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Volume 11 No. 6
May 31, 2022
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia…begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.”
—II Corinthians 8: 1 & 4
Ministry To Those Suffering
in Eastern Europe
By David Nakhla, Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries
Five countries, nine days, ten organizations; a whirlwind trip, to be certain! My travelling companion, Rich Bout, URCNA Missions Coordinator, and I were quickly made aware of the deep appreciation of the people of Ukraine for the love, concerns, prayers, and encouragement from afar. The value of the communion of the saints cannot be under-estimated.
In Krakow, we met with several members of the Mission to the World (MTW) team, now displaced by the war, having served in church-planting in L’viv, Ukraine, alongside OPC missionaries, Heero and Anya Hacquebord. At the outset of the war, many of the missionary families left their homes in L’viv due to, among other things, the trauma inflicted upon them and their children by the continual missile warning sirens. These missionaries have temporarily resettled in AirBnB lodging 200 miles west in Krakow, Poland. PCA minister and team leader, Doug Shepherd, has been separated from his wife, Masha, and their children for much of the past three months, spending a great deal of time back in L’viv, coordinating relief efforts there.
We had the privilege to witness firsthand, on behalf of the body of Christ in each place, a consistently generous and gracious outpouring of love, compassion, and mercy. We witnessed, first-hand, the warm welcome and care the Ukrainian refugees have received in each country: Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, and Italy. During our visit to the fifth country on our journey, Slovakia, (our route to drive from Hungary to Poland) a Polish man reported that Ukrainians were being welcomed into Poland as if they were adopted as a province! Surely, the Lord is gracious!
With considerable donations available, much discernment is required, so as not to overwhelm the good work that is currently being carried out. Following the lessons of the now go-to book on the subject of charity, “When Helping Hurts”, we need to ask ourselves, how do we help without hurting? In this instance, we need to consider how to best aid the good labors of the indigenous churches as they seek to faithfully carry out their responsibility with the resources the Lord has entrusted to them, without overwhelming those good labors.
Please know that those on the ground in and near Ukraine rely on the prayers lifted daily on their behalf. Please don’t stop praying and don’t forget Ukraine.
Opportunity to Serve
Mission To the World (PCA) continues to take applications to gather basic information from people willing to serve MTW Ukraine’s crisis response efforts. This form is only step one. No short term trips are planned at this time but they will be in touch as teams and trips develop. Mission to the World (PCA) is building a list of people with special skill sets and a willingness to help with efforts both in Ukraine and in bordering countries. They are also using this interest form to build and develop their crisis response teams.
Crates for Ukraine
One potential opportunity to support the efforts aiding Ukraine and those trapped within its boarders is through a project called "Crates for Ukraine." Crates for Ukraine is a mission designed to collect personal and medical supplies around the world and deliver them deep into the country of Ukraine. Though this project is not yet fully underway, its organization is ongoing and we anticipate it presenting a great occasion to assist in a practical way. Further updates on the initiative's progression and other opportunities to serve Ukraine will be posted in June's STORM Report.
Looking for Help in Tornado-Damaged Kentucky
Reformed Mission Services, an organization we have worked with for many years, has an opportunity for volunteers to come alongside those affected by the tornadoes that hit Kentucky back in December of 2021.
A schedule is being put together for August, but help is still needed through the summer months. If you are interested in assisting with response efforts in Kentucky, please contact Rob Brinks.
Opportunities and Updates
English 4 Kids—Quebec
The OP mission in Quebec is once again hosting their summer English Camp for Kids and OP member Olivia Durham is looking to lead a group of volunteers to serve. 5-7 Teens are still needed!
For more information, go to our website, or contact Olivia Durham directly.
The Uganda Mission
IMMEDIATE NEED – Facilities Engineer in Karamoja, Uganda
There is an immediate need for a Facilities Engineer to serve in Uganda. While short-term help is welcome, there is a longer-term need for one to go serve alongside Mark Van Essendelft upon his return to the field next January. Support package negotiable.
If this would be something you would like to explore further, please don’t hesitate to contact Douglas Clawson directly.
The Boardwalk Chapel
Staff Position Openings:
One male staffer position is open.
End-of-summer: For those interested in spending a part of their summer with the Chapel, end of the summer staffing positions are available!
Churches Helping Churches
Is it overwhelming to think about gathering volunteers for projects, refugee ministry or vacation Bible school? Consider reaching out to short-term missions to ask for staffing help!
Youth Group Opportunities
Is your youth group looking for an opportunity to serve? Why not consider helping a sister OP Church? OPC Short-Term Missions can help connect you with a needy church.
OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries Update
Allison Hill is the CDM’s new administrative assistant! She is originally from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Campbellsville University where she was 2022 valedictorian with a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Ministry. Allison has since moved to Glenside, PA and will be attending Faith Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Elmer, NJ. Welcome to the team, Allison!
The Reformed Deacon Podcast Latest Episode:
IIn this episode, host David Nakhla talks to OPC deacon and Committee on Diaconal Ministries member, John Voss (Covenant OPC - Ortland Park, IL), OPC elder Mike Cloy (Landis OPC - Marion, NC), and OPC deacon Jeff Davis (Cedar OPC - Jenison, MI) about their experience and expertise in disaster response. These men share their desire for deacons to lead their churches in preparedness, organization, good communication and action when it comes to disaster response. They also explore various ways to foster a willingness to participate in denomination-wide labors for the sake of the gospel. As John reminds us, "Everyone can be used!" You don't have to know how to swing a hammer. Everyone has something to offer to the work of disaster response!
We can use your help! Register to be a Disaster Response volunteer!
June is the beginning of hurricane season! OPC Disaster Response is going to need help! Have you been on the fence, not knowing if volunteering is for you? Listen to the latest episode of The Reformed Deacon and then get down off the fence and register to let us know that you are willing to help at the time and place that works for you! Thank you to the 305 registrants who are standing ready.
Distribute to your church!
Get the PDF summary of this STORM Report as a poster or bulletin insert.
Short-Term Missions
OPC Disaster Response
Committee on Diaconal Ministries
David P. Nakhla
Short-Term Missions and
Disaster Response Coordinator
215-935-1007
david.nakhla@opc.org
Allison Hill
Administrative Assistant
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
allison.hill@opc.org
Trish Duggan
Communications Coordinator,
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
trish.duggan@opc.org
