Ukraine Youth – Who Knew?

       Youth from every SELCU congregation gathered on January 8, 2020 for their four-day Winter Youth Conference. Most of those who attended were male and many came from non-Christian homes.  These 60 young people gathered at the Seminary in Odessa to hear, in a nutshell, “Human life is a great adventure as God the Creator gave each of us the gift of life.  He leads us through life’s challenges, the hills and the valleys.  Yet through all this, God is with each of us and He will meet us at the end of our journey.  Along the way He gives us families, friends, church, and work to do.  Sometimes our journey is joyful and bright, but sometimes it is dangerous and difficult. The Bible provides guidance on all these different areas of life.” 

While the organizers of this conference knew there would be uneven ground ahead for these youth, none of them could have known that they were all about to face one of their greatest challenges, life with CoVid-19, a world-wide pandemic. 

Thank the Lord that these youth were given an opportunity to be together and hear about God’s loving care for them so that they could be encouraged in their faith. Because of the strict and long quarantine there, many people have become angry or depressed and always hungry. 

Join CLMS in our prayer, “Dear Lord, please keep these youth faithful to you, giving them strength to face all that will come their way.  Help them daily to look to You as their strength and stay. Thank you for them, for the facilitators of the conference, and for their desire to serve you. Amen”.

Music Program for Children and Youth

Children and youth are being trained in music and learning to play the keyboard, allowing them to actively participate in their congregation’s worship services. Keyboards, guitars, speakers, microphones, band equipment, music sheets are needed.  The project also provides funding for transportation and meals when training is taking place.

I want to support the music program.

Project 1807 Goal: $5,000

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Youth Ministry

Since 2015 youth from Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica have met annually at the Mission Centre in Chinandega for a National Youth Gathering. More recently there have also been spin-off regional youth gatherings held in Matagalpa, Jinotega, and Costa Rica.

If you are compelled to help the youth continue to meet, and grow in their faith, please support this worthy project.

I want to support the youth.

Project 1808 Goal: $6000

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Youth Outreach in Cartago

Youth retreat

Pastor Edmundo Retana in Cartago reaches out to more than 30 young people with the Gospel. These youth meet weekly to learn about God’s Word and for fellowship. Finances are needed for transportation, rental of a meeting place, meals, and other resources including youth retreats.

I want to support youth outreach in Costa Rica.

Project 1705 Goal: $1600

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Ministry with youth and children

The outreach team prepares for a busy summer.

The outreach team prepares for a busy summer.

Young people everywhere enjoy getting together for fun and fellowship, especially when they can share their common faith and tell others about it. That’s what’s happening in Ukraine throughout the year.

During the summer of 2014 a Vacation Bible school team visited and worked in three congregations for six weeks supporting summer children’s programs, as well as working with children during the Days of Faith annual conference. God blessed the efforts with an opportunity to reach almost 150 children.

In the Black Sea area almost 90 young people and parents enjoyed a summer youth camp in 2014. They spent time in God’s Word focusing on the letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation.

These gatherings continue throughout the year. During winter young people go to Concordia Seminary in Odessa to spend time in God´s Word and pray for the peace in our country and for each other.

Ministry to young people in SELCU is very important. These projects not only help congregations by working with children or inviting new children to hear the Gospel, they also help to train new leaders for congregations, future pastors and teachers. They help young people invest in Christian education and give them an opportunity to support their pastors and churches.

Your support provides funds for transportation, training leaders, producing material, and supplying meals for the events.

I want to support the outreach to young people in Ukraine.

(Project 1523) Goal: $6900

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