August 12, 2022
Dear Saints,
Greetings in the name of our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord and coming Savior Jesus Christ! In my last letter, an invitation to a workday at the South Kings House was extended to you as we make final preparations for a Ukrainian refugee family to move in. I am very pleased with the herculean effort to date and the promise of this ministry to have and be good neighbors to our guests.
I want you to know that on Monday, August 15, carpet will be installed in the house. Following the installation, we will be ready to receive our guests but not before an in-gathering of gifts on Tuesday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rose Hohbein will coordinate this effort with support from a few members. We need you to bring items to the South Kings House garage. So, please arrange with Rose if you have large items to be picked up.
On Wednesday, August 17, the Ukrainian family identified to occupy the house will select from the items donated. Whatever is left will be donated to Springfield Refugee Aid to help Ukrainians arriving in our area. They will move items to their storage site on Thursday, August 18.
On Thursday, August 18, the Ukrainian family—Lana and Serhii and their kids—will move into the South Kings House and take up residency. Together with Bread of Life Slavic Church, we will provide support as they await documentation from INS to work and support their family.
Notwithstanding all that is happening in America and around the world, this is an exciting time for us to live out our Mission Statement. At VBS, the children gathered items for Ukrainian refugees that will be distributed through Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Clearly, we understand the suffering and need to alleviate the pain of displaced Ukrainian sisters and brothers.
We are blessed with so much “to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Orin