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Weekly Newsletter from Lutheran Church Charities

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Page 1: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter
Page 2: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

January 19, 2011 In This Issue

Your Donations at Workin Making A Difference

Immanuel Belvidere andThrivent Financial

Support LCC's DisasterRelief Efforts

Help Bring the Word ofGod to Christians in the

PhillipinesHelp Equip HaitianWomen and YouthLeaders Spread the

GospelGround Breaking in

Jacmel, HaitiJoin Mission Trip to Haiti

Leaving February 22Important Year-end IRA

InformationComfort Dog UpdateItems Available to a

MinistryItems Free for the Asking

Vehicle DonationsNeeded for Families in

NeedHousing Needed for

Winter for Single WomanAdministrative Help

NeededCars Needed for

Immigrant FamiliesNikki Berg and Her Twin

DaughtersMalaria Initiative

How To Conduct ASuccessful Mission Fair

Bible Study ClassesTim's Pick of the Week

Stories Still SeekingSupport...

Upcoming EventsHow To Support LCC

Prayer WallPost a prayer, orpray for others!

Your Donations at Work in Making ADifference

LCC presents check to Salam ChristianFellowship for an Iranian family to pay anapartment deposit.

Pastor Joe Ardy, Ascension LutheranChurch in Cleburne, Texas, presentsJennifer with a check for medical assistancefor a serious eye condition.

LCC presented Pastor Isaac from Jeremiemoney to purchase a motorcycle for one ofhis pastors serving multiple congregations.

Click here to donate to purchase moremotorcycles for pastors in Haiti

Page 3: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

LCC's Prayer Wall

LCC connects needs withresources, working with

more than 400congregations to help

Christians "Make aDifference in People's Lives

and in God's Kingdom"To meet our staff, click here

For more information aboutLCC and its human care

ministry, please contact LCCstaff at:

[email protected]

More...

Ministry Quicklinks

Newsletter Archive/ Printable Format

Bible Classes

Daily Devotions

Prayer Requests

To Donate

Ministries We Support

Join Our MailingList!

Because of your donations, water filterswere given to Pastor Isaac for distribution tofamilies in Jeremie, many who are sufferingfrom cholera.

Click here to donate a water filtration systemto a family in Haiti

LCC staff and Trinity Urbana volunteersdistributed shoes to all the families at a tentcity close to the location of where homeswere being built through LCMS BuildingHomes and Hope in Haiti.

Click here to donate towards purchasingmore shoes for children in tent cities

LCC donates money to Pastor MarkyKessa, President of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in Haiti, to provide churchworkers to serve this tent city with theGospel.

Click here to donate to the Haiti Relief Fund

Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to ProvideAssistance to the following:

- Chicago Lutheran Muslim Mission Association - Salam Missions - RentalAssistance- Northern Illinois District - Prison Ministry Fund

Page 4: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

To Unsubscribe:Enter your e-mail

address above, and youwill be sent instructions.

Thank you.

"Send a Spoken

Prayer"

LCC's "Send a SpokenPrayer" e-Card site is

available.

To learn more, Click Here

LCC Honors Our Volunteers!

Thursday evening, January 13th LCC hostedour annual Volunteer Appreciation Pot RoastDinner to say THANK YOU to all ourdedicated volunteers from the NID area. Againthis year the dinner was held at St. MatthewLutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, thankyou St Matthew for your gracious hospitality. This year LCC recognized two specialvolunteers, Jan Gerzevske from St. JohnLutheran Church in Wheaton andHelmut Mueller from Immanuel Lutheranin Palatine, who have given hundreds ofhours volunteering for LCC over the last nineyears. We also had a special staff award, the HURAward, which was presented to Marie Payes.The HUR Award is based on Exodus 17:8-12. Marie's steady, faithful support behind thescenes has been critical to allow LCC to growand meet the challenges that God has putbefore us. We again want to say thank you to ALL THELCC volunteers - without them - LCC simplywould not be able to serve the number ofpeople in need that we serve! LCC is itschurches and hundreds of volunteers. THANKYOU VOLUNTEERS!

The HUR Award is for one who holds up the hands of another! Click here to view photos from this event

Immanuel Belvidere and Thrivent FinancialSupport LCC's Disaster Relief Efforts On Sunday, January 16th, Tim Hetzner andRich Martin from LCC attended services atImmanuel Lutheran Church,Belvidere. Kim Spayer and DavidSommerfield from Thrivent Financial forLutherans presented Tim with a check forLCC's Disaster Relief efforts from the tornadothat touched down in Boone County inNovember. LCC and their LERT Teams(Lutheran Early Response Teams) partneredwith Immanuel and their mission start inPoplar Grove which was used as the base for disaster response operations.

Page 5: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Help Bring the Word of God to Christians in thePhilippines and Make A Difference in Thousandsof Lives Crossways International's Bible studymaterials have been used in the Philippinesfor many years. A layman, Vic Pabellon(based in Zamboanga in the island province ofMindanao) has taught its materials tohundreds of clergy and thousands of lay-people. Although Vic is a members of theChristian and Missionary Alliance Church, heworks with all denominations. Crossways International also works inpartnership with Archbishop Valiant Dayagbil,who teaches CI's courses at hisdenomination's seminary (with 30 students) - the denomination being the FilipinoIndependent Church (IPP). The IPP has about 200,000 members, 24 bishops, 80 priests,and 20 deacons. The denomination plans to conduct a four-day training event (March14-17) in Padre Burgos to equip its leaders to understand and teach CI's materialsacross the Philippines. However, because of the financial downturn around the world, Archbishop Valiant hasbeen unable to raise any funding for the event from international partners (because ofthe world-wide economic downturn) and is asking us to supply him with $6,000 to enableit to happen. Dr. Harry Wendt has known and worked with Archbishop Valiant for manyyears; he has a Th. D. Degree from a US seminary. Dr. Wendt has also visited with himin his home; it consists of one large room with little alcoves where family members sleep.Its walls and roof are made of thatched bamboo. Please, can you help this remarkableman equip his denomination's leaders to touch the lives of thousands of fellow-Filipinos? Tim Hetzner - President of Lutheran Church Charities comments: This training canliterally impact thousands of lives with the saving message of salvation in Jesus Christ.This is a very important country to support the Christian Church and helping them Getthe Story Straight - and Get the Story Out. Thank you for any support Click here to donate

Help us Feed People in NeedIn Disaster Response and Outreach Events

Because Christians do food well - and food isalways needed in a Disaster Responsesituation and other outreach events, LCC islooking for a FOOD WAGON that we can cookand serve food from. Needs to be portable -can be a pull trailer or mobile unit. If you know of anyone who has one theywould like to donate, or if your group wouldlike to help purchase one that would be

shared with our NID congregations and beyond, please contact Tim Hetzner at LCC at866-455-6466.

Page 6: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Help Equip Haitian Women and Youth LeadersSpread the Gospel On February 22nd, Lord of Life LutheranChurch in LaFox, Illinois, will be leavingfor Port Au Prince,Haiti to equip and trainwomen and youth leaders to evangelize.Currently 50 people have signed up for thistraining. The goal is to provide eachparticipant with a French Bible and CreoleFrench Bible tracks to prepare them to go outand spread the Gospel. Please prayerfully consider a gift. A ten dollargift would be enough to provide the materialfor one participant. As with most successfulministries, women and youth are on the front line in their communities. Click here to donate

Ground Breaking in Jacmel, Haiti

LCMS World Relief and Human Care staffRev. Glenn Merritt and Hans Springer; LCCstaff Dona Martin; Jackie Rychel, Ohio District;Project Manager, Willy Gaspar; GeneralContractor, Brian Keller; Lionel Legoute, andthe Haitian General Contractor celebrated theground breaking of the "Guest House" to bebuilt in Jacmel adjacent to the church. This much needed facility will house missionteams that go to Haiti to Build Homes andHope in Haiti through our church in Jacmel,

serving all the people still living in tents. Teams are needed for this and a second Guest House being built in Leogane for thesame purpose. For more information, contact Dona Martin [email protected] or 866-455-6466.

LERT Training Sessions in 2011 Tuesday, January 25th - Circuit 22/St. JohnLutheran Church, Darien, IL Saturday, February 12th - Our Savior LutheranChurch, Louisville, KY Tuesday, February 22nd - Fellowship of Faith,McHenry, IL

Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the trainingmaterials, meal, and the LERT T-shirt, which is required tobe worn in a disaster response situation. Registration can be paid by credit card online attime of registration or by cash or check at the door. To register click here.

In order to better manage volunteers andresources, FEMA is finalizing a guideline oncredentialing volunteers for large-scale disasters.The federal guidelines indicate that volunteersresponding to a disaster should be trained andcertified. LCC is providing training for LutheranEarly Response Teams (LERT) throughout our

district. Should a disaster strike these teams would be put on call and may be asked to

Page 7: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

deploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site.

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 more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466.

Join Mission Trip to Haiti Leaving February 22

Lord of Life Church in LaFox, Illinoisin parternship with First Lutheran Churchin Texarkana, Texas, will be sponsoring amission trip to Haiti February 22- March 1.We will be conducting VBS for our sponsoredorphanage in Port Au Prince. In addition, Dr.Susan Busse will be providing medical care intwo rural villages that rarely see any medicalattention. Also, Dr. Barry Kolb will beconducting a "Walk Through the Bible"training seminar using the Crosswaysmaterials to equip lay leadership, both men

and women. This multi-faceted team welcomes your prayer and financial support. A yearafter the earthquake, people in Haiti are still recovering physically, emotionally andspiritually. What a joy to be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you would like to join this mission trip please click here to fill out a registration form.The cost of the trip is $1,200 per person, which includes airfare. Deadline to register isWednesday, January 26, 2010. Click here to financially support this Mission Trip

Rescue Operation Funded by Lutheran HeritageFoundationReport from Rev. Robert Rahn, Lutheran Heritage Foundation

Here is an account filed by our friend living in exile but stillministering via the internet to the people of Somalia livingunder the tyranny of Muslims, trying to share with them thelove of a Savior who suffered death by crucifixion so thatpeople could be free from the tyranny of sin and bold to standagainst the enemies of that cross, people willing to die fortheir faith and children left as orphans. With your help we arethere to help bring healing to the hurting children. It's ananswer to your question: "What does my dollar do?" Thisrescue mission needs to have a broadened net to bring in theleast and the lost. What do we know about sacrifice? Whatcan we learn about sacrificing from this true and sad story ofLutheran persecution? Click here to read the report A Mission of Compassion

Click here for more information on Lutheran Heritage Foundation

Page 8: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Washer and Dryer NeededRequest from Pastor Jeremy Heilman, Bethlehem LutheranChurch, Chicago

I have a couple who are in desperate need of awasher and electric dryer. They have the hook-upsbut can not afford to buy the appliances. If anyonehas a set they can donate it would be a tremendousblessing for this family. If you have a washer or dryer to donate pleasecontact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

Important Year-end IRA Information. Donors 70-1/2 and Older Are Eligible for Tax-freeGift Opportunity

Congress has extended legislation that allowsdonors ages 70-1/2 and older to gift up to$100,000 from their lRAs to charity. lt's easy tomake a gift by directing your custodian to transfera portion of your required minimum distributiondirectly to charity. The gift is not counted as part ofyour taxable income, so it is tax-free!

The new law extends legislation for 2010 and2011. Also, because of how late the bill was passed, IRA gifts made through January 31,2011 can be treated like they were made in 2010-applied to the 2010 required minimumdistribution, the 2010 tax year, and the $100,000 limit for 2010.

Here is a brief summary of the details:

Your gift can be any amount up to $100,000.Your gift can count toward your minimum distribution.You must be age 70-1/2 or older.You must make a direct rollover, not a personal distribution.You must make the gift before January 31, 2011 to apply it to the 2010 tax year.

This is a great opportunity to make a direct rollover gift to your church or to LutheranChurch Charities. For more information contact Rich Martin at Lutheran Church Charities- [email protected] or 866-455-6466.

Comfort Dog Update Pete Imlah at St. John DarienOn Sunday, January 16th, Pete Imlah wasinvited to the Sunday morning WorshipService at St John Lutheran Church Darien toreceive a check for the LCC K-9 ParishComfort Dogs. Nine months ago LutheranChurch Charities placed Shami at St JohnLutheran Church and Early ChildhoodLearning Center. Shami has become a muchloved and valued part of congregation and itsongoing attempts to reach the community withthe mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ.Shami has been visiting local nursing homes, PADS, shut-ins, community events andspending time during with week with the students at the Early Childhood LearningCenter.

Page 9: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Take A Road TripThis week Pete Imlah and a number of the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs have headed down toSpringfield, IL to visit a number of Lutheranschools. On Tuesday, January 18th they wereat Trinity Lutheran School. Today,Wednesday, January 19th, they will start at8:30am with a K-9 Chapel Talk at OurSavior's Lutheran School then overLutheran High School Springfield at10:20am. The road trip will conclude withConcordia Lutheran School classroomvisits at 2:00pm.

Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit

Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

LCC Thanks Denise Goelitz of Kitten KaPoodle Mobile PetGrooming

For providing free grooming for LCC's ComfortDog, Star. Denise operates a mobile groomingshop. She services clients within a 15 mileradius of Elgin. Call 224-678-8767 or [email protected]

Thank you Denise, for taking care of Star!

Items Available to a Ministry2822 several hundred 90-minute audio tapes2821 Sony Master tape duplicator w/two slave units that allows duplicating of 11tapes at one time2817 300 Blue Lutheran Worship Liturgy Books (1982)2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upperfuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $2502813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench2809 Small, electric organ2808 Wurlitzer 950 electronic theatre organ2806 (60) metal folding charis2805 Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday banner - deep purple velvetwith black and yellow gold star and a white star2804 One felt Reformation Banner that says, "Sola Scriptura and Fides Gratia" inthe shape of a cross

For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...

Items Free for the AskingLCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To requestan item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask thatthey call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be madeto connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church thenplease call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who canassist you.

2825 Combination washer/dryer electric. Front to back measures 2' 2"x2' wide x55-2/8" tall

Page 10: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

2824 Whirlpool refrigerator - Almond color2822 several hundred 90-minute audio tapes2821 Sony Master tape duplicator w/two slave units that allows duplicating of 11tapes at one time2819 Mauve colored lift chair that raises to enable one to exit the chair moreeasily. Requires electricity.2818 Select Comfort twin bed with wireless remote control enabling raising andlower the head and shoulder and knee area, as well as providing vibration inthese areas, if desired. Requires electricity2816 Commode, box of gloves, Adult Depends and Ensure. All new andunopened2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upperfuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $2502813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench

For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATE page...

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

Building Homes and Hope for HaitiMaking a Difference in Haiti, One Family at aTime

A group from Trinity Lutheran Church inUrbana, Illinois arrived on Saturday,January 1st to help build homes in Jacmel,Haiti. The team included 15 members andranged in age from 17 to 76! It was alsofamily generational from grandson to parent tograndparent. The team was led by David Kuehn and alsoincluded Pastor Terry Strom. By the end of theweek the team made significant progress on

building four homes. It was a daunting task as the teams mixed mortar and laid heavyconcrete blocks. The team worked closely with other Haitian workers and quicklydeveloped a strong bond with them and their country. On Sunday the team also participated in worship and confirmation services led by PastorMarky Kessa. Goodbyes were the same as anywhere else. By the end of the week theteam had made some strong spiritual bonds. What a great witness to the Mercy andCompassion of Jesus Christ and what a great example for future groups!

Click here to see video testimonies from thistrip Click here to view photos from this trip Click here for a short video of this team inaction

Page 11: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Haiti: All We Want for Christmas is a Toilet!Request from Susan Gross, Haitian Lutheran Mission Project

These children are asking for a TOILET forChristmas. Yes, that must sound strange tomost of us but it is true. Cholera is invadingthe country of Haiti. Clean water and toiletsare needed to prevent thousands of deaths. Click here to read Pastor Isaac's letter Click here to donate

Nurses and Medical Personnel Needed for MarchMission Trip to Haiti

On Thursday, December 9th, Sue Gross fromChrist Lutheran in Orland Park stoppedby the LCC offices to pick up your donationsof prescription eye glasses. The glasses willbe taken to Haiti as part of the Haiti MissionTrip planned for March 3-12, 2011. Nurses are still needed for the Mission Trip.We will be training local Haitians to administerbasic health care to school children and theelderly as well as teaching hygiene to childrenand prenatal care to expectant mothers. Thecost of the trip is $2,000.00. We must knowbefore the end of December if you are

coming. For more information email Sue Gross at [email protected] .

LCC Meets with Ghana Pastor on MalariaTreatment

On Tuesday, December 28th, LCC staff metwith Pastor William Boateng from Ghana totalk about LCC's continual Malaria Researchand treatment in Ghana.

Pictured are: (seated) Rev Walt Otten, Rev.William Boateng; (standing) John Peterson,Dr. Susan Busse, Tim Hetzner and Pete Imlahfrom LCC.

Pastor Boateng was treated and cured ofMalaria - and is requesting more treatment be brought back to Ghana to be usedthrough our Lutheran Congregations there.

To help finance Malaria treatment, click here

Page 12: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Haiti Update from Pastor IsaacThank You to all Who Have Donated-Your DonationsContinue to Make a Difference!Dear sisters and brothers I ask you send this message to all our Sponsors who supportthe work in Jeremie.

Thank you!Pastor Isaac

Dear Sponsors,

Best wishes and a BIG THANK YOU from all of us herein Jeremie, (Pastors, lay preachers, orphans, students,teachers and all the population) to you all for yourmoney, your love, support and everything you did to helpus stay alive till this day.

According to the Scriptures, each time we help someonein need, it's like helping God. That's why, please don'tgive up on us. Your reward will exceed your effort upthere in heaven. One more time, THANKS A LOT foryour support during THE EARTHQUAKE, HURRICANETHOMAS, CHOLERA DISEASE THAT IS NOT OVERYET (in fact, right now, Jeremie area has the highest

rate of cases. Too bad so sad! But, this is the reality).

May God continue to spread His manifold blessings upon you day after day all throughthe New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here in Jeremie!Past. Isaac Jacquet Click here to support Pastor Isaac's work in Jeremie

Vehicle Donations Needed for Families in Need

LCC has received numerous requests fromchurches for vehicles for families in need ofreliable transportation. The need for cars andvans to provide a means for getting to work,school and medical appointments has neverbeen higher.

If you have a working car or van pleaseconsider donating it to LCC for one of thesefamilies.

All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families orindividuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.

If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

Page 13: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Housing Needed for Winter for Single WomanRequested by Pastor Gerald Menk, Faith Lutheran Church,Lake Forest, Illinois

A 41-year-old woman needs accommodation through thewinter, preferably a room in house. She can cook, helpclean, and also can pay something. With winter here she isanxious to find a room soon as her current housingarrangement is ending and she is having difficulty findingsomewhere else. If anyone can be of assistance it would bea great blessing.

If you have a room available please call the church office at(847) 234-1868

Administrative Help Needed for Rev. HichamChehabRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam ChristianFellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran MuslimMission Association (CLMMA)

Because of the rapid growth of the Lutheran Outreachministry to Muslims, Hicham is requesting volunteer help of3-8 hours a week. If you are able to volunteer please callHicham at 331-645-0650 or email him [email protected] Information about the Ministry:With the generous prayers, guidance, financial assistanceand direct involvement of many of the area's LutheranChurches and pastors, we have progressed and now cometo a new level of development in our mission's outreach

program. A new governing and supporting organization, the Chicagoland LutheranMuslim Mission Association (CLMMA), has been formally established. CLMMA's ministry,outreach mission and governance involve many of these LCMS congregations. As a partof this restructuring, Salam Christian Fellowship is now an associate congregation withPeace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, meeting in fellowship every Saturday.

Disasters Can Hit Anytime Anywhere, ThereforeLCC Will Continue To Offer CongregationalPreparedness Training

LCMS Human Care and World relief has put togetherthe training and tools needed for a congregation todevelop a plan for being prepared if a disaster hits. Notonly that - LCC and the District Disaster ResponseTeam are trained and willing to take your congregationthrough the plan. This takes about 3 hours with keyleaders of your church. Members of LCC and theDistrict Disaster Response team will continue to consult

with your congregation, helping you through each of the various aspects to have a planin place. Congregational Preparedness Training (CPT) addresses questions like "Do we have acontingency plan in the event that the pastor becomes a victim of a disaster?" or "In theevent that a tornado is bearing down on our church on Sunday morning during worshipservice who should be the person to say we need to evacuate the sanctuary and whereis the safest place for all these people to go?" Having recognized that God often uses disaster to open doors for his Church to doministry, participants address questions like "What are some ways that our congregation

Page 14: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

can offer Christ's comfort to the community after a disaster?" or "What happens to thechurch budget - can designated funds be used in times of crises?" If you are interested in scheduling a CPT session, Click here to fill out the CPTinterest form or contact Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

Thrivent Choice - Help Support Making ADifference Through Lutheran Church Charities Thrivent Choice is the new charitablegrant program through which ThriventFinancial for Lutherans members are able todirect Thrivent charitable funds. Eligiblemembers are designated Choice Dollars,based on insurance premiums, contract values, and Thrivent Financial volunteerleadership which are directed by the member to Lutheran organizations.

LCC Emergency Assistance Fund

LCC gets requests daily concerning people who needassistance, and it is increasing because of the currenteconomic times we are living in.

LCC works through our churches to provide assistance bymaking the need known - and dollar per dollar we give themoney to a church to help the family or individual. However,we receive some requests that are emergencies, andmoney is needed that day or the next day and we can'talways get the need out in our weekly email newsletter first.

Would you consider making a gift to our LCC EmergencyAssistance fund so that when these emergency needsoccur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This isan 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

Cars Needed for Immigrant FamiliesRequest by Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam Arabic Fellowship,Lombard, Illinois

Greetings in Christ, We have two refugee families thatSalam is working with who need reliable transportation. Oneof them is a single mother who recently got a job and willnot be able to continue to get to work without a car. Thedonation of a car would be a tremendous blessing andwitness to these families. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

Page 15: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Nikki Berg and Her Twin Daughters, Ella and LinaRequest from NID President Rev. Dan Gilbert

With the sudden death of her husband, Rev Darrel Berg, aspecial fund has been set up with Lutheran Church Charities tohelp Nikki and her two-year-old twin daughters, Ella and Lina,with living expenses. Any financial assistance would be greatlyappreciated to help them at this difficult time. Help show theMercy and Compassion of Christ to the Berg family.

To contribute please click here or send your gift to LCC at 333W Lake St, Addison IL 60101 and mark you check Berg Fund,or call LCC at 866-455-6466 and talk with Tim Hetzner.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against theauthorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forcesof evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The Gospel is Still the Best Way to CounterTerrorism!Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the few countries in theMiddle East that still has a Christianpopulation. It is a strategic country to reachMuslims in the Middle East. The LutheranChurch has been actively involved in Gospeloutreach in Lebanon since the 1950's.Because of Mission cutbacks, support isdesperately needed to continue bringing theGospel to those of the Islamic faith.

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, will be traveling to Lebanon tomeet with our Lutheran Missionaries there to help share the story of the work that isgoing and can be done! They are desperately in need of our support and prayers duringthis time of unrest in the Middle East. If we want to effectively fight terrorism, we need touse the only weapon that will make a difference - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please help our fellow Christians in Lebanon continue to proclaim theGospel and serve those in need with the Mercy and Compassion ofChrist.

To help, send your support to: Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W Lake St, Addison IL60101 or call LCC at 866-455-6466 or click here for online donations.

Dr. Rev. Bernie Lutz shares a brief history of Middle East Lutheran Ministry (pdf)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab shares why heasked LCC to Get Involved (video - 1:50)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab describes theneed in Lebanon, with introduction by PeteImlah, LCC's Director of Mission and Outreach(video - 4:22)

Click here to view more videos from Pastor Hicham Chehab's interview

Click here to donate

Page 16: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Malaria Initiative

Update: LCC received the following email from a Pastor in Ghana who receivedtreatment for Malaria from Dr. Busse during her recently medical mission trip to Ghana.The results have been wonderful! Below is now another testimony on the value thistreatment can bring to the Christian Church - at pennies a dose. This is all being done toprovide the Christian Church another tool to touch lives with mercy and compassion andhealing - in the name of Christ.

I am very very happy to write to inform you that yourmalaria treatment I received in Kumasi when you cameto Ghana works well and it is better than any othertreatment I have ever received for malaria. Malaria killsmany many children in Ghana as well as adults. I willbe very happy if you can come to Bawku to help us. Weare hoping and praying to see you. Ever since I receivedthe treatment I never experience malaria again at all.

COME AND HELP US TO BE FREE FROM MALARIA!

Pastor Celtus AlaleBawku Lutheran Mission West Africa, Ghana

For more on the Malaria Initiative, click here

Visit their web site: www.malaria01.org or E-mail: [email protected]

Click here to view a video about this project

Click here to donate

How to Conduct a Successful Mission FairLCC's Newest Resource FREE for Congregations!

Has your church considered hosting a Mission Fair foryour congregation? For your Community? Tim Hetznerand staff of LCC have put together an online resourcethat can help you do this. It is a step by step guide onhow to plan a successful Mission Fair - along withsample letters and everything you will need. In fact, if youare planning a Mission Fair, LCC will help you promote it- all free of charge.

Request your copy of HOW TO CONDUCT ASUCCESSFUL MISSION FAIR here or call LutheranChurch Charities at 866-455-6466

Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy andCompassion of Christ to Those in Your Churchand Community? We are in hard economic times. "Times areterrible" many say. But just think what ablessing God has given us to share the Mercyand Compassion of Christ! The door is wideopen for the Church to be the Church. Jesusshowed us by his life that we are to be thechurch that "Does Feet" (John 13).

People say that they would "do" evangelism,

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they would reach out to people in need, but their church simply does not have themoney right now to do it, things are tight! Dear Christian brothers and sisters, it doesn'ttake money to touch those in need and pain - it takes you and your willingness to followJesus' example.

If you would like a staff member of LCC to come out and share ways for you and yourchurch to reach your members and community with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ- without money - contact us at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]. We would be more than happy to come andwork with you! By the way, we can even bring our K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs with us.This also will NOT cost you!

Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? YourSmall Group?Indicate Your Interest Here

Register Online - Click Here

Looking to Host a Bible Study?

WORD AMONG US Bible StudiesLutheran Church Charities In-Depth Bible Studies -WORD AMONG US - May be your Solution!

Free for Congregations!If you would like to be a host site click here

If you would like to join an existing class -click here

If you would like to take a course by Internet - click here Short-Format Courses

James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourseJude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-weekcourseKnow that God Exists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course

Long-Format Courses

Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible60-week courseThe Gospel of John31-week courseApocalypsis Jesu Christus:

The Book of Revelation30-week course

For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

Page 18: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Tim's Pick of the WeekGod Is In The Small StuffBy: Bruce & Stan (Author) & Stan Jantz (Author)

Does God care about the details of your life---your flat tire, thatargument with your spouse, your finances? Absolutely! And GodIs in the Small Stuff proves it. Bruce & Stan's modern classiclaunched a series of books that sold in excess of one millioncopies---now, it's part of a four-title "Small Stuff" paperbackassortment. In their lighthearted yet thought-provoking style,Bruce & Stan encourage readers never to disregard the minor,seemingly insignificant things of life---because their infinite Godis also intimate. God Is in the Small Stuff promisesencouragement and challenge to readers at all levels of spiritualgrowth.

Items Needed by Ministries

We have received the following requests for items from Trinity Lutheran Church/El BuenPastor in Chicago:

Communion ware - visitation set6 or 8 foot folding tables

If you have items to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email us [email protected]

LCC Staff and Comfort Dogsavailable for Church Functions andSchool Chapels!

For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 ParishComfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCCat 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

To help support the growing Ministry of theComfort Dogs click here...

To find out information on how yourcongregation can get one of the LCC K-9Parish Comfort Dogs Click here

Click here for some Photo Albums showingsome of the many places the dogs havebrought comfort.... And click here for the DogBlog, featuring "Tara's Twitter"

Other Stories Still Seeking SupportRequest from Rev Abraham Mengesha, EECMY-CES President of the LutheranChurch in EthiopiaHelp Lutheran Hour Ministries Build Wells in Ghana - Each Well Costs $3,300Church Secretary with Serious Eye Condition in Need of AssistanceNew Boiler Needed at St. Paul Lutheran School - DorchesterWidow in Need of Help to Pay Rent

Page 19: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals andMinistriesAll vehicles that are donated to LCC godirectly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NOvehicles are sold.

Photo: Jennifer's daughter had medical needs thatrequired a vehicle with a lift. This donated van helped to

meet that need.

Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting forsome word...

Car Needed for Nigerian ImmigrantVan Needed for Faith, StickneyTruck Needed for Sexton at First Saint Paul's, ChicagoCars Needed for Immigrant Families

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please [email protected] or call 866-455-6466

COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ...You recognize this prayer written by MartinLuther ...Come Lord Jesus, be our guestAnd let thy gifts to us be blessed. AmenIf we really mean this prayer and want Jesusto be our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also?

Consider becoming a part of LCC's individualchallenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST- AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to helpfeed the hungry.

Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert

Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online!Christians contact us frequently who are looking foremployment - either because the company they are withhas downsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you arelooking for people to hire and would like to consider afellow Christian for a position, please check herewww.servantatheart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers canpost job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listingsthrough National Labor Exchange...

Page 20: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Servant at HeartLutheran Church Charities' Online Christian BusinessDirectoryLooking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online ChristianBusiness Directory called Servant@Heart. This online directory allows:

Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses.

Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing.

Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your businesslisted. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466.

It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!

Saint Luke Lutheran School, Itasca - Open House andRegistration

Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 6:30 - 8:30 pmSaint Luke Lutheran School410 South Rush St Itasca, IL 60143 Saint Luke Lutheran School, Itasca, is hosting an open house and registration night on

Thursday, January 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Saint Luke offers quality education Preschool - 8th Grade: Christ centered,academically strong and respectfully operated. Find out more information about Saint Luke school by coming on January20th or attending one of our weekly "Drop In and Learn More" days on Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00am. For more informationplease call the church office at 630-773-0396 or visit their website www.saintlukeitasca.org

Movie Event at Trinity Lisle

Sunday, February 20, 2011, 5:30 pmTrinity Lutheran ChurchTrinity Green Trails at the Green Trails Shopping Center2701 Maple AveLisle, IL 60532 We are showing the movie "To Save A Life" on February 20th, Sunday evening for FREE.Our doors will open at 5:30 pm. We will show the movie at 6:30 pm. Light snacks anddrinks will be available before the movie.

Our goal is to reach high school youth in our suburban high school area who need to hearthat God loves them and has answers for their struggles in life. You can view a movie trailer

at www.tosavealifemovie.com or on YouTube by searching for the "To Save A Life" trailer.

We are in the process of making flyers for the event and will send them to interested youth groups. Our location is TrinityGreen Trails at the Green Trails Shopping Center, located on the corner of Maple Ave and Steeple Run in Lisle. Theofficial address is 2701 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL 60532

For more information, please call/text Craig Larsen at 630-854-7977 or email [email protected].

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Fashionable SupportA Fashion Show and Luncheon for Haitian Relief

Saturday, February 26, 2011, 12:00 pmChrist Lutheran Church14700 94th AveOrland Park, IL Top local boutiques will be on hand to display the year's trendiest fasihons, Proceeds from the show go directly to the support of our Haitian Missions. Tickets: $20 for adults, $7 for children (3 to 12)For reservations call Jan Johnson at 708-361-9757Deadline for reservations is February 15th

Battle of the Praise Bands!

Sunday, February 27, 2011 4:00 pmWalther Lutheran High School900 Chicago AveMelrose Park, IL Looking for an afternoon of fun and music? Want to hear great Christian music but notspend a lot of money? Need an event for the whole family? Join us at the Battle ofthe Praise Bands II at Walther Lutheran High School, 900 Chicago Avenue, MelrosePark, Sunday, February 27 at 4:00 p.m. Local church praise bands will be competingfor your votes as they vie for the title of "Best Praise Band" and help Grace ChristianAcademy raise funds for its Scholarship Program. Every ticket holder will receive 15ballots for voting with additional ballots only $1 each. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15at the door. Children under 12 are FREE. Send an email [email protected] or call 708/594-7924 to place your order.Come join us for an uplifting afternoon of fun, food and fellowship!

Grace Christian Academy is a Lutheran Elementary school serving children age 3 - grade 8 in the Little Village/SouthPilsen neighborhood of Chicago. A mission school, Grace has no home congregation for financial support. Moreinformation about the school can be found at www.graceonkarlov.org.

Lutheran Hour Ministries Youth Event

Saturday, February 29, 2011 1-8:30 pmSt. Peter Lutheran Church(in the school gym)202 E. Schaumburg Rd.Schaumburg, IL 60194$10.00 per youthLight dinner will be served Click here for event flyer WWW.WHATSFIVE14.COM For more information please contact Jim Decker (847)302-7173. RSVP by January 21, 2011 to (847) 302-7173

Page 22: January 19, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

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 [email protected] send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://LCC.LutheranChurchCharities.orgor call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466