As of the end of June, the following projects have been fully funded – praise the Lord!

• Tarp for the worship gathering of Altos de Vera Cruz, Leon, Nicaragua (#1416)
• Mission and ministry to prisoners in Ukraine (#1424)
• Mission outreach to college/university students in Odessa, Ukraine (#1426)

While other projects are still to be fully funded for 2014 (we hope to announce another few projects as fully funded in the coming months), here are some mission updates that cover many of the items in the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society project list.

In Costa Rica several projects have made significant progress. The Lutheran Church Canada’s (LCC) deaconesses and three women leaders in the Costa Rica mission attended a training seminar for deaconesses in Nicaragua. These Christian women are grateful and excited about the opportunity made possible by LCC and Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS). A continuation of this training is now being organized in their own country for these special church leaders. One of the deaconesses, Betty, and her assistants continue to focus on Bible studies for women, children and youth outreach.

There are Canadian short-term missions that are planning to be in Costa Rica in January 2015. In the month of July 2015 a young woman from Alberta will be staying in Costa Rica and assisting the mission for the entire month, involved mostly with outreach to children and youth. Although, the short-term mission is not supported by CLMS, the Costa Rican mission itself is supported by CLMS.

The CLMS rental cost support for San Jose, Costa Rica is currently going through a transition since the landlord suddenly requested the building. The church has temporarily been moved to a community centre for the mission’s activities until a new place is available for rent.

Pastor Douglas Aguilar in Honduras continues reaching out to the communities in Olanchito. It is a challenging mission, but the Lord continues to make His church grow. On May 25, 2014 eight children and adolescents were baptized in Olanchito. Included in the baptisms was little Isaac, the infant child of Pastor Douglas and his wife Ariana. The church community is predominantly women and children. God uses these Christians to open doors into their families with the Gospel.

The work of LCC and CLMS in Nicaragua continues to receive many blessings from God. By the middle of July a strategic plan and budget will be ready for the new mission start in the city of Managua. The local Lutheran Hour Ministries office will join with LCC’s mission and the Nicaraguan church to rent space in Managua for joint work. A location has already been found where, God willing, the office and worship space for services will be established.

All Nicaraguan congregations invite children to a Vacation Bible School (VBS) every year. The largest number of VBSs are conducted between the months of January and March. During this period several short-term volunteer mission teams from Canada join the ILSN for this mission outreach.

The deaconesses continue to work tremendously hard and are so grateful for the annual support for their stipends. Nicaraguan Deaconesses are being trained on computers to help teach the children. The special retreats and workshops for Deaconesses support their spiritual growth and improve their work skills. There are 700 children in Nicaragua enrolled in the educational program to learn Bible stories, the Small Catechism, Spanish literacy and mathematics. In 2014, 17 new deaconesses were added to the program. Today there is a total of 37 deaconesses working in the children educational program.

At the Nicaraguan medical and dental clinics special effort is being made by a local pastor and vicar to visit with the patients while they wait to be helped. A missionary service is being held at the mission centre’s chapel on Sundays afternoons and the clinic’s surrounding community is being invited for the services.

The mission in Sebaco, Nicaragua has been blessed with land purchased by a congregation in Alberta. A building project is being prepared. The rental supported by CLMS may soon give way to a church building. Pastor Hector and Cristina are focused in reaching out to children and their families.

The Nicaraguan church is making it a priority for teams of musicians using the instruments provided by CLMS to visit each of the synod’s congregation. The goal is to train and prepare musicians to lead the singing and Liturgy, and provide an opportunity for community mission outreach through music. Nicaraguans love to sing, and this program has proven a perfect fit for leadership training and mission.

To provide the opportunity for Pastors in Nicaragua to browse the internet and download good Lutheran resources for their work, CLMS is helping to provide the financial support for memory sticks and CDs. This way, the Pastors can store legitimate Lutheran material.

The mission in the region of Jinotepe, La Pita and Rivas in Nicaragua are growing, by God’s grace and the leadership of faithful Pastor Rufino. La Pita has a beautiful tarp for their church activities, a well is being built for the community, and expansion of the mission has reached into another small town in that region.

The Lord continues to bless the missionary work of Pastor Suchart Chujit in Thailand. His main work has been to visit families in their homes and lead Bible studies.

In Ukraine, God continues to provide joy in the midst of challenge. Rev. Alexey Navrotskyy: is focused on working in an intense study process so he can come to Canada for the 2014/2015 school year. With CLMS’ contribution, LCC is now close to $ 33,000.00 for Alexey’s first academic year at CLS.

Due to the political unstable situation, the new academic year for the Ukrainian Seminary won’t start this year. God and wise decision-makers will determine next steps.

The youth and other leaders in Ukraine train in June for the summer programs, which take place in July and August of each year.

The several other Ukrainian projects are proceeding well under the leadership of pastors Alexey Navrotskyy and Oleg Schewtschenko . Read about all the great work being accomplished in Ukraine, with the help of God here.

Dear friend of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society

“Thanks for the information! And thanks for the opportunity to participate!”

That’s how one couple responded after I had shared information with them on a specific Nicaragua Mission Project. I knew that they had a heart for mission and an interest in the Nicaragua Mission field. I felt that they would like to know how they might be able to help. “Thanks for the information,” they said.“And thanks for the opportunity to participate!”

It’s my privilege in this letter to share information not just on one project, but on a variety of mission projects around the world. I know that you too have a heart for mission and would want to know how you could assist. I hope you’ll respond as did the couple with whom I spoke. Thanks for the information! And thanks for the opportunity to participate, for giving us the privilege and opportunity to respond.

Our gracious God has given Lutheran Church-Canada the wonderful privilege of reaching out with the Gospel not only in this country of Canada, but also in Ukraine, South East Asia and Central America. Our weekly offerings are the primary instrument by which these ministries are supported. And we in LCC are most grateful for the generosity of God’s people.

But there are some who desire to do even more. One channel is through Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. Aware of our accountability to God and to our donors, CLMS committed to seeing every cent of every gift reach its desired destination. No deductions are made for operational expenses. These are covered by donations specifically designated for that purpose. That means that you can be sure that one hundred percent of your designated gift gets to the mission field.

And we want to keep you informed by sharing through our website and bulletins how God is using your gift and the gifts of others to expand the proclamation of the Good News that in the crucified and risen Saviour there is forgiveness and life, eternal life for all. That is something you know and believe with all your heart. It’s the message that we want to share with the world! Here is what I would like you to do.

1. Take a few moments to look at the brochure and the information provided in the mailing you received, or look here.
2. Check off that project or projects that tug at your heart.
3. If God has so blessed you that you are one of those “who desires to do even more” then follow the instructions on the brochure, or donate here.
It’s my prayer that you’re now saying, “Thanks for the Information! And thanks for the opportunity to participate!”

Cordially in Christ

Rev. Ralph Mayan, Pastoral Advisor
Concordia Lutheran Mission Society

  We give thanks that Project 1424 – Mission and ministry to prisoners in Ukraine is now funded for 2014.

This project covers transportation costs, literature and provide help for the inmates including medicine, tea, warm clothes, books and food.

Project 1416 – Tarp for the mission in Altos de Vera Cruz, Leon, has now been funded by the grace of God and CLMS’s partners in mission. Thank you!

This project provides a tarp to protect those attending worship services and Bible studies from the elements.

Worshipers in Altos de Vera Cruz currently worship in the open air.

We often think of mission work as reaching out across oceans and borders. It’s important to remember there are many, in our own country, who have not yet heard the life-saving message of Jesus. Sharing the message of Jesus with the Asian community right here in Canada is happening in an exciting new way.

CLMS, with your partner dollars, makes it possible for the Good News to be shared with people of other religions in Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding area. Rev. Larry Flohr (Christ Our King, Mississauga) , Joseph Sing (Our Saviour Lutheran in Etobicoke, Ontario), and Lay Missionary Javed Akhter (Redeemer in Hamilton, Ontario) host a Sunday morning broadcast on a Muslim-owned station. Through this broadcast ministry, the message of Jesus is being spoken to people who had previously only known Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism.

Consider donating to Project 1323 South Asian Christian Radio. Read more about this ministry at http://www.canadianlutheran.ca/broadcast-ministry-identifies-partners/

The following update and prayer was graciously provided by Rev. Cliff Haberstock.

On September 10, 2013 the active pastors of the Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua met to share a moment of joy together as brothers in Christ.  It is the first time they took this initiative of  only the pastors getting together in order to strengthen the Church in their unity and progress through the challenges they face. 

It was a day of prayer, fellowship, and learning. Pastor Hector Morales began this day of spiritual joy with devotional taken from Esclesiastes 3:1-11 and Pastor Silvio Sanchez led in music. Then they write, “we took on the task of preparing and cooking a hearty soup bone! Truly rich!” Pastor Roman Maximo is an excellent chef with the help of Pastor Marvin Donaire (President of the Synod), Pastor Junior Martinez and Pastor Mardo Calero.  Pastors Pedro Quintero, Silvio Sanchez, German Espinoza, Angel Salazar,  Luis Turcios, Hector Morales all were there in order to enjoy all these refreshing waters at Campuzano (in Chinandega) and especially their unity as children of God ¨Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ¨ Ephesians 4:3.   Blessings dear brothers in Christ.

Join me in praying for these and all our pastors and deaconesses in Nicaragua: 

Gracious heavenly Father, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself.  We thank you for the people You have called into Your Church in Nicaragua.  Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon the pastors and deaconesses in our sister church there, that they may be strengthened in their faith and knowledge of Your Word and boldly proclaim the good news of salvation.  In Your grace continue to guide and strengthen them as they seek to serve You faithfully.  Bless their land with just government and wise leadership that will enable the people to support their families even as they seek to follow their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

This program is supported by Project 1313, and this feedback is provided by Sergei Bevz.

Similar to previous years, some congregations of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine (SELCU) had five-day Christian camps for kids 6 – 15 years old. The camps were held in congregations of Nova Kahovka, Krasnoperekopsk, Odessa and the Bogomazy village from June 24 till July 19, 2013. The children were looking forward to the camp, many of them had taken part in it before. The total number of children who participated in the camps was 120.
The theme of this year’s  camp was Stroika (“Building”). The purpose was to show the kids how we can build our relationship with God, neighbors and ourselves through Jesus Christ. The main idea was presented through a rich program with skits, Bible lessons, songs, crafts etc.

The team of staff consisted of five full time volunteers from different congregations. For all of them, apart from one experienced veteran of the camps, it was the first time they participated in such a project.

Ten days before the first camp they gathered in Odessa to prepare the summer camp program as well as to participate in the annual “Days of Faith” Conference, where they also had a chance to serve kids. And after the last camp was finished, they continued to serve back in their congregations. They visited a youth tent camp at the Black Sea. There they worked with small children. In totally the staff spent more than six weeks ministering to kids for the Lord. It was a very active and blessed time.

There were also difficulties when we were planning this project. Many of those who participated in the camp last year were not able to join us this year and could not share their experience. That is why the team was less experienced and not as numerous as before. It was especially evident when we had a large number of kids. It took a lot of work and learning from our own mistakes. However, with every camp the team became more experienced and united.

Also, the help of all four SELCU congregations was very much appreciated. They took an active part in the camp and provided helpers for it as well. We thank Lutheran Church–Canada for volunteer Joshua from Drumheller, who joined the team in Odessa and participated in the program. Thus, together with the helpers, 17 volunteers participated in the camp.

In spite of all the difficulties, we can see that because of this camp we were able to prepare young people to be volunteers next year. It also helped them to realize they can work with our Sunday schools, lead youth services and have received some wonderful and practical experience, as well as grow in their faith through morning and evening Bible studies. It is wonderful to feel like a useful instrument in God’s hands. Therefore when the project was coming to an end, they were already thinking about helping out next year.

For many people it was the first time they learnt something about the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ. The camps were a blessing for churches, they enriched their work with children, gave opportunity to serve and helped to get new people in their Sunday schools. For the children who already attended our camp, it was a great opportunity to get rooted in the Church (at Sunday school) and to grow in their saving faith.

Sergei Bevz, Vicar, Project  Supervisor,
Alumnus of Concordia Theological Seminary (Odessa), 2013

Personal Testimonies of the Participants

Luba, 17, volunteer from Nikolaev
“This year I was a volunteer for the Christian camps. I was sure I would not get into the team of volunteers because the time of the camp overlapped with my college exams. But nothing is impossible with God! Of course, it took some prayer, but God allowed me to take part in this mission. I learned a lot during this time: how to work with children, how to pray, I learned many spiritual lessons during the morning and evening fellowships, as well as how to work together as a team. I received new experiences and understood my strengths as well as weaknesses, realized my mistakes and how to correct them. In general, I am very happy about my participation and I thank God for all I received. It was my first time on the team, but I hope it won’t be the last.”

Kristina, 21, volunteer from Nikolaev
“It is my 5th time on the team and I know that every year is special, different from other years. Every time I want to be part of the team, in spite of the fact that there are always difficulties, it is not always easy to find compromise, and I don’t always have enough love and patience. But when I think that this work is pleasing to God, I get encouraged and gain new strength to go on and to open my heart to children. I know that it is better to give than to receive — it is a great joy to see the kids happy! God united many people into one team for one purpose, forgiving and teaching us by His grace. This year I learned how to accept people the way they are, not trying to change them, but praying for them.”

CLICK HERE for more information about this CLMS project.