Ukraine
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URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO HELP VULNERABLE UKRAINIANS 100% of Your Donations Will Support Ukrainians in Need “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
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100% OF YOUR DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT UKRAINIANS WHO ARE SUFFERING!
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.
Posted: April 12, 2022
Donations Needed to Purchase Life-Saving Food and Medicine for Ukraine
SELCU Pastors Help Impacted Ukrainians
SELCU Pastors Help Impacted 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.
Due to massive shortages of available food and other essentials, LCC has made a connection with Sergiu, son of Rev. Sorin-Horia Trifa of Confessional Lutheran Church in Romania, to purchase life-saving nonperishable food and medicine that will be transported to the Romania-Ukraine border for the SELCU pastors.
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Bishop Alexander Yurchenko (SELCU)
Bishop Yurchenko, with SELCU pastors Valera Verba and Sergey Bevz, took a large cargo of supplies from Odessa to the Dnieper region and provided both spiritual and physical support.
Bishop Yurchenko, with SELCU pastors Valera Verba and Sergey Bevz, took a large cargo of supplies from Odessa to the Dnieper region and provided both spiritual and physical support.
Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor in Dnipro)
“We have many stories about cellars, bombings, attempts to leave, worries about relatives with whom there is no connection, loss of loved ones, and things that are even scary to voice out loud. During the day I hear a lot of difficult stories. In the evening, when the curfew had already come, we dimmed the lights, sat down at the table, and talked. The guys from Mariupol got a cake somewhere and treated everyone. Think about it; the guys from Mariupol treated everyone to a cake. I don't know if I should be surprised, but I am. After everything they've been through, they haven't lost the ability to "treat others with cake." Someone hardens and someone, on the contrary, shows even more humanity. We are all changing. Help us, Lord, now to be soft clay in Your hands.
Please pray for these people. Someone is looking for housing, someone is looking for a job, someone [is looking for] both, someone is doing documents, someone does not know what to do next. The church building is completely full. It is used as a transit point for 1-3 days. Here we feed, help with food and clothing, and provide spiritual support. We are doing repairs in one of the rooms in order to receive more. In recent days, [there was] a large flow of people, and in the near future, it will continue. Please remember us in your prayers.”
Please pray for these people. Someone is looking for housing, someone is looking for a job, someone [is looking for] both, someone is doing documents, someone does not know what to do next. The church building is completely full. It is used as a transit point for 1-3 days. Here we feed, help with food and clothing, and provide spiritual support. We are doing repairs in one of the rooms in order to receive more. In recent days, [there was] a large flow of people, and in the near future, it will continue. Please remember us in your prayers.”
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In Irpin, Russian Orcs Burned Bibles
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Why? For some reason, the Word of God—where the Lord gave the commandments "do not kill," "do not steal," "do not commit adultery," and "do not bear false witness"—causes a special "reaction" in them. They want to destroy this Word. Indeed, in [His Word] the Lord also says that He will not leave unpunished those who violate the commandments of life given by Him.
And we trust in this Word and love it. Thanks to him, we know how our story will end and how will their story end. Because this battle is not only against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirits of wickedness in high places. |
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Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne presented donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne presented donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
LCC Volunteers Return from Serving Ukrainians
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For the past two weeks, LCC volunteers Kathy and Joan were with Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) to serve Ukrainian refugees 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.
LCC thanks Kathy and Joan for their compassion and dedication to helping Ukrainian refugees in need! |
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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 your donations to Pastor Antor who will send them to Pastor Yount to help refugees in need.
LCC staff member, Tim Laabs, presented your donations to Pastor Antor who will send them to Pastor Yount to help refugees in need.
Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
Posted: April 5, 2022
LCC Volunteers Serving Ukrainian Refugees
Your Donations Are Sent Directly to Ukraine Pastors to Help Impacted Ukrainians
Your Donations Are Sent Directly to Ukraine Pastors to Help Impacted Ukrainians
Last week, LCC volunteers Kathy and Joan flew to Poland and met up with Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) to serve Ukrainian refugees. At the Ukraine Mission Center, they have been busy preparing meals, cleaning items for the church, and befriending adults and youth. Most of all, they have been showing the love of Jesus to everyone they meet!
Kathy enjoyed 15 games of ping pong with Yarik, age 16, Kathy and Joan played Uno with Ukrainian youth girls, and Joan shared coloring materials with a young girl.
Kathy enjoyed 15 games of ping pong with Yarik, age 16, Kathy and Joan played Uno with Ukrainian youth girls, and Joan shared coloring materials with a young girl.
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As a nurse, Joan also administered tests at the COVID testing clinic. Kathy brought carved birds made by an LCC donor and shared them with a refugee mother and son. Kathy and Joan also spent time visiting Ukrainian refugees with disabilities and their family or caregiver who are seeking safe shelter.
Kathy and Joan traveled to the border safely and spent 24 hours handing out blankets, hot drinks, and other essential supplies. Refugees receive accommodations, food, healthcare, and hygienic packages free of charge. They met Valeria and her cat, who came to the border from the Ukrainian town of Nikolaev. She has a daughter in Slovakia, who she will stay with for a while. Natasha brought her two kids over the border on March 1 but had to go back to Ukraine. She drove 15 hours to get back to the border.
Kathy and Joan traveled to the border safely and spent 24 hours handing out blankets, hot drinks, and other essential supplies. Refugees receive accommodations, food, healthcare, and hygienic packages free of charge. They met Valeria and her cat, who came to the border from the Ukrainian town of Nikolaev. She has a daughter in Slovakia, who she will stay with for a while. Natasha brought her two kids over the border on March 1 but had to go back to Ukraine. She drove 15 hours to get back to the border.
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.
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Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor in Dnipro)
“Thank you for your letter and donations. Praise the Lord and thanks to all who donated! Now a very large flow of refugees passes through our city. In recent days, we have been forced to refuse many people accommodation for the night, as we have no places at all. We are trying to expand our capabilities, to do some work in the building, to make more places. Thanks for your prayers and support! May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!” |
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Yurii Timerkan (SELCU pastor)
“I am very thankful for you and Lutheran Church Charities. In this difficult time for Ukrainians, it is very helpful and important to receive groceries, medicine, and other stuff and to hear that God remembers us and doesn't leave us. A lot of people around our Church already changed their attitude to the Church. We have some people who come to visit our prayer-time and worship services. God uses this time for changing hearts of Ukrainians. And this donation helps us in providing the Gospel to people and takes care of our neighbor. Thank you for continuing to pray for us.”
“I am very thankful for you and Lutheran Church Charities. In this difficult time for Ukrainians, it is very helpful and important to receive groceries, medicine, and other stuff and to hear that God remembers us and doesn't leave us. A lot of people around our Church already changed their attitude to the Church. We have some people who come to visit our prayer-time and worship services. God uses this time for changing hearts of Ukrainians. And this donation helps us in providing the Gospel to people and takes care of our neighbor. Thank you for continuing to pray for us.”
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Valerii Verba (SELCU pastor in Nova Kakhovka, near Kherson)
“Good afternoon from Ukraine. Thank God for the new day and the blessings of this day. I received your letter and the funds you spoke about have arrived. We thank the Lord and you for continuing to help and support the ministry in Ukraine. I will write more about the service that is accomplished through this. Please continue to pray for Ukraine. We bless you in the name of Jesus Christ!” |
Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne and Pat Sweeny presented donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma and Nadiya Hnatyuk of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
On behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne and Pat Sweeny presented donations to Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma and Nadiya Hnatyuk of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine.
Oleg Ivanets, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Concordia University
LCC continues to support the family of Oleg Ivanets, Ph.D., assistant professor at Concordia University and chair of the university's quantitative business program. Your donations were sent to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to help get the family out of Ukraine safely. Oleg shared the following update through Linda Sproul at Concordia University Ann Arbor:
“Thank you so much for your help, it is indeed instrumental in these difficult times. My parents managed to evacuate to Poland and apply for Canadian visas. Now we're all waiting for the visas. Canada implemented a special program for Ukrainians, so it's much easier to get there than to the United States. So far they're recovering. They were in a pretty bad shape when they got to Poland but now they are recovering and feeling much better. Hopefully I will be able to see them soon. Thank you and God bless!”
“Thank you so much for your help, it is indeed instrumental in these difficult times. My parents managed to evacuate to Poland and apply for Canadian visas. Now we're all waiting for the visas. Canada implemented a special program for Ukrainians, so it's much easier to get there than to the United States. So far they're recovering. They were in a pretty bad shape when they got to Poland but now they are recovering and feeling much better. Hopefully I will be able to see them soon. Thank you and God bless!”
Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
Posted: March 29, 2022
LCC Sending Your Donations Directly to Ukraine Pastors to Help Impacted Ukrainians
As the violence and devastation in Ukraine continues, the need for support to save lives increases. Lutheran Church Charities continues to get your financial donations immediately to Ukraine through our strong partnerships.
Rev. Larry Myers, retired pastor and retired United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Chaplain, Colonel, and LCC staff member is helping to direct critical financial aid to Ukrainian citizens affected by the extreme violence and devastation that still continues.
Rev. Larry Myers, retired pastor and retired United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Chaplain, Colonel, and LCC staff member is helping to direct critical financial aid to Ukrainian citizens affected by the extreme violence and devastation that still continues.
The families of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors (their wives and children) have been evacuated from Ukraine to Romania, where they have received the assistance of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, an alliance church of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. From Romania, they move on to other countries, especially Germany, where pastors and congregations of the SELK (Selbstständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche), a partner church of the LCMS, assist them.
The pastors remain in Ukraine to provide Word and Sacrament, as well as humanitarian relief to members and to their communities. Your donations have been sent directly to them. At the SELCU Mission Center, pastors and remaining members are busy every day feeding and clothing displaced persons and transporting refugees to the Romanian border. They assist approximately 100 people each week.
Below is an update from the pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
The pastors remain in Ukraine to provide Word and Sacrament, as well as humanitarian relief to members and to their communities. Your donations have been sent directly to them. At the SELCU Mission Center, pastors and remaining members are busy every day feeding and clothing displaced persons and transporting refugees to the Romanian border. They assist approximately 100 people each week.
Below is an update from the pastors, thanking LCC donors for your financial support and prayers.
Sergey Bevz (SELCU pastor in Dnipro)
“Thank you for your letter and the help you wish to give! We know it will be precious to the many people who will be able to receive help during this difficult time. The main ministry of our church in the city of Dnipro is to help refugees. The city of Dnipro is the nearest large and fairly safe (at the moment) city for people who are fleeing from the areas of Kharkiv, Mariupol, and the Donetsk region.
We receive people in the church building, in the church's country house, and in our own homes. We provide them with warmth and food. We help to find housing for those who want to stay in the city for a longer period. We help with clothes and medicines and other necessary items. Your help will be used to help these people.
We are glad and grateful to the Lord that He gave you the desire to support the ministries of our pastors and congregations.”
We receive people in the church building, in the church's country house, and in our own homes. We provide them with warmth and food. We help to find housing for those who want to stay in the city for a longer period. We help with clothes and medicines and other necessary items. Your help will be used to help these people.
We are glad and grateful to the Lord that He gave you the desire to support the ministries of our pastors and congregations.”
Oleksiy Navrotskyy (Lutheran Church-Canada Missionary & SELCU pastor in Mykolaiv)
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“Thank you very much for all your efforts for us, people in Ukraine. I was impressed with the kindness and openness and trust of Lutheran Church Charities. I feel their love and respect to us, and I am so proud to be a Ukrainian and a Lutheran.
Thank you for your assistance, for searching and finding open hearts in the United States to help us Ukrainians. We are working, praying, crying for our victory over northern enemies, and thank you for your support.” |
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Valera Verba (SELCU pastor in Nova Kakhovka, near Kherson)
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Greetings from Valera, pastor of the church in the city of New Kakhovka. I would like to inform you that the financial assistance that you sent to me has arrived. I already have the opportunity to use this finance in the ministry of refugees and people who are in great need because of the war.
Many thanks for the help and support that you provide to Ukraine. I thank God for everyone who remembers us, prays, and helps. Thanks be to God.” |
LCC Sends Its First Two Volunteers to Help Those Displaced from Ukraine
Working with Pastor Scott Yount
This past weekend, LCC volunteers Kathy and Joan flew to Poland and met up with Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) to serve Ukrainian refugees. Pastor Yount and Lea had to leave Bila Tserkva, Ukraine but continue to serve orphans and youth with disabilities through his ministry, Spiritual Orphans Network. Pastor Scott has been serving as a missionary in Ukraine since 2014. LCC and your donations support Pastor Scott through Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois.
Kathy is a counselor, and Joan is a nurse. Currently, they plan to support Pastor Scott and Lena for the next two weeks. They met refugees Zena and her daughter Dasha. Zena taught at the music school as well as played professionally, and Dasha loves to paint. Zena loves to help prepare meals for refugees who need support and encouragement during these difficult days.
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We continue to work through churches, Christian Ministries, and leaders with direct connections to Ukraine, including these partnerships:
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
- Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
- Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Posted: March 22, 2022
LCC's Strong Partnerships Support Ukrainians in Need
LCC WELCOMES REV. LARRY MYERS TO HELP DIRECT FINANCIAL AID TO UKRAINE
Lutheran Church Charities welcomes Rev. Larry Myers, retired pastor, and retired United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Chaplain, Colonel on staff to help direct critical financial aid to Ukrainian citizens affected by the extreme violence and devastation that still continues.
Rev. Myers is highly-respected for both his mission work and military service throughout the world. He is the first reserve chaplain of any branch to serve on the Joint Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has served twice on the Air Staff in the Office of the Chief of the Chaplain Service. During his thirty years as USAF Reserve Chaplain, ten years were overseas in Pacific and Europe cross-cultural environments. Rev. Myers also brings a wide range of civilian experience working in the mission field, parish, classroom, and national staff work.
CLICK HERE for more information about Rev. Myers.
Lutheran Church Charities welcomes Rev. Larry Myers, retired pastor, and retired United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Chaplain, Colonel on staff to help direct critical financial aid to Ukrainian citizens affected by the extreme violence and devastation that still continues.
Rev. Myers is highly-respected for both his mission work and military service throughout the world. He is the first reserve chaplain of any branch to serve on the Joint Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has served twice on the Air Staff in the Office of the Chief of the Chaplain Service. During his thirty years as USAF Reserve Chaplain, ten years were overseas in Pacific and Europe cross-cultural environments. Rev. Myers also brings a wide range of civilian experience working in the mission field, parish, classroom, and national staff work.
CLICK HERE for more information about Rev. Myers.
As the violence and devastation in Ukraine continues, the need for support to save lives increases. Lutheran Church Charities continues to get your financial donations immediately to Ukraine through our strong partnerships.
The families of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors (their wives and children) have been evacuated from Ukraine to Romania, where they have received the assistance of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, an alliance church of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. From Romania, they move on to other countries, especially Germany, where pastors and congregations of the SELK (Selbstständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche), a partner church of the LCMS, assist them. The pastors remain in Ukraine to provide Word and Sacrament, as well as humanitarian relief to members and their communities.
Pastor Verba and Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy have left Odessa and are currently in Mykolaiv, where Pastor Navrotskyy's congregation is located. This is very dangerous for them. Pastor Verba doesn't dare return to his city, Nova Kakhovka, which is near Kherson. Please continue to pray for their safety and that of their congregation members.
At the SELCU Mission Center, pastors and remaining members are busy every day feeding and clothing displaced persons and transporting refugees to the Romanian border. They assist approximately 100 people each week.
The families of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) pastors (their wives and children) have been evacuated from Ukraine to Romania, where they have received the assistance of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Romania, an alliance church of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. From Romania, they move on to other countries, especially Germany, where pastors and congregations of the SELK (Selbstständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche), a partner church of the LCMS, assist them. The pastors remain in Ukraine to provide Word and Sacrament, as well as humanitarian relief to members and their communities.
Pastor Verba and Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy have left Odessa and are currently in Mykolaiv, where Pastor Navrotskyy's congregation is located. This is very dangerous for them. Pastor Verba doesn't dare return to his city, Nova Kakhovka, which is near Kherson. Please continue to pray for their safety and that of their congregation members.
At the SELCU Mission Center, pastors and remaining members are busy every day feeding and clothing displaced persons and transporting refugees to the Romanian border. They assist approximately 100 people each week.
Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko (SELCU) shared, “Financial support is very crucial right now. We are trying to see how we, as the Church, can serve. We gather together to look at the resources we have—the funds, the vehicles, and even the people—to see how we can face a new day and what the priorities are for this new day. Funds also support medical care for families of soldiers.”
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We continue to work through churches, Christian Ministries, and leaders with direct connections to Ukraine, including these partnerships:
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We continue to work through churches, Christian Ministries, and leaders with direct connections to Ukraine, including these partnerships:
- Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
- Pastor Scott Yount, Missionary in Ukraine, Immanuel Lutheran Church – Palatine, Illinois
- Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Posted: March 15, 2022
As the violence and devastation in Ukraine continues, the need for support to save lives increases. Lutheran Church Charities continues to get your financial donations immediately to Ukraine through our strong partnerships.
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We continue to work through churches, Christian Ministries, and leaders with direct connections to Ukraine.
Because of your support, LCC has passed through donations again this past week. We continue to hand out what comes in to help those suffering as a result of the Ukrainian crisis.
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We continue to work through churches, Christian Ministries, and leaders with direct connections to Ukraine.
Because of your support, LCC has passed through donations again this past week. We continue to hand out what comes in to help those suffering as a result of the Ukrainian crisis.
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Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On Monday, March 14, on behalf of LCC, Jim Dunne and Pat Sweeney presented donations to Associate Pastor - Archpriest Yaroslav Mendyuk, and Nadiya Hnatyuk of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine. |
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Pastor Scott Yount, Missionary in Ukraine, Immanuel Lutheran Church – Palatine, Illinois
On Friday, March 11, LCC staff member Deaconess Kathy O’Day presented your donations to Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine to help refugees from Ukraine through Pastor Scott Yount.
LCC is supporting Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) as they have had to leave Bila Tserkva, Ukraine but are now helping to support refugees from Ukraine. Pastor Scott and Lena are personal friends with Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine. Pastor Scott is working with his ministry of Spiritual Orphans Network.
LCC is supporting Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) as they have had to leave Bila Tserkva, Ukraine but are now helping to support refugees from Ukraine. Pastor Scott and Lena are personal friends with Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine. Pastor Scott is working with his ministry of Spiritual Orphans Network.
Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
We have literally handed out thousands of your donations this past week! See how God is at work, through His people, to show, as the Apostle Paul states – One Lord, One Faith, One Body and Spirit!
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
We have literally handed out thousands of your donations this past week! See how God is at work, through His people, to show, as the Apostle Paul states – One Lord, One Faith, One Body and Spirit!
Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians by showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Posted: March 8, 2022
LCC UKRAINE ASSISTANCE - HOW LONG OH LORD!
It is hard to watch the devastation taking place in Ukraine – the children, the elderly, those with disabilities! Young and Old. It is hard to see all the displaced people. The destruction.
How Long!
God is still in charge. God will bring good out of evil and God ALWAYS wins over evil. It is humbling to be able to work with Christians from various “tribes” and join together as one in helping people.
“There is one body, one spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism” Ephesians 4:4-5
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We work through Christian Pastors, Priests, Bishops and leaders. If they believe that Salvation is in Jesus Christ and Him alone – we work with them to have them directly distribute the money – within hours or a day or two. Not sitting around in a fund doing nothing.
Because of your support, below are those LCC has been working with this past week. We continue to hand out what comes in to help those suffering as a result of the Ukrainian crisis.
How Long!
God is still in charge. God will bring good out of evil and God ALWAYS wins over evil. It is humbling to be able to work with Christians from various “tribes” and join together as one in helping people.
“There is one body, one spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism” Ephesians 4:4-5
LCC has been and will continue to collect financial donations to be given out “Dollar per Dollar” to help the people of Ukraine to show the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. We work through Christian Pastors, Priests, Bishops and leaders. If they believe that Salvation is in Jesus Christ and Him alone – we work with them to have them directly distribute the money – within hours or a day or two. Not sitting around in a fund doing nothing.
Because of your support, below are those LCC has been working with this past week. We continue to hand out what comes in to help those suffering as a result of the Ukrainian crisis.
Ukrainian Church – Palatine, Illinois
On Saturday, March 5, LCC President/CEO Tim Hetzner met with Bishop Vededykt Alevsiychuk, Pastor - Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma, Associate Pastor - Archpriest Yaroslav Mendyuk, and Nadiya Hnatyuk of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine. Within 12 hours of that meeting, your donations were IN UKRAINE, helping people suffering and in need!
On Saturday, March 5, LCC President/CEO Tim Hetzner met with Bishop Vededykt Alevsiychuk, Pastor - Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma, Associate Pastor - Archpriest Yaroslav Mendyuk, and Nadiya Hnatyuk of the Ukrainian Church in Palatine, Illinois, to provide direct and immediate financial assistance to their contacts in Ukraine. Within 12 hours of that meeting, your donations were IN UKRAINE, helping people suffering and in need!
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Watch Tim’s interviews with these brothers and sister in Christ to hear how we are all unified through our faith in Christ:
- Bishop Vededykt Alevsiychuk (1:10) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
- Pastor - Archpriest Mykhailo Kuzma (2:55) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
- Associate Pastor - Archpriest Yaroslav Mendyuk (:30) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
- Nadiya Hnatyuk (2:41) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
- Ending (:33) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH
Oleg Ivanets, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Concordia University
The Ukrainian crisis hits close to home for Oleg Ivanets, Ph.D., assistant professor at Concordia University and chair of the university's quantitative business program.
Oleg was born in Ukraine and lived there until 2013, when he moved to the United States to pursue his doctorate. He is based on the Ann Arbor campus but oversees programs for the Mequon campus as well.
He still has family and friends who live in the Ukraine with whom he is able to communicate. Your donations are helping LCC to bring Oleg’s family from Ukraine to safety in the United States.
Watch Oleg’s interview on Sunday, February 27, with Fox6 news reporter Sam Kraemer:
https://www.fox6now.com/news/concordia-professor-says-ukraine-invasion-brings-mixed-emotions
The Ukrainian crisis hits close to home for Oleg Ivanets, Ph.D., assistant professor at Concordia University and chair of the university's quantitative business program.
Oleg was born in Ukraine and lived there until 2013, when he moved to the United States to pursue his doctorate. He is based on the Ann Arbor campus but oversees programs for the Mequon campus as well.
He still has family and friends who live in the Ukraine with whom he is able to communicate. Your donations are helping LCC to bring Oleg’s family from Ukraine to safety in the United States.
Watch Oleg’s interview on Sunday, February 27, with Fox6 news reporter Sam Kraemer:
https://www.fox6now.com/news/concordia-professor-says-ukraine-invasion-brings-mixed-emotions
Pastor Scott Yount, Missionary in Ukraine, Immanuel Lutheran Church – Palatine, Illinois
LCC is providing support for Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) as they have had to leave Bila Tserkva, Ukraine but are now helping to support refugees from Ukraine. Pastor Scott and Lena are personal friends with Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine. Pastor Scott is working with his ministry of Spiritual Orphans Network.
Pastor Scott has been serving as a missionary in Ukraine since 2014 and is the founder of Joy 4 Ukraine, a ministry that brings the joy of the gospel to orphans and youth with disabilities. In 2017, Pastor Scott helped start Church of Hope, a worship service for people with special needs, and in 2021 began serving as the pastor of the Church of the Transfiguration, a local Ukrainian church. His wife, Lena, has a Master’s Degree in Special Needs Education.
LCC is providing support for Pastor Scott Yount and his wife Lena (from Ukraine) as they have had to leave Bila Tserkva, Ukraine but are now helping to support refugees from Ukraine. Pastor Scott and Lena are personal friends with Pastor Donald Antor from Immanuel Church in Palatine. Pastor Scott is working with his ministry of Spiritual Orphans Network.
Pastor Scott has been serving as a missionary in Ukraine since 2014 and is the founder of Joy 4 Ukraine, a ministry that brings the joy of the gospel to orphans and youth with disabilities. In 2017, Pastor Scott helped start Church of Hope, a worship service for people with special needs, and in 2021 began serving as the pastor of the Church of the Transfiguration, a local Ukrainian church. His wife, Lena, has a Master’s Degree in Special Needs Education.
Watch Pastor Scott Yount’s powerful message to Ukrainians: “Ukraine, you are not alone – for God is with you. Ukraine, you are not unprotected – for God is your fortress. Ukraine, you are not in darkness – Jesus is your light. Ukraine, you are not defeated – for Christ is your victory!”
Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC)
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
LCC is also working directly with the Ukraine Lutheran Church (ULC) by working through the Lutheran Church here in the United States in fellowship with them!
Your Donations are Immediately Helping Ukrainians in Need!
We have literally handed out thousands of dollars this past week! See how God is at work, through His people, to show, as the Apostle Paul states – One Lord, One Faith, One Body and Spirit!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Thank You for your support in being the hands and feet of Jesus to those suffering!
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO
President/CEO
Posted: March 2, 2022
Urgent financial assistance is needed for women, children, and the elderly as able men stay to defend the Ukrainian homeland. Lutheran Church Charities IS WORKING WITH the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC) and the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) to support those staying in Ukraine as well as those fleeing to other countries during these desperate and challenging times. LCC will BE WORKING with Christian Ukrainian families here in the United States that have families in Ukraine or who are displaced in Poland.
The Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC) and its 18 national pastors spiritually lead and serve 2,500 members, 24 established congregations, and 12 mission congregations in Ukraine by sharing the hope of the gospel with others around them who do not know Christ. They are committed to remaining in Ukraine to help their fellow Ukrainians who choose to stay in their homeland survive during these horrific conditions.
The Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) connect with outreach-minded congregations to welcome and support refugees fleeing to the United States. With the current Ukrainian crisis, they are prepared to support an increased need to help these individuals and families who come to the United States, often with little or no possessions, establish a new life.
The Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) connect with outreach-minded congregations to welcome and support refugees fleeing to the United States. With the current Ukrainian crisis, they are prepared to support an increased need to help these individuals and families who come to the United States, often with little or no possessions, establish a new life.
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Join LCC in praying for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters’ safety and to remain strong in faith during these unprecedented times. LCC never charges those we serve. Please prayerfully consider donating to help Ukrainians in their time of need - showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in NEED!
Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.
Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!
Tim Hetzner
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities