What a blessed day of the Lord it was at Resurrection in Kiev, Ukraine on Sunday, June 4. For months Bishop Horpynchuk was guiding 70+ refugees and visitors in the study of God’s Word using the Catechism. After finishing the course, the people who wished to become members confessed their faith in the Lord and 55 joined in fellowship with the local congregation, the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), and all the members of the CELC. God is indeed good!
This is what Bishop Horpynchuk wrote:
Dear Brother, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and wise advice! The Lord has blessed us with [the] Baptism of 3 people, and 55 people after studying Luther’s Catechism (with Gausewitz’s explanations) have become Communicant members of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue with Catechism and new people enrolled in the Catechism class. The Lord is good and faithful, His Word never returns empty.
On June 11, there were two additional confirmations. Bishop Horpynchuk wrote:
Dear Brother, On Sunday we were blessed with [the] Confirmation of two more people: sister Olha and brother Valentyn. They have both studied Catechism and became communicant members of the ULC. They received the Book of Concord, a ULC tradition[al] gift for Confirmation, as an encouragement to study Lutheran Confessions and remain in the Word of Christ. Thank you for your encouragement, advice, and support!
In the midst of the chaos and destruction of the war, the pastors and congregations of the ULC are continuing to hold worship services, and there are many visitors who want God in their lives during this difficult time. Many haven’t heard the gospel before, and the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ brings comfort and peace to their hearts and lives. All glory be to God! He is always in control, and he can bring good even in times of war.
Submitted by Rev. Roger Neumann, WELS liaison with the Ukrainian Lutheran Church
