orphanage
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Last week, Lynda Streich, LCC Interim President/CEO, presented a check with your donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to help purchase computers for the children in the Medinya orphanage.
Thanks to your generosity, the need has been met! Your support is still needed and greatly appreciated as there are ongoing needs to support the children. |
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Posted: January 17, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Sergey Bevz in Dnipro.
During the current year, Lutheran Church Charities provided support to the victims of the war in Ukraine. The Lutheran Church "Living Water" in the city of Dnipro is one of the churches that received your donations.
Your donations here in Ukraine have taken on a different form - food, basic necessities, medicines, clothing, certain critical needs, and so on. And even some bulletproof vests for our volunteers, who often bring help to dangerous places.
It is even difficult for us today to calculate more or less exactly the number of people who received help from your donations. In fact, we did not think that all this would last for so many months and that there would be so many victims and those in need of help. But according to rough estimates, this is more than 10,000 thousand families (in most cases, we provide assistance per family, based on 4-5 people) only through our Church in the city of Dnipro.
These were refugees who sought asylum in our city (today, there are about 400,000 refugees in our city). Also, these were people who remained in their cities and villages. Many of them survived the occupation. These were Donetsk, Kharkov, and Kherson regions. We have taken aid to many places in these areas.
It is difficult to convey in words or even photographs what can be seen in those places where there were battles and occupation. War is worse than words or photos can convey. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans (5:20), said an amazing thought - when sin increases, grace abounds even more.
We did not think that we would see confirmation of these words in this way. But we saw it during the war. When on the one hand, some people became a source of violence, destruction, death, pain, and tragedy. But other people have become a source of help, conductors of compassion, mercy, and God's grace.
Your donations here in Ukraine have taken on a different form - food, basic necessities, medicines, clothing, certain critical needs, and so on. And even some bulletproof vests for our volunteers, who often bring help to dangerous places.
It is even difficult for us today to calculate more or less exactly the number of people who received help from your donations. In fact, we did not think that all this would last for so many months and that there would be so many victims and those in need of help. But according to rough estimates, this is more than 10,000 thousand families (in most cases, we provide assistance per family, based on 4-5 people) only through our Church in the city of Dnipro.
These were refugees who sought asylum in our city (today, there are about 400,000 refugees in our city). Also, these were people who remained in their cities and villages. Many of them survived the occupation. These were Donetsk, Kharkov, and Kherson regions. We have taken aid to many places in these areas.
It is difficult to convey in words or even photographs what can be seen in those places where there were battles and occupation. War is worse than words or photos can convey. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans (5:20), said an amazing thought - when sin increases, grace abounds even more.
We did not think that we would see confirmation of these words in this way. But we saw it during the war. When on the one hand, some people became a source of violence, destruction, death, pain, and tragedy. But other people have become a source of help, conductors of compassion, mercy, and God's grace.
Therefore, as a citizen of Ukraine, as a brother in Christ, and on behalf of many people who received your help, I want to glorify the Lord and thank you and your charitable organization for the help provided. It really was important and precious and remains so.
We wish you blessed days when we all celebrate Christmas and New Year. We wish you and all of us peace around us, peace within us, and peace with our God through our Savior Jesus Christ.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergey Bevz
City of Dnipro, Ukraine
We wish you blessed days when we all celebrate Christmas and New Year. We wish you and all of us peace around us, peace within us, and peace with our God through our Savior Jesus Christ.
God's blessings!
Pastor Sergey Bevz
City of Dnipro, Ukraine
Christmas Eve Service Without Power
Most congregations of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine follow the Eastern Orthodox church calendar. Thus, the birth of Christ ('Christmas') was just observed on January 6-7.
The congregation in Mikaloev, pastored by Oleksiy Navrotskyy, experienced a jam-packed house for its Christmas Eve worship. One of the ministries in the Odessa congregation is outreach to the disabled. Their Christmas Eve service for them had to be conducted without any power. Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko reports: "The Star of Bethlehem brought wise men to Jesus. We had no electricity, but the light of the Gospel once again brought children and parents in Odessa to their Saviour!"
The congregation in Mikaloev, pastored by Oleksiy Navrotskyy, experienced a jam-packed house for its Christmas Eve worship. One of the ministries in the Odessa congregation is outreach to the disabled. Their Christmas Eve service for them had to be conducted without any power. Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko reports: "The Star of Bethlehem brought wise men to Jesus. We had no electricity, but the light of the Gospel once again brought children and parents in Odessa to their Saviour!"
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Posted: January 10, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Sergey Bevz in Dnipro.
Unfortunately, the situation has become more difficult. As we expected, there were serious "winter" problems. Russian missiles and drones are attacking Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Therefore, we often do not have electricity, sometimes for several days in a row. Because of this, there may also be no heat, water, communications, and the Internet.
Therefore, today, in addition to products, generators, power banks, candles, batteries, various flashlights, and lamps also fell into the category of critical items.
However, we continue to serve the people. As before, every Sunday in our building is the issuance of assistance to needy residents and refugees who live in our city. People receive food and essentials.
Also, once a week, we make humanitarian trips to the de-occupied territories of the Kherson region. We carry food packages, medicines, candles, and batteries. We are also collecting warm clothes as much as possible. Russian soldiers, during the occupation, took away many warm things from them - jackets, blankets, sweaters, and much more. People in these places have not had electricity for the last 8-10 months. They also lack gas, often water, and communications. Of course, the physical, spiritual, and emotional state of these people is often very difficult.
Therefore, today, in addition to products, generators, power banks, candles, batteries, various flashlights, and lamps also fell into the category of critical items.
However, we continue to serve the people. As before, every Sunday in our building is the issuance of assistance to needy residents and refugees who live in our city. People receive food and essentials.
Also, once a week, we make humanitarian trips to the de-occupied territories of the Kherson region. We carry food packages, medicines, candles, and batteries. We are also collecting warm clothes as much as possible. Russian soldiers, during the occupation, took away many warm things from them - jackets, blankets, sweaters, and much more. People in these places have not had electricity for the last 8-10 months. They also lack gas, often water, and communications. Of course, the physical, spiritual, and emotional state of these people is often very difficult.
At this time and in this context, we experience the period of Advent and Christmas in a very different way. Now we think about how our Savior came to a hostile world about 2,000 years ago. We are especially comforted by the fact that the Lord personally knew the state of this world, personally knew human cruelty and militancy.
But at the same time, Christmas reminds us that we are not left alone. We are not abandoned by our Lord. We are not left without His protection. His name is Emmanuel, and God is with us. He came to be with us and be our Savior. We rejoice that He achieved His purpose. We are glad that He has "de-occupied" our hearts and souls for His Kingdom. The Lord is with us, and this gives us firm hope!
Therefore, please accept Merry Christmas greetings from me and the Lutheran Church "Living Water" in the city of Dnipro!
Thank you for continuing to support Ukraine and those affected by the war! May the Lord richly bless you and strengthen you in faith!
Regards,
Sergey Bevz
But at the same time, Christmas reminds us that we are not left alone. We are not abandoned by our Lord. We are not left without His protection. His name is Emmanuel, and God is with us. He came to be with us and be our Savior. We rejoice that He achieved His purpose. We are glad that He has "de-occupied" our hearts and souls for His Kingdom. The Lord is with us, and this gives us firm hope!
Therefore, please accept Merry Christmas greetings from me and the Lutheran Church "Living Water" in the city of Dnipro!
Thank you for continuing to support Ukraine and those affected by the war! May the Lord richly bless you and strengthen you in faith!
Regards,
Sergey Bevz
Posted: January 3, 2023
LCC received the following update from Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy:
I want to thank you and all partners of Lutheran Church Charities for the incredible work you are accomplishing in my country.
Without exaggeration, you and we together have impacted tens of thousands of lives of Ukrainians when they were scared, cold, hopeless, and lonely. Your compassion and generosity have brought hope into the life of so many. God knows the real number of those men, women, kids, and elderly people who were saved from despair and death this year. On behalf of my fellow citizens, church members, and brothers - pastors of SELCU, I thank you for your cooperation in the humanitarian and Gospel mission in Ukraine.
Nikolaev Lutheran church (where I serve as a pastor now) is fully packed with new people who hear the Gospel, confess their sins and faith in Christ, and are studying in Confirmation class. It is a real miracle and revival (in the best meaning of this word). God works through His divine Word, growing faith and a new life in so many. You are partners in this labor.
Thank you for your trust and the honor to distribute the resources of LCC in Ukraine. We do it attentively with prayer and consideration.
I want to thank you and all partners of Lutheran Church Charities for the incredible work you are accomplishing in my country.
Without exaggeration, you and we together have impacted tens of thousands of lives of Ukrainians when they were scared, cold, hopeless, and lonely. Your compassion and generosity have brought hope into the life of so many. God knows the real number of those men, women, kids, and elderly people who were saved from despair and death this year. On behalf of my fellow citizens, church members, and brothers - pastors of SELCU, I thank you for your cooperation in the humanitarian and Gospel mission in Ukraine.
Nikolaev Lutheran church (where I serve as a pastor now) is fully packed with new people who hear the Gospel, confess their sins and faith in Christ, and are studying in Confirmation class. It is a real miracle and revival (in the best meaning of this word). God works through His divine Word, growing faith and a new life in so many. You are partners in this labor.
Thank you for your trust and the honor to distribute the resources of LCC in Ukraine. We do it attentively with prayer and consideration.
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We hope that this war will come to an end and we will restore our beautiful country. We pray for Lord's guidance and wisdom and for His mercy to us and our countries in 2023.
Thank you again for your participation in the mission in Ukraine.
Your brother in Christ,
Oleksiy Navrotskyy
Nikolaev, Ukraine
Thank you again for your participation in the mission in Ukraine.
Your brother in Christ,
Oleksiy Navrotskyy
Nikolaev, Ukraine
Posted: December 27, 2022
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LCC received the following update from Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko, who's spending Christmas in Ukraine serving his people, separated from his wife and children (the below picture is from last year). |
Dear Friends, brothers, and sisters,
What a day! We remember and celebrate the mystery of God becoming flesh! It is a special time to hear the Word of God, a beautiful opportunity to get the whole family together and enjoy the gift of family, love, hope, joy, and faith.
As one of the pastors in Ukraine, I treasure this time because so many people will be able to come and hear the meaning of Christmas for the very first time this year! Despite the war and feeling of being empty, powerless, lonely, and even abandoned – what a privilege to come and to bring the life-changing, hope-giving, faith-creating, and strengthen Good News – “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What a day! We remember and celebrate the mystery of God becoming flesh! It is a special time to hear the Word of God, a beautiful opportunity to get the whole family together and enjoy the gift of family, love, hope, joy, and faith.
As one of the pastors in Ukraine, I treasure this time because so many people will be able to come and hear the meaning of Christmas for the very first time this year! Despite the war and feeling of being empty, powerless, lonely, and even abandoned – what a privilege to come and to bring the life-changing, hope-giving, faith-creating, and strengthen Good News – “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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I would love to use this time to express my deepest thanks for all your work, your prayers for us in Ukraine, and your generous support! As I travel, getting the needed things for people, preaching, or just praying with people, you are always with me!
Thank you so much for allowing me and many others to see and experience God's love agape and His care through you!
I want to wish you God's blessing. May the Lord be with you and with us.
Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko
Thank you so much for allowing me and many others to see and experience God's love agape and His care through you!
I want to wish you God's blessing. May the Lord be with you and with us.
Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko
Posted: December 20, 2022
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Millions of Ukrainians are facing their most challenging winter in recent history, with no end to the war raging in their country.
Approximately 6.5 million people in Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing winter conditions after being forced to flee their homes. Many take shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heat. The humanitarian ministries of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue unabated in the war torn country. Russian missile strikes have managed to damage virtually every aspect of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. |
LCC received the following update from Pastor Yurii Timerkan:
I am a Pastor from the Bashtanka region. It is the Southern part of Ukraine. By God's mercy we entered the Advent season. Here in Ukraine, just one or two years ago, we had the same spirit and expectations as you have in the USA or wherever you are today.
Expectations about Christmas celebrations, preparing food for guests or finding a good deal in the supermarket. People in the church thought about special worship service. I think it's the same as most of you have. But the war made its adjustment.
A few days ago, I helped one older lady from our congregation (75 years old) to visit her son in the Odessa region in a hospital (220 km far from our home). She said to me when we were on the road that everything she dreamed for the last eight months was to see her son alive. And she did it. She met him in the hospital but not because the war stopped, but because he received a bullet wound and could not defend our country more. During the rest of Advent season, the main expectation of this lady is to hear that her son will have the possibility to recover from his injury.
Expectations about Christmas celebrations, preparing food for guests or finding a good deal in the supermarket. People in the church thought about special worship service. I think it's the same as most of you have. But the war made its adjustment.
A few days ago, I helped one older lady from our congregation (75 years old) to visit her son in the Odessa region in a hospital (220 km far from our home). She said to me when we were on the road that everything she dreamed for the last eight months was to see her son alive. And she did it. She met him in the hospital but not because the war stopped, but because he received a bullet wound and could not defend our country more. During the rest of Advent season, the main expectation of this lady is to hear that her son will have the possibility to recover from his injury.
And this is a new reality for millions of Ukrainians today. As a volunteer, I visited some de-occupied territories in Herson City. People in that region waited for electricity for more than seven months. They just want to charge their smartphones and call their parents or friends. Some of them wait for good medicine, drinking water or good food.
Of course, we can't provide everything that people need in our regions, but the help and support which you gave us during the last nine months made it possible to find solutions for a lot of needs.
Today I want to tell you that people in Ukraine are the same as you. But because of war, our main expectation is to get back to a normal life. Without war, without tears, and without fear.
We appreciate all your support. It helps a lot of people to feel not alone in this tragedy. Thank you very much for everything. Please continue to pray for Ukraine. We really need it.
Blessed Advent to you, blessed Christmas, and may God richly bless you in all your deeds.
Pastor Yurii
Of course, we can't provide everything that people need in our regions, but the help and support which you gave us during the last nine months made it possible to find solutions for a lot of needs.
Today I want to tell you that people in Ukraine are the same as you. But because of war, our main expectation is to get back to a normal life. Without war, without tears, and without fear.
We appreciate all your support. It helps a lot of people to feel not alone in this tragedy. Thank you very much for everything. Please continue to pray for Ukraine. We really need it.
Blessed Advent to you, blessed Christmas, and may God richly bless you in all your deeds.
Pastor Yurii
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Posted: December 13, 2022
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Millions of Ukrainians are facing their most challenging winter in recent history, with no end to the war raging in their country.
Approximately 6.5 million people in Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing winter conditions after being forced to flee their homes. Many take shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heat. |
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The humanitarian ministries of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) continue unabated in the wartorn country. Russian missile strikes have managed to damage virtually every aspect of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The SELCU pastors report that the energy grid is absent in Odessa and in the eastern regions. Cooking food has become extremely difficult, and keeping warm in these winter months is a major obstacle to survival. To deliver humanitarian relief, the pastors often have to be accompanied by armed military personnel.
The photos recently received from Pastors Oleksiy Navrotskyy, Oleg Schewtschenko, Yurii Timerkan, and Verlera Verba visually demonstrate the condition of Ukraine and the difficulties of their ministries. And yet, they continue to share the precious Gospel for the soul together with loving care for the body.
The SELCU pastors report that the energy grid is absent in Odessa and in the eastern regions. Cooking food has become extremely difficult, and keeping warm in these winter months is a major obstacle to survival. To deliver humanitarian relief, the pastors often have to be accompanied by armed military personnel.
The photos recently received from Pastors Oleksiy Navrotskyy, Oleg Schewtschenko, Yurii Timerkan, and Verlera Verba visually demonstrate the condition of Ukraine and the difficulties of their ministries. And yet, they continue to share the precious Gospel for the soul together with loving care for the body.
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Posted: December 6, 2022
Your Donations Provide Shoes and Other Critical Supplies for Orphaned Children
LCC received the following update from Oksana Svidruk of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Illinois:
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Thank you so much for supporting St. Nicholas Church as they care for two psychological rehabilitation centers in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. Although the orphaned children at these centers continue to suffer through all of the damages caused by the war, they have received so much motivation thanks to all of your support!
Thanks to your donations, we have been able to provide the children with critical supplies such as bed sheets, clothes, and hygiene kits. The children are studying online and getting great results using the thirty computers received by the Ivano-Frankivsk Center “Serdenko” in October! |
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Additionally, we were able to supply both centers with a total of 62 pairs of Nike sneakers. We wrote prayers to the Holy Mother on each box of shoes and hand-written motivational quotes to inspire them. Thanks to this, children play sports and go for walks in much-needed brand-new shoes that make them feel valuable and happy.
For the day-to-day functions of the Ivano-Frankivsk “Serdenko,” we sent a printer, a food processor, and other supplies.
Our next goal is to provide computers for the children who live in the village of Medinya in the Halytsky District. Even though the children are exposed to terrifying sirens and spend many nights underground, they want to learn and need help. As we’ve seen in the other center, online lessons can help them regain a sense of normalcy and motivate them to keep trying every day!
For the day-to-day functions of the Ivano-Frankivsk “Serdenko,” we sent a printer, a food processor, and other supplies.
Our next goal is to provide computers for the children who live in the village of Medinya in the Halytsky District. Even though the children are exposed to terrifying sirens and spend many nights underground, they want to learn and need help. As we’ve seen in the other center, online lessons can help them regain a sense of normalcy and motivate them to keep trying every day!
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Lastly, living in underground shelters poses a daily struggle for the children. St. Nicholas Church has requested folding beds and heat generators to help them get through the cold nights in the shelters. This would make it easier for all to get some sleep during the siren-ridden fall and winter nights in Ukraine.
It brings us great joy to know that we can help and do so much for the children who have had their lives turned upside down by the war.
We truly appreciate all of your support.
Oksana Svidruk
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church
Palatine, Illinois
It brings us great joy to know that we can help and do so much for the children who have had their lives turned upside down by the war.
We truly appreciate all of your support.
Oksana Svidruk
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church
Palatine, Illinois
With Your Help, SELCU Pastors In Ukraine Continue To Provide Food And The Gospel To Hundreds In Need
Posted: November 15, 2022
Your Support Provides Personalized Supply Boxes to the Soldiers on the Front Lines
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Father Mykhailo Kuzma and the Parishioners of The Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church-Palatine provided each soldier within The Hunting Brigade 68 with a personalized supply box. Inside each kit is a prayer card hand-crafted by Mrs. Linda Phillips, a warm jacket, winter boots, a hat, mittens, war-time socks, and other useful items with goodies. They received a total of 135 sets. They also delivered needed supplies and medicine for a Field Hospital.
Thanks to your donations and prayers, the soldiers feel strengthened and motivated to keep fighting for Ukraine. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. |
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SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
During the week of November 7-11, SELCU Pastor Valera Verba and a young layperson from the Dnipro congregation traveled to the area of Kherson, Ukraine. This is where the congregation is located that Pastor Verba used to serve and from which Russian troops have supposedly retreated. The purpose of the trip was to meet with faithful congregants and to deliver humanitarian aid.
He reported the following:
“A pastor in body armor. Today, in Ukraine, in some places, this is exactly the case. And this is not an act of distrust of God. These are the rules of safety principles. It is a special blessing not to rely on circumstances but to trust God in the midst of any circumstances.
When you go to de-occupied cities and villages, you try to bring a little hope and warmth. Because people have no electricity, gas, water, food and heat for a long time. And such a desire to bring it all, to bring the hope that is always in Christ Jesus. Which I believe is protecting our country.
Because it is impossible without God to confront such a Goliath and still receive victory day by day! But when you talk to people, you realize that you believe in them sometimes more than you expected. And they themselves can cheer and support you. Glory be to Jesus Christ!”
He reported the following:
“A pastor in body armor. Today, in Ukraine, in some places, this is exactly the case. And this is not an act of distrust of God. These are the rules of safety principles. It is a special blessing not to rely on circumstances but to trust God in the midst of any circumstances.
When you go to de-occupied cities and villages, you try to bring a little hope and warmth. Because people have no electricity, gas, water, food and heat for a long time. And such a desire to bring it all, to bring the hope that is always in Christ Jesus. Which I believe is protecting our country.
Because it is impossible without God to confront such a Goliath and still receive victory day by day! But when you talk to people, you realize that you believe in them sometimes more than you expected. And they themselves can cheer and support you. Glory be to Jesus Christ!”
Posted: October 25, 2022
While SELCU Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko (who holds a German passport) is visiting his family in Germany, SELCU Pastor Valerii Verba has relocated temporarily to Odessa to assist with the ministry there.
In recent weeks, emphasis has been placed on the special needs community in Odessa. Pastor Verba writes: "Wherever we are, let's continue serving people; let's keep bringing Christ into people's lives and destinies, for only He can change the future, save and save today, and forgive the past! People with special needs in Odessa, may the Lord come into your life!"
Recent photos show the unloading of a large shipment for transfer into multiple vans and subsequent delivery to various locations throughout southern and eastern Ukraine.
In recent weeks, emphasis has been placed on the special needs community in Odessa. Pastor Verba writes: "Wherever we are, let's continue serving people; let's keep bringing Christ into people's lives and destinies, for only He can change the future, save and save today, and forgive the past! People with special needs in Odessa, may the Lord come into your life!"
Recent photos show the unloading of a large shipment for transfer into multiple vans and subsequent delivery to various locations throughout southern and eastern Ukraine.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 6,243,000 people were estimated to be internally displaced in Ukraine as of September 26, 2022. In all, nearly one-third of Ukrainians have been displaced. A further 13 million are stranded within Ukraine due to fighting, impassable routes, or lack of resources to move.
Through your generosity, Lutheran Church Charities has been concentrating on assisting those who remain in Ukraine, whether they still reside in their own homes or are among the internally displaced.
That assistance includes humanitarian relief and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LCC is pleased to partner with the pastors of the SELCU and their congregations as they work tirelessly and faithfully, separated from their own families for many months, to carry out this vital ministry.
Through your generosity, Lutheran Church Charities has been concentrating on assisting those who remain in Ukraine, whether they still reside in their own homes or are among the internally displaced.
That assistance includes humanitarian relief and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LCC is pleased to partner with the pastors of the SELCU and their congregations as they work tirelessly and faithfully, separated from their own families for many months, to carry out this vital ministry.
Thanks to Your Generosity, Children In Ukrainian Orphanage Can Now Learn Online
In August, LCC received a request from Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, with whom LCC is partnering to provide urgent aid for Ukraine to help deliver computers to an orphanage and other items for the Parish of St. Nicholas, Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk.
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The Parish of St. Nicholas takes care of social and psychological rehabilitation centers in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk and the village of Medinya of Halytsky district, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where orphans and refugee orphans currently live.
As full-scale war and frequent air strikes continue throughout Ukraine, children cannot go to school and learn. Since children can no longer go to school, they need access to many different resources to be able to learn. |
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In October, the rehabilitation center received help in the form of 30 computers, clothing, and hygiene kits. Despite the sirens and spending many nights underground, Ukrainians are brave and want to learn!
We thank the parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and Lutheran Church Charities for the fact that the children are now ready to have distance learning lessons on their personal computers.
Thank you, and may the Good Lord richly reward you and your families!
Father Ivan Zhuk
Administrator of St. Nicholas
Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk
We thank the parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and Lutheran Church Charities for the fact that the children are now ready to have distance learning lessons on their personal computers.
Thank you, and may the Good Lord richly reward you and your families!
Father Ivan Zhuk
Administrator of St. Nicholas
Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk
Posted: October 11, 2022
SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz Reports on His Ministry Work in Ukraine
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"We are grateful to you and everyone who continues to support Ukraine and those affected by the war. Your donations help people survive in this difficult time. It testifies to them about God and His care for them." Pastor Sergey Bevz
SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz sent the following update on his ministry work in Ukraine:
The last week has been very hectic. Several strong rocket strikes were carried out on our city. There are dead. There is serious damage. One of the blows came about 600-700 meters from the church building (it is in order). The hits were on residential areas of the city. The houses of some parishioners received minor damage (windows were broken).
The bus depot was close to us.
The last week has been very hectic. Several strong rocket strikes were carried out on our city. There are dead. There is serious damage. One of the blows came about 600-700 meters from the church building (it is in order). The hits were on residential areas of the city. The houses of some parishioners received minor damage (windows were broken).
The bus depot was close to us.
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We continue to maintain our rhythm in service. We are doing a few promotions every week. We continue to help the refugees of our city and local residents. We also make trips to de-occupied places. We visited the city of Izyum and the surrounding villages. The city of Izyum is the largest city liberated as a result of the Kharkiv offensive in September. We were among the first who arrived in this city after the liberation.
In the city called Kharkivska Bucha in our media, several large mass graves were found - more than 400 bodies. There are several more that specialists are currently working on. The destruction of this city is terrible. The city is destroyed by 70-80%. There is no electricity, gas, drinking water, communications, or the Internet. Some of the people we gave food to hugged us and cried. They rejoiced not in the products, but in the fact that they were glad to be free from the “Russian world.”
In the city called Kharkivska Bucha in our media, several large mass graves were found - more than 400 bodies. There are several more that specialists are currently working on. The destruction of this city is terrible. The city is destroyed by 70-80%. There is no electricity, gas, drinking water, communications, or the Internet. Some of the people we gave food to hugged us and cried. They rejoiced not in the products, but in the fact that they were glad to be free from the “Russian world.”
Next, we visited villages in the Izyum region. Visiting such small liberated villages is a priority for us. The fact is that many volunteers and churches go to those places that are well known. In the villages that are located in the depths, little or no help is brought, and that is why we go there.
In the near future, we expect a large wave of internal refugees. They will leave their homes because of the cold snap. Many towns and villages were left without gas and electricity. They will not be able to heat their houses.
In the near future, we expect a large wave of internal refugees. They will leave their homes because of the cold snap. Many towns and villages were left without gas and electricity. They will not be able to heat their houses.
Pastor Valera Verba is in Odessa now and next month. He is substituting for Pastor Oleg Shevchenko, who received permission to travel to Germany to visit his family. I also hope to get permission to visit Germany in a few weeks. If this happens, I will have the opportunity to see my family, visit and minister to our refugees, and collect humanitarian aid.
We pray and hope that the active phase of this war will end in the coming months. Over the past month, most of the Ukrainian lands have been liberated. We hope this will continue in the future. However, there is only escalation on the part of Russia, despite the heavy losses they are suffering.
We are grateful to you and everyone who continues to support Ukraine and those affected by the war. Your donations help people survive in this difficult time. In addition, it testifies to them about God and His care for them.
May the Lord be with you!
Pastor Sergey Bevz
We pray and hope that the active phase of this war will end in the coming months. Over the past month, most of the Ukrainian lands have been liberated. We hope this will continue in the future. However, there is only escalation on the part of Russia, despite the heavy losses they are suffering.
We are grateful to you and everyone who continues to support Ukraine and those affected by the war. Your donations help people survive in this difficult time. In addition, it testifies to them about God and His care for them.
May the Lord be with you!
Pastor Sergey Bevz
Posted: September 27, 2022
"I never stop thanking God for you, because through you the Lord richly blesses us, we have everything necessary to serve people, to the glory of God. We thank you for the fact that both in joy and in sorrow we are moving together for Christ. Thank you for supporting our ministry and helping us overcome all trials."
SELCU Pastor Valera Verba
Pastor Valera Verba's Summary of His Missionary Work
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Valera Verba is one of the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU), whom Lutheran Church Charities has been assisting.
He was displaced from his ministry in the Nova Kahovka (Kherson) area of Ukraine and has since been assisting in the Odessa, Nikolaev, and Dnipro areas. In the PDF document, he provides a lengthy summary of his story and ministry during the past seven months. |
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Posted: September 20, 2022
SELCU Pastors in Ukraine Continue to Serve Their People Faithfully and Tirelessly
A New Van Helps Pastor Yura Timerkan Serve His Community in Bashtanka, Ukraine
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Congregations and pastors of the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK), a partner church of the LCMS, have also been actively involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees and work in Ukraine.
The Bugenhagen Foundation in Berlin provided 30,000 Euros for the purchase of a VW van to assist SELCU Pastor Yura Timerkan in his parish and community work in Bashtanka, Ukraine. This past week, Pastor Timerkan completed a trip to Homberg, Germany, to fetch the van and visit his family, wife, four children, and his mother. |
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Pastor Christian Utpatel of the St. Peter Congregation in Homberg reported the following:
“I have no words to express my deep respect for this young brother, Yura Timerkan. He is not conscripted; he could have stayed here legally with his mother, wife, and children. But with great joy, bravery, realistic planning, a lot of trust in God, and encouragement for us who stayed behind, he left.
With him went three church members who were here somewhere in Germany and who are returning. And we stuffed all the empty seats and every conceivable crevice in the VW van - and actually managed to get everything in that needed to be taken with them.
There was a devotion with prayer and Ukrainian chants, and we all cried as I sobbed and laid my hands on him and commended him to the protection of our God.”
“I have no words to express my deep respect for this young brother, Yura Timerkan. He is not conscripted; he could have stayed here legally with his mother, wife, and children. But with great joy, bravery, realistic planning, a lot of trust in God, and encouragement for us who stayed behind, he left.
With him went three church members who were here somewhere in Germany and who are returning. And we stuffed all the empty seats and every conceivable crevice in the VW van - and actually managed to get everything in that needed to be taken with them.
There was a devotion with prayer and Ukrainian chants, and we all cried as I sobbed and laid my hands on him and commended him to the protection of our God.”
SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz and Congregation Members Continue to Serve Their People
In Dnipro, Ukraine, and farther east, SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz and his congregation members continue to travel widely and provide both humanitarian aid and the gospel message to those whose cities are being ravaged by the Russian invasion.
His most recent report includes this story:
“The atmosphere in Izumi is hard to describe in words. Broken city; no light, gas, internet, communication, enough groceries, meds, and much more. There are traces of death, destroyed houses, and bridges. People have put up with it all.
As soon as we stopped downtown, one woman asked if we had a ‘humanitarian.’ She was upset and says she didn't get enough from those who came before us. Goes home empty-handed. In a minute, she holds in her hands some of God's blessings. Crying, hugs ‘us’ and says, ‘I'm so happy to see you; how would you know how much!’ Of course, ‘us’ means ‘our people.’”
His most recent report includes this story:
“The atmosphere in Izumi is hard to describe in words. Broken city; no light, gas, internet, communication, enough groceries, meds, and much more. There are traces of death, destroyed houses, and bridges. People have put up with it all.
As soon as we stopped downtown, one woman asked if we had a ‘humanitarian.’ She was upset and says she didn't get enough from those who came before us. Goes home empty-handed. In a minute, she holds in her hands some of God's blessings. Crying, hugs ‘us’ and says, ‘I'm so happy to see you; how would you know how much!’ Of course, ‘us’ means ‘our people.’”
Posted: September 13, 2022
Russian Missile Strikes Near SELCU Church in Nikolaev
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At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, September 11, a Russian missile destroyed apartment homes in the city of Nikolaev that are located only about 100 meters from the church facility of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine. The church itself suffered minor damage.
The Rev. Aleksiy Navrotskyy is the pastor of the SELCU congregation in Nikolaev. He is a full-time missionary of the Lutheran Church-Canada serving in Ukraine who currently resides in Odessa but makes weekly visits to the besieged city of Nikolaev. The images of the destruction again demonstrate the ongoing needs of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine in the midst of a seemingly never-ending war. The plan is for Pastors Navrotskyy and Oleg Schewtschenko, Pastor of the SELCU congregation in Odessa, to travel to Nikolaev as quickly as possible in order to assist the community. Your prayers and financial support are appreciated. |
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Posted: September 6, 2022
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians Are Asking For Your Continued Support Ahead of Cold Weather Months
A Video Message From Pastor Sergey Bevz
A Video Message From Pastor Sergey Bevz
A Video Message from SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz
The SELCU pastors are producing a series of video presentations that summarize their work in Ukraine and offer sincere gratitude to LCC donors.
In the second video of the series SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz talks about his important work in the city of Dnipro and the entire Donbas region.
Click on the video below to watch his powerful message.
The SELCU pastors are producing a series of video presentations that summarize their work in Ukraine and offer sincere gratitude to LCC donors.
In the second video of the series SELCU Pastor Sergey Bevz talks about his important work in the city of Dnipro and the entire Donbas region.
Click on the video below to watch his powerful message.
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Children from Ukrainian Orphanage Need Your Support
Lynda Streich, LCC Interim President/CEO, presented a check with your donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to help purchase computers for the children in the orphanage. Your support is still needed and greatly appreciated. |
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Below is the original request LCC received from Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois:
Glory to Jesus Christ!
The orphanage in Ivano-Frankivsk (Western Ukraine), which is affiliated with St. Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, hosts about 40 orphaned children. Some are refugees from Eastern Ukraine who have lost their parents in the war.
The orphanage is directed by sister Natalia. The spiritual director who visits regularly is Father Ivan Zhuk, administrator of St. Nicholas. Father Ivan Zhuk is appealing to you for help in purchasing 30 computers and a printer for the orphanage. The total cost of the equipment is $15,000.
They are sincerely grateful and pray to God for each of you.
Thanks in advance to everyone who responds to Father Zhuk's request for help.
Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma
Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois
The orphanage in Ivano-Frankivsk (Western Ukraine), which is affiliated with St. Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, hosts about 40 orphaned children. Some are refugees from Eastern Ukraine who have lost their parents in the war.
The orphanage is directed by sister Natalia. The spiritual director who visits regularly is Father Ivan Zhuk, administrator of St. Nicholas. Father Ivan Zhuk is appealing to you for help in purchasing 30 computers and a printer for the orphanage. The total cost of the equipment is $15,000.
They are sincerely grateful and pray to God for each of you.
Thanks in advance to everyone who responds to Father Zhuk's request for help.
Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma
Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois
Please prayerfully consider donating to help provide computers for the children in the orphanage.
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Posted: August 30, 2022
SELCU Pastors Risk Their Own Lives to Provide Humanitarian Aid and Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus to Ukrainians in Need
More than 180 days have now passed since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the past six months, it is estimated that more than half of Ukraine's 44 million populace has either left the country as refugees or become internally displaced persons within the country.
One of the internally displaced persons is the Rev. Valerii Verba, a pastor of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU). The SELCU is a partner church of the Lutheran Church-Canada, which is a partner church of The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod.
Pastor Verba's home and congregation are in the Russian-occupied city of Kherson, to which he cannot return. His wife, son, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew are refugees living in the town of Marsberg, Germany, together with two other SELCU pastors' refugee families in the same apartment building.
Pastor Verba's home and congregation are in the Russian-occupied city of Kherson, to which he cannot return. His wife, son, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew are refugees living in the town of Marsberg, Germany, together with two other SELCU pastors' refugee families in the same apartment building.
Because Pastor Verba cannot visit his congregation, he primarily assists SELCU Pastor Sergei Bevz and his congregation in Dnipro. In addition to caring for the Dnipro congregation, some two-three times each week, the two pastors load vans with humanitarian relief supplies and travel to cities and villages farther to the east in the Donbas region. At risk to their own lives, the pastors provide food for both body and soul to their fellow Ukrainians.
The conflict in Ukraine will not end soon. Through the generosity of its donors, Lutheran Church Charities has been concentrating on assisting those who remain in Ukraine, whether they are still residing in their own homes or are among the internally displaced. That assistance includes both humanitarian relief and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LCC is pleased to partner with the pastors of the SELCU and their congregations as they carry out this important ministry.
The conflict in Ukraine will not end soon. Through the generosity of its donors, Lutheran Church Charities has been concentrating on assisting those who remain in Ukraine, whether they are still residing in their own homes or are among the internally displaced. That assistance includes both humanitarian relief and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LCC is pleased to partner with the pastors of the SELCU and their congregations as they carry out this important ministry.
Posted: August 17, 2022
SELCU Pastors Reaching Ukrainians in Need with Humanitarian Aid and Spiritual Support
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"With the support of Lutheran Church Charities, we feed hundreds of people and we embrace hundreds of people with the Gospel.” Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor)
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The SELCU pastors are producing a series of video presentations that summarize their work in Ukraine and which offer sincere gratitude to LCC donors.
The first in the series is provided by Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy, who is a SELCU pastor in Nikolaev and is the full-time missionary in Ukraine for the Lutheran Church-Canada. Click on the video below to watch the powerful message from Pastor Navrotskyy. |
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Posted: August 9, 2022
SELCU Pastors Need Your Support to Continue to Serve Ukrainians in Need
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"Our gratitude knows no bounds... And we all thank God together for everything we receive in this difficult time of war.”
Valera Verba (SELCU Pastor)
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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.” |
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Sergii Bevz (SELCU Pastor)
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.”
“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.”
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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
Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
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On Monday, August 8, Tim Hetzner, LCC Ambassador for Spiritual Growth, and LCC volunteer, Jim Dunne presented additional donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to continue direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
Thank you for your faithful and generous support. |
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Posted: August 2, 2022
The Ukrainian Disaster Continues: Assistance Is Needed Now More Than Ever
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.
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.
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Posted: July 26, 2022
SELCU Pastors Continue to Distribute Humanitarian Relief Packages in Ukraine
"... God loves us so much that He does such good for us." Pastor Yura Timerkan
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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. |
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Posted: July 20, 2022
The Need for Assistance in Ukraine Is Still Great
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
“I never stop thanking the Lord for His support and your service. I believe that our joint efforts serve the glory of God."
Pastor Valeriy Verba
Pastor Valeriy Verba
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Every week the SELCU pastors make numerous road trips to deliver humanitarian aid and to proclaim the Gospel throughout southern Ukraine.
Pictured are Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy (Nikolaev) and Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko (Odessa) in one of several vans that are used for transportation. In the other photos, Pastor Valeriy Verba (Kherson & Nova Kakhovka) assists in the distribution of parcels, and Pastor Navrotskyy shares the gospel message in his church facility. |
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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.
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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.
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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!”
“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!”
Posted: July 12, 2022
Your Support Makes It Possible to Share God's Love Even Thorugh War
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
"God’s grace and your support give us a power and make it possible to tell people about God’s love even through war.”
Pastor Yurii Timerkan
Pastor Yurii Timerkan
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.”
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."
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)
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“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.” |
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Posted: June 28, 2022
Ukrainians Are Grateful for Church Generosity During the Crisis
Humanitarian Support Still Needed!
Humanitarian Support Still Needed!
"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
Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy
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.
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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!"
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!"
Posted: June 21, 2022
Luggage to Transport Humanitarian Supplies to Ukraine - Current Need Met!
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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. |
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"I think this is what the Lord is calling His Church to do today – to serve the people.”
Pastor Sergey Bevz
Pastor Sergey Bevz
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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. One of many examples is Pastors Sergey Bevz and Valerii Verba, who continue their dangerous ministry in the areas of Dnipro and farther east. |
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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."
"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."
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.
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.
Posted: June 14, 2022
Luggage Needed to Transport Humanitarian Supplies to Ukraine
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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.
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.
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On Sunday, Tim Hetzner, LCC President / CEO, along with LCC staff John Pejchl, presented your generous donations to Archpriests Mykhailo Kuzma and Yaroslav Mendyuk to be used to help the efforts back in Ukraine as there are still many needs.
Despite the event being scaled back this year due to the events happening in Ukraine, an estimated 750-1,000 people were in attendance on Sunday when Lutheran Church Charities was present. |
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"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.
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!”
“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.
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.
Posted: June 7, 2022
Humanitarian Needs Continue at an Alarming Rate for Ukrainians in Crisis
"Your support is greatly needed, and it is greatly appreciated!” Rev. Larry Myers
Ukrainian Lutheran Pastor Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Needs Our Support
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.
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.
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.
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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!"
"Food parcels and bread were delivered from Valera Verba to three villages in the frontline zone. As always, thanks to everyone involved!"
Yurii Timerkan (SELCU pastor)
“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!”
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!”
Posted: May 24, 2022
"Thank you for being a big part of this work!” Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
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.
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.
Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor)
“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.
In the course of the last weeks, we have been adhering to the worked-out scheme of service. We pre-register and know in advance how many people we will have per day, how many family members they have, if they have children, and what their basic needs are. We accept several groups per day. First, we share the good news with the group and encourage them to hope in the Lord. We pray for them. And then we give a blessing. This plan worked well.
In the course of the last weeks, we have been adhering to the worked-out scheme of service. We pre-register and know in advance how many people we will have per day, how many family members they have, if they have children, and what their basic needs are. We accept several groups per day. First, we share the good news with the group and encourage them to hope in the Lord. We pray for them. And then we give a blessing. This plan worked well.
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Now we also see that some refugees have started attending Sunday services. Now we have seven refugees with whom we have started the confirmation class.
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!”
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!”
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor)
“I keep living my weekly life between Odessa and Mykolaiv. For most of the week, I stay at Odessa Theological Seminary, purchasing food and medicine, and packing help bags. In addition to all difficulties, we have a fuel deficit in Ukraine. Russians have destroyed fuel factories and storage... prices for fuel have jumped up. Diesel and gasoline disappeared. Now, it takes us a couple of hours to find the fuel in Odessa, to spend time in lines, and to purchase 10 or 15 or 20 liters of fuel. This morning I woke up and went to hunt for fuel. It was successful hunting. I drove about 30 km but have bought 30 liters of diesel. Praise be to God.
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 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.
Also, my church elders Gennady and Vladimir deliver and distribute drinking water to people who live near our church. Every second day a long line of people with bottles and buckets wait for water near church gates. Such humanitarian work of the church brings a great benefit to the Gospel. Last Sunday I had only eight church members at church (many of our church members were evacuated to Poland and Germany), but I had twenty-one new visitors at church! They listen to the sermon very carefully and learned how to sing our hymns. They are funny and clumsy like newborn children; remember them in your prayers.
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.”
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.”
Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU pastor)
“I have received the first shipment of the groceries from Romania about 160 kg of rice, lots of spaghetti, and some canned meat. I think and am sure some more will come soon. Thank you for being part of it.
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:
May the Lord be with you!
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!
Posted: May 17, 2022
Humanitarian Relief Continues to Help Ukrainians in Crisis
ALL GLORY BE TO GOD
ALL GLORY BE TO GOD
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
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!”
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!”
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor)
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 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.
Valera Verba (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Pastor Valera Verba assists fellow pastors in delivering humanitarian relief in the Savran area outside Odessa.
SELCU Pastor Valera Verba assists fellow pastors in delivering humanitarian relief in the Savran area outside Odessa.
Pastors Smokvin and Kostyuk (SELCU pastors)
SELCU Pastors Smokvin and Kostyuk lead an outdoor worship service in the Savran area outside Odessa.
SELCU Pastors Smokvin and Kostyuk lead an outdoor worship service in the Savran area outside Odessa.
Bishop Alexander Yurchenko (SELCU)
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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. |
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SELCU Van Fire
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.
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.
Posted: May 10, 2022
"Service Above Self for the Sake of Christ"
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
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.
Rev. Larry Myers is currently in Germany on vacation. However, his vacation has become an effort to reach out to Ukrainian refugee pastor families of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU).
On Mother’s Day, he and his son Christoph hosted a Mother’s Day Dinner in Marsberg, Germany, for the families of four SELCU pastors: Bevz, Navrotskyy, Schewtschewko, and Verba. He also presented a financial gift from LCC donors to assist them with monthly expenses. Myers and his son attended a Russian-language Ukrainian Lutheran worship service on the same evening.
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.
Rev. Larry Myers is currently in Germany on vacation. However, his vacation has become an effort to reach out to Ukrainian refugee pastor families of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU).
On Mother’s Day, he and his son Christoph hosted a Mother’s Day Dinner in Marsberg, Germany, for the families of four SELCU pastors: Bevz, Navrotskyy, Schewtschewko, and Verba. He also presented a financial gift from LCC donors to assist them with monthly expenses. Myers and his son attended a Russian-language Ukrainian Lutheran worship service on the same evening.
Christoph, who was born in Germany and celebrated his 40th birthday on May 8, reported that it was the best birthday he could remember. Service above self, for the sake of Christ, is indeed motivational and uplifting.
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On Monday, May 9, Rev. Larry Myers and his son Christoph visited the Ukrainian refugee family of SELCU Pastor Yura Timerkan, who has been a student of Myers at the Lutheran seminary in Odessa.
Myers was able to visit the pastor’s wife, Katerina, and the four children together with Pastor Timerkan’s mother, his young sister, and his sister-in-law. He also presented the family members with financial gifts from LCC donors to assist them with monthly expenses. |
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The family is being sponsored by SELK Pastor Christian Utpatel and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Homberg, Germany. The SELK (Selbststädige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche) is the German partner church of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Sergiu Trifa (son of Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, Romania)
Sergiu Marius Trifa, son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, continues to purchase and ship medical supplies on behalf of the pastors of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU).
“Right now, I am preparing a large transport for the week that is coming. I talked with Pastor Oleg when he brought me two groups of people from his Church several days ago, and he told me that I was able to satisfy all the medical needs they have to this moment. Right now, my emphasis remains only on supplying them with food. It seems like the next couple of transports will be only food.”
“Right now, I am preparing a large transport for the week that is coming. I talked with Pastor Oleg when he brought me two groups of people from his Church several days ago, and he told me that I was able to satisfy all the medical needs they have to this moment. Right now, my emphasis remains only on supplying them with food. It seems like the next couple of transports will be only food.”
Posted: May 3, 2022
SELCU Pastors Continue to Serve During Unimaginable Conditions
Many people no longer have the money to buy groceries. Therefore, they are ready to stand in line all day to get some groceries.” Pastor Sergey Bevz
Many people no longer have the money to buy groceries. Therefore, they are ready to stand in line all day to get some groceries.” Pastor Sergey Bevz
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SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
We continue to receive detailed updates from SELCU pastors sharing how your donations are critical to helping them serve the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
Yura Timerkan (SELCU pastor)
Pastor Timerkan wrote the following update to the Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson, a Lutheran Church-Canada pastor currently serving at First Lutheran Church and Christian Academy in Windsor, Ontario, and formerly Rector of Concordia Seminary, in the suburbs of Odessa, Ukraine:
“My city (Bashtanka) suffered a lot by occupying forces. One of the last objects is our hospital; it was destroyed by a missile. Russians are trying to break into our region again. They were not very successful until this day, but we understand that any day they will come because they brought together a very large group in our direction.
We still have worship services. People need it, and I will continue to serve here as long as it would be possible.
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
We continue to receive detailed updates from SELCU pastors sharing how your donations are critical to helping them serve the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
Yura Timerkan (SELCU pastor)
Pastor Timerkan wrote the following update to the Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson, a Lutheran Church-Canada pastor currently serving at First Lutheran Church and Christian Academy in Windsor, Ontario, and formerly Rector of Concordia Seminary, in the suburbs of Odessa, Ukraine:
“My city (Bashtanka) suffered a lot by occupying forces. One of the last objects is our hospital; it was destroyed by a missile. Russians are trying to break into our region again. They were not very successful until this day, but we understand that any day they will come because they brought together a very large group in our direction.
We still have worship services. People need it, and I will continue to serve here as long as it would be possible.
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People here in Bashtanka every day [are] asking me about different kinds of help. Some people need groceries; some people ask me to help as a driver because markets in villages [are] closed and people have no opportunity to buy groceries or other stuff.
The biggest problem is medicine. I spent more than 2,000 USD on the purchase of medicine which is absolutely unavailable for people in our region. Also, I will try to buy gas in cylinders for people in Zelenyi Yar next week, because people already have no opportunity to prepare their food. Gas filling stations [are] not working in our region. Also, two refugees live in my house. I continue to serve people as I can. |
SELCU Pastor Yura Timerkan visits Ukrainian families in Bashtanka, Ukraine
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Most difficult thing is that we live like on a powder keg. You never know when it will explode. But every day, Ukraine loses more and more territories, and we (pastors) have more and more mothers who lost their sons, wives who lost their husbands, and children who lost their fathers. This situation [is] destroying me from the inside sometimes. Thanks [be to] Jesus! He always helps me to recover.
Please say thanks to all people who [are] constantly praying for us. We really need this support. Blessings to you. I thank God for you every day. I believe that He will give me a chance to see you again."
Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko delivers an iCare package to a woman in Odessa. He writes:
“’You give them something to eat,’ said Jesus Christ to the disciples, and therefore to us of His church.”
Please say thanks to all people who [are] constantly praying for us. We really need this support. Blessings to you. I thank God for you every day. I believe that He will give me a chance to see you again."
Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko delivers an iCare package to a woman in Odessa. He writes:
“’You give them something to eat,’ said Jesus Christ to the disciples, and therefore to us of His church.”
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Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor in Dnipro)
“This person [147 attempts] set the record for calling to make an appointment for a food parcel.
In some refugee centers, they gave [out] our number and said that they could get food packages from us. Now we cannot cope with the number of calls. When there were not enough places to stay overnight, the maximum number of calls per day was about 450. It is even difficult to count how many now. It is physically impossible to answer even 30% of calls.
We are currently accepting people by appointment only. On Monday-Tuesday we had an appointment until Friday. We also try to distribute people at different times so that there are no queues. Many people, having experience of getting groceries in other centers, ask if they should stand in line at 5 a.m.
In some refugee centers, they gave [out] our number and said that they could get food packages from us. Now we cannot cope with the number of calls. When there were not enough places to stay overnight, the maximum number of calls per day was about 450. It is even difficult to count how many now. It is physically impossible to answer even 30% of calls.
We are currently accepting people by appointment only. On Monday-Tuesday we had an appointment until Friday. We also try to distribute people at different times so that there are no queues. Many people, having experience of getting groceries in other centers, ask if they should stand in line at 5 a.m.
The situation itself is as follows: Many people no longer have the money to buy groceries. Therefore, they are ready to stand in line all day to get some groceries. In our city, many volunteer centers and churches that help with food are forced to cut the content of the food package. They see the number of people and their limitations, so they make this unpleasant decision.
It is clear that people are different. There are unpleasant stories with cunning and deceit. We try to be wise and respond. But there are many good stories, good people.
But I will return to the number 147. It's not just about persistence. I think it's about the need people are in. Yes, this is a record in my call log. But this is an indication…the situation is not getting better. Please pray for people.”
It is clear that people are different. There are unpleasant stories with cunning and deceit. We try to be wise and respond. But there are many good stories, good people.
But I will return to the number 147. It's not just about persistence. I think it's about the need people are in. Yes, this is a record in my call log. But this is an indication…the situation is not getting better. Please pray for people.”
Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne and Pat Sweeney presented additional donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to continue direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne and Pat Sweeney presented additional donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to continue direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
On Friday, April 29, LCC staff member John Pejchl and LCC Volunteers Jim Dunne and Dr. Peter Lazzari met Archpriest Kuzman at the Ukrainian Church in Palatine. They delivered another check of your donations as well as a shipment of medical supplies.
Dr. Lazzari received the medical supplies from Blessings International, Medicines for Missions and then delivered them to the church. Archpriest Kuzman has made arrangements to get the medical supplies and your donations into Ukraine to directly help those affected by the war.
Thank you for your faithful and generous support.
Dr. Lazzari received the medical supplies from Blessings International, Medicines for Missions and then delivered them to the church. Archpriest Kuzman has made arrangements to get the medical supplies and your donations into Ukraine to directly help those affected by the war.
Thank you for your faithful and generous support.
Posted: April 26, 2022
SELCU Pastors Are Making a Difference
Your Donations are Saving Ukrainian Lives!
Donate to Continue to Help Purchase Food, Medicine, and Critical Supplies
"Thanks be to God for all His wonderful blessings!” Sergiu Trifa
Your Donations are Saving Ukrainian Lives!
Donate to Continue to Help Purchase Food, Medicine, and Critical Supplies
"Thanks be to God for all His wonderful blessings!” Sergiu Trifa
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
We continue to receive detailed updates from SELCU pastors sharing how your donations are critical to helping them serve the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy made the dangerous trip from Odessa to Mykolaiv to be with his congregation there during the last days of Holy Week and for the celebration of Easter. He reports the following:
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
We continue to receive detailed updates from SELCU pastors sharing how your donations are critical to helping them serve the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy made the dangerous trip from Odessa to Mykolaiv to be with his congregation there during the last days of Holy Week and for the celebration of Easter. He reports the following:
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“I was extremely busy for the last few days. I was in Mykolaiv for four days. My congregation is located in Mykolaiv (a city of 500,000 citizens). The city is located 40 km from the front line. Being in Mykolaiv you may hear artillery shooting all the time (in the distance). Mykolaiv city is under a ‘dry blockade’ at the moment because of the Russians. Russians broke the water [pipe] from the Dnieper River which feeds the city with water, and [they] do not let Ukrainians fix it. So there is no water in the city water system at all .... for ten days already. The municipality, army, and volunteers deliver water to the citizens in the cars and trucks. New wells are dug everywhere. We (our church) also deliver water daily to the people of the area surrounding our church.
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We celebrated Easter according to the Eastern Christian calendar. So last Thursday, we had Service with Communion in [our] Mykolaiv church basement. On Friday, we had Good Friday Service; on Saturday we distributed 100 food bags to the people of the church area, and on Sunday we had a great Easter celebration at Mykolaiv church. Most of the congregation has evacuated abroad, but many new people started coming to church services since the war began. God is good. On [Easter] Sunday we had sixteen newcomers.”
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Sergiu Trifa (son of Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, Romania)
Sergiu Trifa (kneeling) is the son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, pastor of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania. Sergiu lives in Bucharest and is coordinating the purchasing and shipping of items to SELCU pastors in Ukraine on behalf of Lutheran Church Charities. The pastors let him know what is needed, and he makes the arrangements.
Sergiu Trifa (kneeling) is the son of the Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa, pastor of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania. Sergiu lives in Bucharest and is coordinating the purchasing and shipping of items to SELCU pastors in Ukraine on behalf of Lutheran Church Charities. The pastors let him know what is needed, and he makes the arrangements.
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“The first transportation arrived yesterday evening [April 20]! It was the fastest one we could get there! On the other hand, at the warehouse of my friend, we have already over two pallets full of food, medical supplies, bed sheets, backpacks, and other clothes. They left on Monday/Tuesday to Odessa to go to Pastor Oleg. Things started moving really fast and nicely! We continue gathering things, and orders are placed!”
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SELCU Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko helps unload the first shipment sent by bus of much-needed items from LCC’s coordinator, Sergiu Trifa, in Romania. The main bridge to Odessa has been blocked and bombed so that was a difficult morning, but they crossed over, and everything moved forward.
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Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU pastor)
SELCU Bishop Alexander Yurchenko and Odessa Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko sort medical supplies for assembling first aid kits.
The chapel of the Mission Center of the (Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine) is also used as a sorting and assembling area for humanitarian relief supplies. The Mission Center is the seminary of the SELCU, but today most of the building is being used as a center for housing refugees (en route to other countries) and for distributing relief items. The building can house and provide food for up to 25-30 people on a daily basis.
SELCU Bishop Alexander Yurchenko and Odessa Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko sort medical supplies for assembling first aid kits.
The chapel of the Mission Center of the (Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine) is also used as a sorting and assembling area for humanitarian relief supplies. The Mission Center is the seminary of the SELCU, but today most of the building is being used as a center for housing refugees (en route to other countries) and for distributing relief items. The building can house and provide food for up to 25-30 people on a daily basis.
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Posted: April 19, 2022
Your Donations are Saving Ukrainian Lives!
Donate to Continue to Help Purchase Food and Medicine
"As a Church of Christ, we have a great opportunity to serve the people and to share the Good News about Our Savior in such a darkest and difficult time.” Pastor Sergey Bevz
Donate to Continue to Help Purchase Food and Medicine
"As a Church of Christ, we have a great opportunity to serve the people and to share the Good News about Our Savior in such a darkest and difficult time.” Pastor Sergey Bevz
LCC Volunteers Share Time Abroad Serving Ukrainians
LCC volunteers Kathy and Joan served Ukrainians for two weeks with Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) at the Ukraine Mission Center. They also went to the Ukrainian border twice during their stay to hand out food and travel packs as refugees take a break before going to their next destination. They had many opportunities to be a comforting presence as they listened to the hardships, fears, and uncertainties of those they met.
Kathy and Joan share how your donations are helping Ukrainians in need in the video below.
LCC volunteers Kathy and Joan served Ukrainians for two weeks with Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) at the Ukraine Mission Center. They also went to the Ukrainian border twice during their stay to hand out food and travel packs as refugees take a break before going to their next destination. They had many opportunities to be a comforting presence as they listened to the hardships, fears, and uncertainties of those they met.
Kathy and Joan share how your donations are helping Ukrainians in need in the video below.
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LCC continues to support Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena who are helping refugees from Ukraine. Pastor Scott and Lena are personal friends with Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine.
LCC staff member, Tim Laabs, presented more of your donations on Easter weekend to Pastor Antor who will send them to Pastor Yount to help refugees in need. |
SELCU Pastors Serving Ukrainians
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
Working through LCC staff member Rev. Larry Myers, below is an update from the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
This week, we received detailed updates from SELCU pastors sharing how your donations are critical to helping them serve the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
Click on the video below to watch a powerful message from SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy called “On Humanitarian Mission in Ukraine”
Click on the video below to watch a powerful message from SELCU Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy called “On Humanitarian Mission in Ukraine”
Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor in Dnipro)
“We do all possible and use all our resources to respond to the situation and to host and support the people. Our church building, which is not even fully restored after a winter roof collapse (2019), has become a 24-hour hub for refugees. People can stay here for 1-3 days. They are able to eat and sleep, to do their laundry, and get medicine here. We use every meter of our church space, including an unfinished (unrepaired) sanctuary and second floor. Our church hosted more than 200 people. Now, we have up to 25 people daily. I receive 200-300 phone calls daily from those who search for a shelter. Our little church team consists of church members (who sent their families abroad) and volunteers living nearby.
We are grateful to you, dear friends, that you are also participating in this ministry. Your support allows us to continue to help the many people who have been affected by the war, left or lost their homes. By receiving this help now, they are also receiving evidence of God's love for them. They see and hear the gospel through the way the Church of Christ serves them and shares the message of Christ.”
CLICK HERE to read the full update from Pastor Sergey Bevz.
“We do all possible and use all our resources to respond to the situation and to host and support the people. Our church building, which is not even fully restored after a winter roof collapse (2019), has become a 24-hour hub for refugees. People can stay here for 1-3 days. They are able to eat and sleep, to do their laundry, and get medicine here. We use every meter of our church space, including an unfinished (unrepaired) sanctuary and second floor. Our church hosted more than 200 people. Now, we have up to 25 people daily. I receive 200-300 phone calls daily from those who search for a shelter. Our little church team consists of church members (who sent their families abroad) and volunteers living nearby.
We are grateful to you, dear friends, that you are also participating in this ministry. Your support allows us to continue to help the many people who have been affected by the war, left or lost their homes. By receiving this help now, they are also receiving evidence of God's love for them. They see and hear the gospel through the way the Church of Christ serves them and shares the message of Christ.”
CLICK HERE to read the full update from Pastor Sergey Bevz.
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Valera Verba (SELCU pastor in Nova Kakhovka, near Kherson)
"Together with the pastors and some brothers of our synod, we took on the service of volunteers and work with refugees. We provide humanitarian aid, and food is transported to different needy regions of the country. Women and children are taken out of dangerous places of warfare. We organize transit points and escort of refugees to the border and to some extent abroad.
My pastoral heart worries about the people of the Nova Kakhovka community. The situation in Nova Kakhovka is not simple: lack of food, lack of necessary medicines, constant danger from the occupying troops, disconnection of communications and the Internet, lack of work and money. We pray intensely for the safety of the lives of people in the occupied territories. With the funds that the Lord blesses through you, we support those in need, transferring parts to their bank cards so that they can purchase the goods necessary for survival. The Lord is with us here and with them there, and blesses and preserves all who fully trust Him.
I thank God for each of you who in this difficult time for us in every way participates and supports us and, through us, many people whom we can serve today. The Lord in this situation uses each of us in His place for the glory of God. I ask you to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, for communities and ministers, for safety and protection from all kinds of evil. We bless all readers in the name of Jesus Christ.”
CLICK HERE to read the full update from Pastor Valera Verba.
"Together with the pastors and some brothers of our synod, we took on the service of volunteers and work with refugees. We provide humanitarian aid, and food is transported to different needy regions of the country. Women and children are taken out of dangerous places of warfare. We organize transit points and escort of refugees to the border and to some extent abroad.
My pastoral heart worries about the people of the Nova Kakhovka community. The situation in Nova Kakhovka is not simple: lack of food, lack of necessary medicines, constant danger from the occupying troops, disconnection of communications and the Internet, lack of work and money. We pray intensely for the safety of the lives of people in the occupied territories. With the funds that the Lord blesses through you, we support those in need, transferring parts to their bank cards so that they can purchase the goods necessary for survival. The Lord is with us here and with them there, and blesses and preserves all who fully trust Him.
I thank God for each of you who in this difficult time for us in every way participates and supports us and, through us, many people whom we can serve today. The Lord in this situation uses each of us in His place for the glory of God. I ask you to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, for communities and ministers, for safety and protection from all kinds of evil. We bless all readers in the name of Jesus Christ.”
CLICK HERE to read the full update from Pastor Valera Verba.
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Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On behalf of LCC, Pat Sweeney presented additional donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to continue direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
On behalf of LCC, Pat Sweeney presented additional donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to continue direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
