Even in darkness light dawns

“Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. . . . Even in darkness light dawns for the upright . . . They will have no fear of bad news” (Psalm 112:1-7).

It’s been more than three years since Russia invaded the nation of Ukraine. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, destroyed cities and homes, and shattered lives.

Photo Mark Schroeder wearing green vest with cross — WELS President Mark Schroeder

The war also continues to impact our brothers and sisters in the faith in our sister church body, the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC). Homes have been damaged or destroyed. Heat and power are spotty. Food and medicine can be scarce and expensive. Families have constant concern for friends and loved ones serving on the front lines.

Through the generous support of WELS members and congregations, WELS has sent regular humanitarian aid grants to the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. These grants provide food, clothing, fuel, medicine, and other necessities for pastors and members of ULC churches.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Ukrainian Lutheran Church makes these supplies available to members of the communities in which its churches are located. Besides showing Christian love for those in need, these efforts provide the opportunity to share the saving gospel. People come to the churches to receive aid, and many stay for the worship services that are continuing despite the ongoing war. Since the war began, ULC congregations have added more than 150 members, with 100 more currently in adult instruction classes. The Ukrainian Lutheran Church has even established a new mission congregation and provided it with worship facilities. That new mission already has 20 communicant members and an average worship attendance of 80. Your gifts of love are not only helping people with their physical needs but also providing the one thing that is needed (see Luke 10:42).

A beautiful example of how our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are coping with these challenges is seen in the letter I received from Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, the bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, on the day before Christmas:

Christ is born! Let us praise him! On the very first Christmas, angel choirs praised God that
the Savior of the world was born in Bethlehem, and they declared peace on earth and good
will toward men. At this Christmas season, let us join the angelic choirs, singing our Christmas
carols and praising the birth of Jesus Christ—the Prince of peace, through whom we have
peace with God and through whom God’s favor rests on us. Our [Christian] soldiers have
this peace, defending Ukraine against Russian invaders and their allies. We have this peace
when the sky and earth tremble from the explosion of bombs, missiles, and kamikaze drones.
Satan cannot take this peace away from us. Let the angelic choirs and our [voices] sound
stronger during these Christmas days and let our faith in the Prince of peace become stronger.
One day he will put an end to this unjust war and all wars in the world, because he is coming
in glory, and his truly is the kingdom and power and glory forever and ever. Christ is born!
Let’s praise him! Thank you for standing with Ukraine. Thank you for your help, encouragement,
and prayers!