December 21, 2011
In This Issue
Pastor and Family in Desperate Need of Vehicle Comfort Dog Update Featured Stories Consider Donation Today Items Free for the Asking Feed the Invisible Guest Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue in Chicago has asked LCC to make an appeal for a reliable car Program for him and his family. He is in desperate need of a vehicle that College Students Head out will serve his ministry and his family. If you have a car you are for Haiti! thinking of donating, please consider passing it through LCC for Invisible Pastor Kalonji. Upcoming Events How To Keep LCC Serving
Call the LCC office at (866) 455-6466 and we'll walk you through the process of donating a car. You'll get full Kelley Blue Book value of your car for charitable donation credit.
Reverend Hicham Chehab Receives Generous Donation for His Ministry Tim's Picks of the Week
On Tuesday, December 20, Reverend Hicham Chehab of Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Ministry Association (CLMMA) came to the LCC office where President Tim Hetzner presented him with a generous donation given through LCC in support of his ministry. Pastor Chehab also received other financial gifts and picked up toys to be distributed to needy children through his congregation. The toys were donated through LCC by the school children of Immanuel Batavia. The toys were distributed to several ministries including CLMMA. Click here to donate for the ongoing work of CLMMA
Check Delivered to Lord of Life LaFox for 'Miracle' Child in the Congregation Fund Still Open for Ongoing Support
Pastor Phil Ressler of Lord of Life LaFox received a check from LCC Staffer Rich Martin on Tuesday representing the first gifts received in support of Megan Seals. Meagan Seals is a miracle of God. While still in the womb, Meagan was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called Encephalocele where the brain is formed outside the skull. The Seals were told to have an abortion as children with this condition are not expected to live.
By the grace of God and the amazement of doctors, Meagan was born into this world. But even after her birth, the doctors did not expect her to live and put her in hospice care. It was at this time I had to privilege to baptize her and after she was baptized she began to thrive.
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
LCC connects needs with resources, working with more than 400 congregations to help Christians "Make a Difference in People's Lives and in God's Kingdom" To meet our staff, click here For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org
Click here to see a YouTube video from a story done on CBS 2 Chicago about Meagan Today, Meagan is two years old. She still faces many challenges. Meagan's parents are working with the insurance company and others to acquire a chair that will greatly improve Megan's mobility. However, since Meagan's condition is considered terminal the insurance company regularly declines all first requests causing long delays and many conversations before getting any help. Once they received approval from insurance the maker of the chair changed the company name which rendered the prescription invalid and they had to start over! The chair is designed to support Meagan's spine and to help her sit up. Insurance has finally agreed to cover most of the expenses for this chair. The Seals had hoped to come up with $2000 by the end of the year. However, due to the long delays explained above the chair won't be available until after the first of the year. This means a whole new year of deductibles and additional expenses that will take the cost much higher. Some donations have come in but with these recent changes more is needed and gifts are still being accepted. Please consider helping this family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. If you are interested in following Meagan's story on Facebook you can "Like" her at "Meagan Seals Miracle Baby." Click here to donate to the Seals family
Your Gifts Support St. Matthew Chicago and Soup Kitchen Outreach
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Ministry Quicklinks Newsletter Archive / Printable Format
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The latest donations to St. Matthew Chicago were delivered by Rich Martin of LCC to Pastor Julio Loza. St. Matthew is still recovering expenses for the replacement of the boiler in their soup kitchen and now faces nearly $10,000 in gutter repairs to stop the flow of water into the sanctuary. Every time it rains or snows more and more damage is being done to the interior of their historic church. Your donations will help preserve their facility and keep their outreach ministry going.
Bible Classes Daily Devotions
LCC Receives Note of Grateful Thanks from Texas Family Affected by Wildfires
Prayer Requests To Donate Ministries We Support
The following thank you note arrived in our offices from a family helped by your generous donations for those affected by the Labor Day wildfires in Bastrop, Texas. They write... Dear Lutheran Church Charities, Thank you so much for your incredible generosity after losing our home in the Labor Day Bastrop wildfire. We have been so blessed by the community that has surrounded us, both near and far. Our prayers and heartfelt thanks to you. Click here to donate for those recovering from the fires
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
Faith Westchester Goes A Caroling in the Community Along With LCC Staff and K-9 Comfort Dogs
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer"e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
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On Sunday, December 18, Faith Lutheran Church in Westchester hosted their very first Community Christmas Caroling event. Widely recognized in the community for their response to the flood there in 2010, the Christmas caroling continued Faith's outreach as they caroled at several homes of people served during flood recovery. When people learned the carolers were from the church they expressed their gratitude for all the help during the flood and were happy to see everyone in better times. Carolers and K-9's also spread Christmas cheer to older adults in town and residents at a local senior center. At one of those homes we met a woman named Linda who had been caring for her father who died six months ago. After the singing she shared that her spirits were lifted as it has been a difficult holiday season for her. The group even made an impromptu stop to carol for folks at the local laundromat where the dogs helped to open doors of conversation and some even joined in singing. The group also stopped outside a video store just a block from church where people were coming and going but stopped to pet the dogs and listen to the singing. The whole evening began with caroling at the fire station to wish them a Merry Christmas. This outreach event touched many and brought twenty-eight new contacts to Faith giving them future opportunities for sharing the love and compassion of Christ with the community. Click here to see pictures from this event Click here to donate to the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Click here to request K-9 Comfort Dogs for your church or school event
Thank You and Year End Gift Acknowledges Consistent Years of Service Provided by LCC
Paul and Sue Streufert of Weston, Wisconsin included a very kind note detailing the many ways LCC has provided opportunities for service with their year-end contribution. Their gift was made in the name of siblings, a great way to celebrate Christmas. Here's part of what Paul shared with us: Instead of sharing Christmas gifts to my brother, sister families, we decided to for the first time to share donations in my siblings names to charities we respect. Here is why. We came in contact with LCC about 9 or 10 years ago after Katrina disaster in New Orleans, being led by leader Karen Zimmermann, local parish nurse with Trinity Lutheran, Wausau who connected with one of your staff...Our last project was the best, went to Huma, town about an hour from New Orleans - had housing in community center, projects set up in this town - we were connected to serve a family there the whole week...Now this last April 2011 I learned a service crew responded to tornado just north of here with severe damage to Merrill, came with group and trailer of tools, helped us and left that trailer for our assistance. A huge support over the years because you were guiding assistance to us. Thank you. Click here to read Paul's entire letter
Special Devotion Series Highlights Ministry of LCC Coinciding With 12 Days of Christmas
A very special 12 part devotion, 'The 12 Days of LCC', coincides with the 12 Days of Christmas (December 25, 2011 to January 5, 2012) and highlights the ministries of LCC. Written by LCC staffer for Mission and Ministry Advancement, Tim Kurth, the series takes you into the New Year with thoughtful reflections on God's Word with complementary tidbits about LCC's ministries that provide opportunities for us to live out God's call. If you don't currently get the daily devotions sign-up now before The 12 Days of LCC series begins: Action Figure (The First Day of LCC) I Can Relate (The Second Day of LCC) You're On (The Third Day of LCC) Don't Be Ignorant (The Fourth Day of LCC) Creature Comforts (The Fifth Day of LCC) Well Known (The Sixth Day of LC)
No Limits (The Seventh Day of LCC) Facing the Future (The Eighth Day of LCC) Disorderly Conduct (The Ninth Day of LCC) Give 'Em A Hand (The Tenth Day of LCC) Well Equipped (The Eleventh Day of LCC) Complete Joy (The Twelfth Day of LCC)
Click here to sign up for our free online devotions Click here for our archive of Daily Devotions
Tim Hetzner Speaks to 50's Plus Group at Immanuel Palatine
Tim Hetzner, President of LCC, spoke on the difference between the "Traditional" Christmas story and the "Biblical" CHRISTmas story for the 50's Plus group at Immanuel Palatine last Friday. The 50's Plus group also presented LCC with five quilts to be given out to needy families for Christmas. THANK YOU 50's Plus Group. What a great, Fun, Growing Group. Here's more about the group... 50's Plus is Immanuel's fellowship group for those over 50. We welcome singles, couples, or one of a couple, and we encourage you to bring friends from the community. We do not actually have "members" but are mature adults who want to enjoy each other's company, to learn some new things, to grow in God's word - and to have fun! We meet on Fridays in Fellowship Hall at 10 am. We greet each other over a cup of coffee and start with a Bible Topic. We then move on to our program at 11:00 which is followed by lunch at noon for a one-dollar donation. Following lunch is informal fellowship, cards, etc. Immanuel is located at 200 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine. Click here to see the 50's Plus schedule for January
Concordia Selma President Tilahun Mendedo Seeks Support for 'Feeding His Lambs' Program in Ethiopia
The Master Builder Center in Ethiopia, a ministry supported by native Ethiopian and President of Concordia College in Selma, Tilahun Mendedo, has an initiative that gives at risk children a competitive education helping them to become effective members of society. In Ethiopia today, thousands of families lack needed food and shelter, and as a result their children often end up on the street, separated from their families. The Master Builder Center's "Feeding His Lambs" program is designed to insure that children can stay with their families until the children have graduated from high school and able to take their place in building the Ethiopian society and the Ethiopian church. By reaching these lambs at an early age (3-6 years old on average) this program nurtures many lambs to be leaders who will shepherd the next generation of lambs. It also gives them insight into how Jesus cares for all His lambs. They will become our successors who will follow Him. We ask you to consider a gift to feed these lambs. Feeding one of these children for one month costs $30. Each of the lambs is carefully chosen, and the MBC staff in Ethiopia ensures that the funds allow the selected children to maintain their family connections and succeed in school. Consider support for one month ($30), one year ($360) or from start through the finish of high school ($3000). Click here to donate
Please Help The Haitian Lutheran Mission Project Feed Haitian Orphans
Sue Gross, with the Haitian Lutheran Mission Project and a member at Christ Lutheran Orland Park, is asking for help feeding Haitian orphans. She writes... This morning I received an email from our Feeding Program Director, Rick, telling me that we do not have enough money to pay for our January support for the School of Dame Marie. This school is part of Pastor Isaac's Ministry and he is one of our Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti Pastors. They have been in partnership with LCMS since 2003 but receive no direct financial support from synod. These children receive one meal of rice and beans a day at school and they are often the ONLY meals they get all week. Many Haitian children only eat 3 times a week. (3 meals a week). The monthly cost to feed 130 children is $640. Thank you for considering a gift to see that Pastor Isaac can continue to feed these children. Click here to donate
CHRISTmas Gifting to Make A Difference Don't know what to give someone for Christmas? Don't want to fight the shoppers at the mall? Don't want to wrap a present? Don't know what to give someone who has everything they need? Consider giving a JESUS GIFT this CHRISTmas by gifting someone something that helps someone in need! LCC will acknowledge your gift to the person you are gifting! You can even print your own gift card (click here).
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35
Sample of printable gift card
To gift someone this Christmas by helping someone in need Shoes for children in Haiti Provide a Christmas meal for a family in need through one of our Mission Congregations Water filters for Lutheran Schools or families in Haiti Comfort Dog for a church Sponsor a meal at St. Matthew's El Comedor Soup Kitchen Latrine for a Lutheran School in Haiti Bibles in Arabic for Lutheran Mission to Muslims Motorcycle for a Pastor in Haiti
Click Here to Give a Special Gift this CHRISTmas
LCC also has Christmas gifts available through our Gift and Bookstore. Click here to view additional gift ideas.
Gifts of Stocks (Equities) If you give appreciated stock to Lutheran Church Charities, you may be able to base your charitable income tax deduction on the value of the stock when transferred. LCC would not pay any capital gains tax when it sells the stock, so your entire gift is donated to Lutheran Church Charities. If you sold the stock first, you would owe capital gains tax and have less to give. To put that in context, if a charitable donor in the 28% income tax bracket gives stock now valued at $5,000 but originally bought for $3,000, she can save about $1,508 for her charitable gift, and avoid $342 in capital gains tax! Ultimately, her $5,000 gift only costs her $3,150 "out of pocket." If your stock has decreased in value, you are better off to sell it first and donate the cash, claiming a loss when you calculate your taxes. To find out more, please contact Rich Martin at 866-455-6466. With your support this past year we were able to serve thousands who were in need! Click here to see what your generosity has done this year So after you have given to those in need this CHRISTmas Season, "Remember us Last" so that we can be first to serve in 2012. Thank you for your faithful support and prayers. You have Made a Difference! To God be All Glory! Click here to donate to the 12/31 Appeal
First LERT Training Scheduled for the New Year
Immanuel Lutheran Church at 950 Hart Road in Batavia will be hosting the first LERT training of 2012. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, February 11th from 8:30 am until Noon. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 followed by a three hour class from 9 am until Noon.
Click here to register for the LERT training at Immanuel Batavia
Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and the LERT Safety Vest, which is required to be worn in a disaster response situation. Registration can be paid by credit card online at time of registration or by cash or check at the door. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register for LERT training on February 11, 2012 For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Comfort Dog Update
LCC Comfort Dogs Visit Hines VA Hospital Commander of the 19th District VFW Post, Joe Palmer (member at Trinity Roselle), invited the K-9 Comfort Dogs to visit a special spinal injury ward at Hines VA Hospital on Thursday, December 15. Due to a virus in the ward the handlers and dogs were limited in their access to residents but most of the patients in this ward seldom have visitors of any sort so it was very special to have a visit from our K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers. The handlers and dogs - Tranetta McComb with Star, Shar Farran with Adeena, and Linda Abbe with Gunnar all spoke about how rewarding the visits with the Veterans were and what an outstanding staff they have in that ward. We all thank God for their service to our country and the sacrifice these men have made for our freedom. Most will be in this nursing home indefinitely.
Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit Donate to the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Your Donations Make A Difference
Several large bags of new toys were given by the children of Immanuel Lutheran School in Batavia for children in need. Volunteer Chuck Schild picked up the donation of toys and delivered it to the LCC office. LCC identified several ministries including CLMMA, Zion Chicago on Winston Avenue and Haitian Fellowship in Chicago to receive these toys for families in their area. Thanks to the children of Immanuel for their generosity and to Chuck for delivering the donation to LCC. It is wonderful to see them sharing the love of Jesus this Christmas season.
Pastor Mark Shockey of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Edina, Minnesota facilitated the donation of a van through LCC. The van will provide Karlo and his family transportation during the cold Minnesota winter. This family discovered the down to earth love of our Savior this Advent! Pastor Shockey writes: "Thanks for your generous gift Jean and Paul. Thanks for the inspiration and assistance LCC."
Thanks in part to your generosity Pastor Stephane Kalonji was able to visit his terminally ill brother in South Africa. He writes... I write to thank LCC for soliciting financial help for my trip to visit my very ill brother, in South Africa. It was truly a blessing to be able to share this very difficult time with my brother; his condition remains crtical and it was sad to leave him but we spent our time together in prayer and total trust in the Lord. The support raised by LCC partially covered the cost of my airfare. May our Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless LCC and all who made the donations.
Jennifer Saele's donation of an infant swing arrived at LCC and within two hours already Made A Difference and met a need in the life of a family from the Haitian Fellowship as Pastor Jean Bingue came in to pick up donated Christmas gifts of toys and baby equipment for members of their congregation. Jennifer's donation was among the items collected by Pastor Bingue.
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: CLMMA - Salam Christian Ministry Lord of Life Lutheran Church, LaFox IL - Meagan Seals Fund New Life Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne IN - Myanmar Christmas Fund Bethesda Lutheran Church, Chicago IL - Christmas Outreach Fund CLMMA - Iranian Family Rent Assistance Fund
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Urgent Request to Support Family Suffering Through Devastating Loss
On Tuesday, December 13, the following request came to LCC from Cynthia on behalf of her sister (names are withheld to respect the family's privacy): Dear Lutheran Church Charities, It is with a sad heart that I request assistance from your organization. My sister has lost her only child to a sudden and unexpected suicide. She was 30 years old with three children (ages 7, 5, and 1 year) and a husband.
She loved the Lord with all her heart, but succumbed to post-partum depression and severe physical pain caused by a botched surgery. At her memorial, there were more than 500 people in attendance and five of them came up to witness that she was the one who helped them to find the Lord. My sister was in Maryland at the time of her daughter's death. She works as an over the road truck driver. The company she works with paid for her to travel for the funeral. Unfortunately, when she returned to work, the company took out all the money she owed in one lump sum leaving her with about $200 to live on for four weeks. The apartment she is living in is threatening eviction for lack of December's payment and several late charges. We are unable to help as my husband was out of a job for seven months. Since my niece's death, I have been taking care of her three children and we are in the process of moving. I am asking for any assistance you could give. Click here to support this family in a very difficult time.
Iranian Refugee Family Faces Eviction
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) Bashir (pictured) and his family will face eviction at the end of this month if they cannot pay their rent ($890). Bashir is in his early twenties. He is a hemophiliac and will receive disability benefits in a month or two that will help his family pay the rent. The family has been attending Salam since they came to America a year ago. Bashir was baptized unto the Lord in early October and he is leading others to Christ. Please help this family in need. Click here to donate
Urgent Request from Pastor Shehab for Iraqi Convert Facing Eviction
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) An Iraqi convert from Islam, and who suffers from a disability, is facing eviction the end of November. Pastor Hicham Chehab is making an urgent request for assistance for the $921 needed to prevent the eviction. He writes... "The payment will resolve the current concern as this refugee has now qualified for section 8 (subsidized housing) and his part-time job will pay enough to cover future expenses going forward. His radical Muslim ex-wife has instigated the Muslim community against him and he is ostracized by Muslims in Chicagoland. Please help a new brother find love and compassion after he left his community for Christ." Click here to donate
Disaster Response Immanuel Joplin Seeks Specialized Volunteers
Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response at Immanuel Joplin, is looking for volunteer teams with very specific skills to help with projects slated from December through February. Team registrations have tapered off but there are five projects underway where more volunteers are needed. Trent writes... The Lord has blessed us with the ability to get 5 decent sized projects under roof before the weather has gotten too nasty here, so we have lots of interior work; electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, painting, cabinets and trim that need to be or will need to be done but we have very few teams committed from December-February any help that you can stir up would be greatly appreciated.
Click here for more information or to register your team
With LCC CARE CARDING You Can MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Tangible Way So many people want to help the people of Joplin, Missouri in a meaningful way - but are not sure what to do. Here is an opportunity to provide Mercy and Compassion and Help to an individual or family right now! Click here for more information If you are unable to do a CARE CARD but would like to contribute to the purchase of gift cards, click here to donate.
Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals and Ministries
All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold. LCC has received numerous requests from churches for vehicles for families in need of reliable transportation. The need for cars and vans to provide a means for getting to work, school and medical appointments has never been higher.
If you have a working car or van please consider donating it to LCC for one of these families. All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold. Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting for some word...
Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City, Michigan Seeks Car for Disabled Man Van Needed for Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Member of New Song, Aurora in Need of Car Pastor in Need of Van for Outreach Ministry in Chicago Cargo Van or Pick-up Truck Needed for Food Pantry at Zion Lutheran Church Cars Needed for Immigrant Families Cars Needed for Liberian Refugee Families Click here for the complete page listing the needs
If you have a vehicle to donate, please contact LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call 866-455-6466
Other Stories Still Seeking Support Lord of Life LaFox Invites Others to Join Them in Supporting Haitian Orphanage Pastor Marky Kessa's Wife Attacked by Robbers Christmas for the Poor in Myanmar Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle and Financial Support Iraqi Refugee Family Facing Eviction Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single Mom Family Facing Eviction because Landlord is being Foreclosed Family of Five Lost Home - Need Financial Assistance
Items Free for the Asking LCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To request an item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask that they call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be made to connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church then please call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who can assist you. 2903 Twin Bed Extra Long Mattress and Box Spring (No soil - like new), golden oak entertainment center 46"W x 20"D x 64"T - TV opening 35 1/2", 92" Sofa and 72" love seat (tan and black)- Houndstooth pattern 2902 (2) boxes and (1) can of assorted sockets and socket set pieces, paint roller, (2) hack saws, (1) grease gun, mason's hammer, claw hammer, hatchet, Army cot replacement canvas, (2) caulking guns, tube of acrylic caulk, (2) small measuring tapes, 10' measuring tape, 36" pry-bar, 16' motorized measuring tape, router, 16" laser level, scoup shovel, manual week wacker, extension pole for paint rollers, (2) tubes lithium grease, (1) socket set, universal joint socket set, one drill chuck, small level and (2) small sets of assorted sockets and drivers 2901 computer desk with hutch - storage above with area for keyboard and monitor, one drawer, adjustable shelves 2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and (11) Dark Gold in color 2898 Black & Decker Car Vac 12 Volt Model # 9510. Powerful, Convenient, and Durable. On/Off Switch. Tested and works great. The Car Vac has a plug which fits most 12 Volt Cigarette Lighter Sockets, a 16 foot cord with convenient storage area, Permanent reusable and washable filter bag, Durable one piece bowl, Also comes with all original parts: 1 Crevice Tool and 1 Upholstery Nozzle Click here for the full list of Items Free for the Asking To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated, CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM
Ministry Needs Help Make A Difference Short-term Missionary Hannah Kiefer Seeks Assistance for One-year Service In June 2011, Hannah Kiefer, of Bonfield, Illinois, was commissioned by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's International Ministries to serve as a short-term, GEO missionary. For one year, she will teach English at the Concordia English Center in Macau, and help with weekly Bible studies and outreach events there. Hannah writes... Will you partner with me in sharing Christ's love with the people of Macau? Please prayerfully consider helping support my year of missionary service. The total cost will be approximately $27,000 and will cover everything from training and visa costs to housing and food. Funds are currently at $4,664 and I hope to continue to find churches and individuals who will partner with me in the mission God has set before us. Hannah is the daughter of Pastor John and Sandy Kiefer of Zion Lutheran Church in Bonfield, Illinois, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2011 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Business Administration. Click here to support Hannah
English New Testaments Needed for Salam Outreach to Students Request from Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam Arabic Fellowship, Missionary, POBLO- Chicago
Salam Arabic Fellowship needs paperback English copies of the New Testament for the student ministry at College of DuPage and Morraine Valley Community College. NIV, or other modern translations are preferable. Our student ministry has given out more than 300 copies of the Bible to college students over the past four years, not to mention tracts and Christian books. God's Word sows seeds of faith in the hearts of people and would never return empty! At this time we are looking to give away copies of the New Testament only. We have found that to be the most effective outreach to the students. If you have copies of the New Testament to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate for the purchase of New Testaments
LCC in need of Video Editors for Missions Lutheran Church Charities receives frequent requests from ministries and missionaries asking for help producing short videos on their mission or ministry. Although LCC has all the equipment and a studio, we simply do not have the staff time to do all the editing jobs that are asked of us. If you have the skills and would like to volunteer to help a missionary or someone working to go on the mission field tell their story we would like to talk with you. Anyone interested in volunteering for projects is asked to please contact Dana Yocum, Tim Kurth, or Tim Hetzner at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Items Available to a Ministry 2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and (11) Dark Gold in color 2897 Risograph GR 3750 printer (black & white printing only) 2881 (22) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (Blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 2879 72" x 72" Sauder Oak wall unit 2873 Savin 3350 Duplicator Click here for the full list of Items Available to a Ministry To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated, CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM
Mission Opportunities Help Make A Difference New Believers, New Starts in Cambodia!
George & Shary Frahm (pictured) are LCMS Missionaries recently commissioned at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine. Through this commissioning, Immanuel is partnering with the Frahm's in providing support for their Cambodian mission. Together, we are seeking other congregations throughout the LCMS to join in this effort to support the "Angels Dormitory project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia." Click here to read more
Short Term Mission Opportunities MOST Ministries
Carly Stevens, Executive Director MOST Ministries
Lutheran Church Charities endorses MOST Ministries as a valuable partner in Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in works of service to others in places throughout the world. We have worked with MOST in the past and endorse and support this ministry. If you are interested in Short Term Mission opportunities, please click here to find out what currently is available. Or you may go directly to their website at www.MostMinistries.org We thank God for the ministry and partnership of MOST Ministries and encourage those who are interested to be involved with them in serving others. Thank you, Tim Hetzner President, Lutheran Church Charities
COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ... You recognize this prayer written by Martin Luther ...
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest And let thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen If we really mean this prayer and want Jesus to be our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also? Consider becoming a part of LCC's individual challenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST - AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to help feed the hungry. Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert
International Ministry Scholarship a Child in Myanmar
Because of your Donations Two of 10 Students have Received Scholarships Click here if you would like to make a donation to help one of these young students
Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti Relief Efforts
Physical Needs Latrines for the Lutheran schools - $500 Water Filters - School Version - $185 - Home Version - $35 Building Homes and Hope in Haiti Shoes - $5 Motorcycles for Pastors - $1,000 Support College Students Volunteering in Haiti - $150 Goats - $50 each General Disaster Response Donations Spiritual Needs Staff Workers in the Tent Cities - $200 a
month Bibles in French - $6 each Luther's Small Catechism in Creole - $5 each See Through the Scriptures manuals in French - $2 each Developing Projects Radio Ministry - click here to learn more Hosting Haitian Christian Music Group for U.S. Tour - click here to learn more
Christian Education Projects in the Philippines Help the Lutheran Church of the Philippines (LCP) move toward establishing 100 new church and school ministries by the year 2017 to reach more people with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ! Rev. James Cerdenola is the LCP President. Read more... Click here to donate
LCC Ministry Resources Tim's Picks of the Week
Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Market Spirituality by: Ravi Zacharias The author believes that over the past forty years movements like New Age spirituality and society's obsession with human potential have combined like a "perfect storm" to redefine for popular culture what has been for centuries the classic biblical definition of the person, work, and teaching of Jesus Christ.In WHY JESUS?, Ravi Zacharias looks at the impact of this "storm" by discussing the 60s-70s "Age of Aquarius," actor Shirley Maclane's book and TV series Out On a Limb, author James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy), Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code), and other books by Eckart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, the Dali Lama, and Marianne Williamson. Special attention will be given to the influence of Oprah Winfrey's media platform in reshaping society by introducing and promoting certain books and authors. Major new age and human potential tenets will be discussed like: the belief that we are all gods and have to discover our divinity; Jesus was only a good teacher; Christianity is but one among many ways to eternal life; reincarnation is real; Jesus was married; truth is relative; there is no sin; and perfection is possible. The truth of and the arguments for the bodily resurrection of Jesus will be presented as the most important argument for the exclusive claims about Jesus and Christianity.
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by: Billy Graham Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don't like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life's transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
Looking to be in an in-depth Bible Study? Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group?
Over 150 weeks of In-Depth Bible Studies available on DVD
Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, has led over 40 Biblical Studies Trips to the Middle East over the past 30 years. Learn his insights into the Biblical Text, the Culture and Customs of the People, the History and Archeology of the land - but MOST OF ALL - discover the MIND-METHOD-MANNER and MINISTRY of our Lord Jesus Christ. All Courses are available on DVD and also on the Internet. Become a host site for Word Among Us Studies and find Answers in the Bible for Life's Many Difficulties and Questions! For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email at WAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Hot Dog Cart and Grill Available for Ministry Events Thanks to Thrivent and Generous Donors
Thanks to the generous contributions of LCC donors and a grant from The Northwest Cook County Thrivent Branch, LCC has acquired a commercial grade food service cart and a large gas grill. Both of these are mounted on trailers and can be picked up to be used by your church for picnics, festivals, and other events where food is served. LCC plans to use this food prep equipment as part of our disaster response in order to feed volunteers and victims of disaster. When there is no disaster related activity the cart and grill are available for churches and schools in the Northern Illinois District. If you would like to use one or both of these for an upcoming event, please contact LCC or click below to complete a request form. LCC always looks for ways to resource your ministry in unique and creative ways. Click here to fill out a reservation form
Ministry Resources Available to Congregations Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to Those in Your Church and Community? How to Conduct a Successful Mission Fair
Click here to learn more about these and other Ministry Resources available from LCC
LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs Available for Church Functions and School Chapels! Click here to learn more!
Servant at Heart - Online Christian Business Directory Looking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online Christian Business Directory, Servant@Heart. This online directory allows: - Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. - Christians looking for employment a place to post their resume - Christians with job openings a place to post those opening - Others to seek out Christian businesses and employees Click here to learn more
Faith Led Feet - An Opportunity to Put Your Faith in Action
Lutheran Church Charities has created a new page,"Faith Led Feet", on our web site that will help Christians who are involved in activities for a charitable cause as an expression of their faith to spread the word. Click here to read more.
LCC Emergency Assistance Fund LCC gets requests daily concerning people who need assistance, and it is increasing because of the current economic times we are living in. LCC works through our churches to provide assistance by making the need known - and dollar per dollar we give the money to a church to help the family or individual. However, we receive some requests that are emergencies, and money is needed that day or the next day and we can't always get the need out in our weekly email newsletter first. Would you consider making a gift to our LCC Emergency Assistance fund so that when these emergency needs occur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This is an important way for the Body of Christ to share the Mercy and Compassion and Proclamation of Christ. To contribute please click here Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner
Annual Ski Retreat for High School Youth Groups in January
January 13-15, 2012 Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells Ski, snowboard or tubing at Cascade Mountain. Music, great speakers and lots of fun. NEW for 2012: a Family Retreat component. For more information please contact Debra via email at registrar@walcamp.org or call her at 815-784-5141..
Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events
How To Support Lutheran Church Charities All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter. If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please contact TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org or send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101 or contribute at our web site at http://www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466