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Ray of hope: Support for the needy and educational opportunities for children
Every Wednesday and Friday, between 40 and 60 people in need gather in Kherson, Ukraine, to attend a church service. Afterward, they receive food parcels, and on Sundays, they are also given a hot meal. The residents of Kherson are living through a difficult period of war, which makes it virtually impossible for them to work. Furthermore, they lack financial support. Faced with this extreme hardship, many of them seek solace and hope in their faith.
With the arrival of autumn in Liepaja, Latvia, not only do the colorful leaves return, but so does the school routine for the children. However, not everyone copes easily with the demands of learning; some encounter difficulties that are not easily overcome. Thanks to generous financial support from Germany and the dedicated work of the daycare center, a safe haven is created for children in need. Here they experience not only love and care, but also targeted academic support and understanding for their individual challenges. May God bless them all and richly reward them!
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/strahl-der-hoffnung/
Disability support: Support and hope in times of suffering
In these challenging times for Ukraine, people with disabilities are in particular need of attention. Here in Nikopol, many of them have lived in isolation for years, without support for basic needs such as medical care, doctor's appointments, or assistance with obtaining benefits documents. As soon as people with disabilities learn about the support services available in the city, they actively seek out the Christian Charity Center and ask for help. There, they receive the best possible care and are also provided with essential resources such as food and hygiene products.
The joyful message of the Redeemer also reaches these people, who, in light of the charitable acts of Christians, feel the desire to visit church and seek a personal relationship with God. Their gratitude is directed both to the Lord and to all who participate in and support the ministry of mercy. Through these efforts, many hearts turn to God, and a glimmer of hope begins to appear for those affected amidst their difficulties.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/barmherzigkeit-fuer-schwerbehinderte/
Bulgaria: Learning from Josef
As part of our "Bulgaria" project, a youth group retreat took place again this year. A group of 22 people from the congregations of Guntersblum, Sekach, Speyer, and Schwegenheim traveled to Bulgaria in August. Under the theme "Learning from Joseph," our members were able to explore important topics with the children using the story of Joseph. The children opened up and shared stories from their lives, allowing our members to share their own experiences as well. The prayer sessions were truly blessed, and the children experienced renewed strength and forgiveness. During this retreat, our members felt God's blessing, as they were able, through God's grace, to spend a blessed time filled with uplifting conversations and testimonies, as well as experiencing wonderful fellowship and answered prayers.
In October of this year, another group from the congregations of Gifhorn and Speyer traveled to Bulgaria to support the local communities with food packages. They also gave games to the children and did crafts with them. In addition, they visited the retirement home in Drenovets and offered blessings to the members of the congregation.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/bulgarien-2/
Uganda: Experiencing blessings and being a blessing
On August 26, 2023, the journey of the 13-member mission group from Bielefeld and Berlin began. The brothers set themselves the task of expanding the mission building. This required some preparation, including pouring a concrete slab. They then installed a gutter and ensured proper drainage. The sisters sorted the donated clothing they had brought with them. This was distributed in the village at the mission station and also to families in the community. Hygiene was also a priority: children were washed, dressed, and minor medical wound care was provided. Community members received food packages.
One of the biggest projects was the children's festival. There was a lot to prepare: slaughtering chickens, boiling water for drinks, chopping vegetables, marking out playing fields, blowing up balloons, and much more. After the children's service on Sunday, which focused on the story of the feeding of the 5000, all the children received food. Around 200 children were expected. However, since the children had also invited friends, approximately 350 children were present. The members of the congregation prayed that there would be enough food for everyone, and indeed, every child received some of the stew.
The story from the children's service thus developed into a truly memorable experience. "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). After the meal, there were games, and a short biblical message in the form of a skit about the Good Samaritan served as spiritual nourishment. Finally, the children were able to decorate their pencil cases and sample the prepared cotton candy. In all of this, our brothers and sisters experienced God's blessing and His work at the right time. They experienced the blessing of their fellow believers and also passed on the blessing themselves. To God be the glory in all things!
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/uganda/
Persecuted Christians: Power generator
As part of our project for "Persecuted Christians," we launched a fundraising campaign in August of this year to purchase a new generator. Our brothers and sisters in the community need it for their congregation, which consists of approximately 300 members. Summer in this country lasts about eight months, and temperatures can reach up to 48 degrees Celsius.
Because the current generator is outdated and defective, it frequently breaks down. Without power, the meeting place cannot be cooled, forcing services to be cancelled due to the unbearable heat. A new generator will cost approximately €30,000, as repairing the existing one is too expensive.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/persecuted-christians/
India: Vocational training for young people
For many years, India has placed great emphasis on academic education in its external image. However, this is only accessible to the wealthy segments of the population. On the other hand, solid vocational training programs are more important than ever and are readily embraced. The job market today offers diverse opportunities for well-educated men and women.
Our brother Rudi Stebner, who lives and serves in India with his family, teaches at the GEMS Polytechnic College. It belongs to the GEMS mission in the state of Bihar, which was founded by Brother Augustine Jebakumar in 1972. Over the years, this partner has developed a high standard for vocational training of young people, especially since the trainees are not only trained professionally but also consciously shaped in their personalities and behavior.
At partner institutions in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, young people can learn various trades through one- to three-year apprenticeships. These programs offer both state-recognized qualifications and job-oriented training. Apprenticeships leading to state-recognized qualifications include carpentry, metalwork, construction, mechanics, mechanical engineering, welding, electrical engineering, computer science, HVAC, and nursing. More job-oriented qualifications are available in computer, laboratory, and refrigeration technology, as well as media design, office management, tailoring, fashion design, medical-technical assistance, and nursing assistance.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/indien/