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Volume 11 No. 5
April 26, 2022
"If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
—I Corinthians 15:19-22
Easter in War
photo and story by Sarah Klazinga, Administrative Assistant for the
Committee on Diaconal Ministries
The smell of chocolate fills the air, oozing out of open shop doors. People bustle up and down the cobblestone streets. A horn drones from a ship in the port. Restaurants are full of people slipping in for a quick cup of tea, or a cappuccino and a croissant. Vendors offer pussy willow branches on every corner. There are flowers everywhere—irises, tulips, roses—huge bouquets of roses! The first signs of spring. The church bells ring and the cathedrals swell with the sounds of "Christ is risen!" It's Easter in Odessa, Ukraine—at least, that is how I remember it.
Four years later there are no people chatting over a cup of tea. The flower stalls are empty. There are no exports from "The Breadbasket of the West." The churches and cathedrals are silent. War has destroyed the historic port city of Odessa. Millions of people have evacuated. Those that can't are enduring the horrors of war. In the wreckage of what sin in the world has done, we hold fast to the promise of the resurrection: Christ, our hope in life and death.
The believers in Ukraine continue to meet for worship and prayer throughout the week, as they are able. Even so, they continue to open wide their doors for hospitality. And they are working hard to support their members on the frontlines of war, and to disperse humanitarian aid wherever they can.
To date, the OPC's Ukraine Crisis Fund has received $522,808.48 in generous donations. Portions of those donations are being disbursed to a variety of ministries throughout Eastern Europe while other opportunities continue to be explored. (Read more about that in David Nakhla's article below.)
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as they live and serve others, in this war-torn country and beyond.
Coming Together to Aid Ukraine
by David Nakhla, Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries
Reformed Churches and Organizations Ministering to Ukrainian Refugees
The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries is committed to using the gifts given to the Ukraine Crisis Fund for ministry to those affected by the war in Ukraine, ideally through Presbyterian and Reformed avenues—those with whom we share similar understandings of God’s word and the proper uses of diaconal funds. In seeking to determine where the funds might be used the best, we have grown in our understanding of the number of Reformed and Presbyterian churches, missionaries, and organizations ministering to Ukrainian refugees in Eastern Europe.
Planned Assessment Trip of the Ministries to Refugees, May 10-16
Further, I am planning to travel to Eastern Europe for a whirlwind assessment trip of the various ministries, accompanied by Rich Bout, the URCNA Missions Coordinator. The dates for this trip are May 10-16. Please pray for the Lord’s blessing on this trip.
Mission to the World (MTW, the PCA’s mission organization), has had a presence in Ukraine since the early 90's, following the fall of the Soviet Union and communism. As a church-planting mission, MTW birthed the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ukraine (EPCU). There are now 16 EPCU churches and/or church plants sprinkled throughout Ukraine (and one outside of Ukraine in Krakow, Poland), as seen on the map below.
Locations of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ukraine Congregations
Prior to the war, MTW had teams concentrated in three cities: L’viv, Odessa, and Kiev. At the outbreak of war, MTW determined to relocate most members of the team in L’viv about 200 miles west to Krakow, Poland. The team in Odessa moved its operation 350 miles west to Brasov, Romania. The team in Kiev has been dispersed to various places.
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.
Looking for Help in Tornado-Damaged Kentucky
OPC Disaster Response often has the opportunity to volunteer with organizations who are working toward the same goal as ours, to show the love of Christ to those who are suffering by offering tangible and financial aid, where able.
In this case, 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.
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.
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:
- Whole Summer: Two female beds open
- 7/30-8/27: Two female junior staff beds & three male junior staff beds
- 6/25: One male junior staff bed
May 26-30: Street Preaching Conference—Men, young and old, who have a desire or growing burden to engage in open air preaching are encouraged to join us in Wildwood. You will be encouraged. You will be taught. You will be challenged.
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
Are you drawn to mercy ministry or do you see yourself working to help those who serve the Lord by helping others? The Committee on Diaconal Ministries of the OPC is searching for a part-time (20-25 hours/week) administrative assistant! The Committee is looking for an outgoing and organized person who is eager to aid the work of those who serve in mercy ministry, through our work with the OPC deacons, short-term missions and disaster response. Get all the details!
Special Mid-Month Episode!
The Reformed Deacon Podcast Latest Episode: Practical Steps to Refugee Ministry
In this follow-up to episode #2, we get into more detail about refugee ministry. Host, David Nakhla, talks to a member of Calvary OPC, Glenside, Pennsylvania, Jessie Hulsey, about her experiences in working with her church in helping an Afghan family relocate to the United States. Jessie shares with us how her church began the process and is currently working to aid the family. Also on the show is Kenley Leslie, member of Staunton OPC in Staunton, Virginia. Kenley shares his experience in working with refugees in his area. Rev. Chris Cashen, pastor of Trinity Reformed OPC in Lanham, Maryland, returns to the podcast to lend his expertise in Refugee Ministry, as we try to simplify and encourage you in this very important ministry of mercy.
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
Sarah Klazinga
Administrative Assistant
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
sarah.klazinga@opc.org
Trish Duggan
Communications Coordinator,
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
trish.duggan@opc.org
