Ukraine Update: A letter from Pastor Yuriy Popel

UKRAINE – We received the following letter from Rev. Yuriy Popel, pastor of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s partner church the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU):

My dear brothers and sisters of Lutheran Church–Canada,

Peace be with you all in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and for donating so generously to our Church. Your support has been a great blessing to my ministry. Unfortunately, I had to sell my car due to the economic challenges we are facing here. This car was primarily used for my ministry, allowing me to visit my parishioners, and to minister at our local boarding school and nursing homes. It became increasingly difficult to address the growing needs of my community during this war. There are so many people here in need of food, clothing, hygiene and medical supplies. Our SELCU leaders recognized the great needs of my ministry and appealed to LCC to use funds from the Ukraine Aid Fund to purchase a vehicle.

Thanks to the Lord and all of you we have purchased a van, which we are now using to deliver humanitarian aid to my community and the surrounding area. This great blessing allows me to visit my members and to offer pastoral care to various people in my community. We are so very happy that the Lord has opened your hearts to support such a need. May God continue to bless you for your generous hearts. This vehicle will bring many benefits to the Church and help to people in need.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:19-20

With great gratitude and respect,

Rev. Yuriy Popel

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UPDATE: As of May 18, 2022 the people of LCC have raised a total of $514,361.69 for the LCC Ukraine Relief Aid Fund. For those who would like to direct financial support to the pastors and people of the SELCU, you can do so through LCC’s Ukraine Aid Fund Here.

REMINDER: Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s Ukraine Aid Fund directly supports our partner church, the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) during this current crises. Another aid fund for Ukraine established by Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) will contribute to rebuilding efforts and other expenses, anticipating the significant financial need that will arise in the aftermath of this current conflict. As auxiliaries of LCC, the funds raised through CLMS, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Canada (LWMLC) to name another example, will be directed to our partner Church in Ukraine through LCC. This is just one of the ways that the various auxiliaries, listed service organizations, and people of our Synod are working together, as one Body under Christ in support of humanitarian works of mercy. Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is also working to provide general humanitarian relief in Ukraine through the help of their partner organizations.