Children of the Wind

Reading of THE SECRET

2009-10-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful turn out for our very first reading of our children’s book, THE SECRET.

Author Melissa Stanton signed books for our guests and refreshments were furnished by Karen Haynes, Edna Mae Olson and Mary Tidemann of Ruth Guild.

Rochester, New York

2009-10-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

OUR PARTNERS IN MISSION: I visited the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church in Rochester, New York in March of this year (see post of March 18) since that time, they have become our Mission partners, helping to support our mission and ministry to the children of St. Marie’s Orphan School for girls.

They have faithfully contributed money, prayers and gifts. The latest project was a Penny Tower. The children of Faith Lutheran collected over 200,000 pennies. Here’s a copy of the letter sent on their behalf regarding this project and also photos of these young Christians in mission, may God bless them everyone!

Invitation to "The Secret"

2009-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

All members of Gloria Dei are invited to the first ever reading of the children’s book “The Secret” written by Melissa Stanton.

Ms. Stanton will host the reading on October 10th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, refreshments will be served.

Please plan to bring your children for the special event, books will be available for sale and signing by the author.

All proceeds go to support the Orphan School in Ussurisk, Russia.

Russian Far East holds Annual Summer Seminar

2009-07-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the seminar hosted by Pastor Manfred Brockmann . Members of all the Russian Far East Congregations attend this week long study.

Pastor Brockmann has requested donations for a new computer and printer for his church in Vladivostok.

If you are able to make a contribution, please make the check payable to Central States Synod and send it c/o Jackie Volbrecht, 902 Faulkner, Wichita, KS 67203 and I will send you a tax deductible receipt.

GRANNY’S ATTIC GARAGE SALE

2009-05-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ruth Guild has made and sold Christmas ornaments, designed and hawked t-shirts, packaged and peddled tea and cake mixes and our latest adventure in mission funding was our garage sale!

We cleaned our attics, promised each other we would not just trade stuff and held a very successful sale.

When I observe the women of my guild, I am reminded that mighty courageous souls are many times packaged in ways you’d never imagine. Thanks to all!

Easter 2009 in St Paul’s, Vladivostok

2009-04-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Easter 2009 in St Paul’s, Vladivostok : Consecration of our Church Bells and of our new Altar.

The times get harder, but “behold, we live” ( 2 Cor 6,9), and time and again we are reached by signs to show us, that there lie blessings on our church. At Easter, the feast of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we could celebrate two great events.

1. The consecration of our three bells.- As we reported already June 28. 07. on our website, they were cast in the firm Bachert, Karlsruhe Germany. Then we showed August 8.08. , how they were unloaded und lifted up into the church steeple. And now they were hung up in the days before the Passion week. For to do this, the representative of the firm Festo, H. Krehl, came from Germany with a bell-specialist . The bells are a present of the readers of the “Stuttgarter Zeitung”, where the German journalist Elke Windisch,- she had also come,-had written about St Paul’s, Vladivostok, at Christmas 2006. Now they were consecrated in the Easter Divine Service, and then they sounded for the first time.

The powerful sound of these three bells made the deepest impression to all people,- to those in the church as to those on the streets. Never before such a sound was heard in Vladivostok!!

St Paul’s is the oldest church in our city and is situated in its center , and when from now on the mighty sound of these bells regularly will be heard in the middle of Vladivostok, then this really may appear as a sign of ENTERING A NEW PERIOD OF LIFE , BEYOND THE OLD SOVIET AND THE NEARLY WORSE RUSSIAN CAPITALISTIC WORLD. SOUNDS OF ETERNITY IN A COUNTRY, WHICH HAS SUFFERED SO MUCH AND BEGAN TO SUFFER AGAIN.

On the biggest bell are written the words of psalm 46 :”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear ! “

2. The consecration of our new altar.- This is a present of Joan Krodel, widow of the late professor Gerhard Krodel, Gettysburg, USA. G. Krodel stands at the beginning of pastor Brockmann’s work in the Far East. He brought us nearly all our friends and partners in the states and is so not only the sponsor of our seminar in Novosaratovka, but also the great friend and promoter of the resurrection of the Lutheran Church at the other end of Russia, the Far East. The new altar is built in his memory.

Manfred Brockmann, pastor at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Vladivostok, and dean of the Russian Far East.

The Bells of St. Paul

2009-04-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Easter comes there first. They live in our tomorrow. In this bawdy seaport a cathedral sits at the highest point of the city. Once built as a place of worship in the 1800’s, it was partially destroyed, filled with weapons and silent for 70 years.

Now, the curtain has fallen, the silence will be broken by the ringing of the bells! This Easter morning through the power of God, working through His people,those from Germany, Australia, Korea and all over the United States-the Bells of St. Paul’s Lutheran Cathedral of Vladivostok Russia will call the faithful to worship.

I can’t help but think that as they ring, they are singing “He Is Risen” and with all those saints who lost their lives during the Soviet oppression and those alive today I say “He Is Risen Indeed…Alleluia!”

We celebrate as a people, and we thank all who have prayed and worked for this day.

Jackie Volbrecht

FAITH LUTHERAN ROCHESTER, NY

2009-03-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

I met with the Mission Board on Saturday, March 14th. They provided a grand luncheon and lively conversation. They are interested and engaged. It was a great joy to share the afternoon with them telling them of our brothers and sisters in the Russian Lutheran Church. On Sunday, I was given the opportunity to show a power point presentation and speak to both services. In addition, I spoke to the Adult Sunday School.

I was extended such great hospitality and felt so much at home with these wonderful people who share a passion and commitment to God’s work in the world.

Trinity Lutheran, Lawrence, February 15th

2009-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

I was welcomed at Trinity Lutheran and made presentations at both services and during the Adult Sunday School Hour. Everyone was warm and interested. Pastor Gary Teske is a leader of the Central States Synod Companion Synod Team and has been an advocate for Pau Pau NewGuneau and the Russian Far East for many years.

We enjoyed our visit and thank everyone for their gifts to St. Marie’s.

An Invitation

2009-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Wladiwostok, Febr 13.09.

To whom it may concern

Dear friends of our partner church Central States Synod,

This year, as every year, we shall perform our annual deanery-seminar for the people of our 9 congregations. It will be already the 16th

It will be held from July 5 to 14 ( arrival July 4, departure July 15) on a beautiful island before Wladiwostok. Main theme “Why I am a Lutheran in my country and culture”..

We shall have teachers coming out of 4 different Lutheran churches and nations: from Russia,from Korea, from Germany and from the USA. It will not be the first time that we have a teacher from the states, for instance there was Prof Randy McGuire from St Thomas-Holy Spirit St Louis, pastor Daniel Biles, PA, pastor Larry Hoffsiss, Epiphany Luth Church Dayton OH, Dr Susan Hedahl, Gettysburg Luth Seminary etc .

We should be very glad, if there could come somebody from you, our partner church, to be with us and to tell and teach us on this theme.

It will be for him as well for all of us , coming the different from far away regions in the Russian Far East, an unforgettable experience .

Sincerely yours and Да хранит нас всех Бог! (_= May God protect us all!)

Manfred Brockmann, p

If interested, contact Jackie at jackievolbrecht1@gmail.com

From Manfred Brockmann

2009-01-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the children's festival, we together with other congregations in St. Paul's Jan 2.

AS ever Manfred

From Manfred Brockman: Christmas Oratorio

2009-01-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Wladiwo, Dec 26.20-08.

Dear Jackie,

Here is a photo of our "Christmas-Oratorio" yesterday.

--
Best regards,
Manfred

WELCA Advent Luncheon

2008-12-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

WELCA Advent Luncheon at Christ Lutheran Church of Wichita, was another opportunity to tell the story of St. Marie’s and the churches of Far East Russia. The food was delicious and the congregation warm and welcoming. The ladies made a generous donation and expressed a sincere interest in our on-going ministry there.

From Arsenyev

2008-11-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

Dear brothers and sisters!
Lutheran community of St.Lukas congratulates you with the beginning of Advent and Christmas! We pray for you and wish you God’s blessings!

With best regards from brothers and sisters of small town Arsenyev, Russia.

Alexander Lapochenko on our synod ordained to a Pastor

2008-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

On 23th Sunday after Holy Trinity, October 2008, our preacher Alexander Lapochenko was ordained to a pastor in St Luke’s Lutheran congregation Arsenyev by bishop Kruse under assistance of archbishop E Ratz and dean M Brockmann in a festive Divine Service. For his service involving great responsibility his dean gave him on his way the word of Jesus: ”You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5,14+15).

A.Lapochenko is working in St Luke’s since 2002, first with interruptions, since January 2005

continually. Since then he is performing the Divine Services and leads together with St Luke’s president J. Slinshenko the congregation. On our synod October 2007 he was confirmed to a preacher. Since September 2003 he has visited the theological courses at our seminary in Novosaratovka, and he finished these studies with a written work and an oral examination, mark “good”.

Alexander Lapochenko is well known to us all. He always showed a solid theological culture and knowledge, and he always proved to be a good preacher of the simple and pure Word of God and the “sound doctrine” (2.Timothy 4,3) . He has overcome his weak points (in pastoral care, administration, coming along with and leading people); his inner and outer congregation work ( f i public relations..) has grown better and better and has a good reputation in Arsenyev.

His congregation is happy to have at last again a real pastor, and it will joyfully assist him on his responsible way of spreading out Lutheran doctrine and church. Also his dean is glad , to have at last again another pastor at his side, and he looks forward to a good cooperation. He will introduce Alexander Lapochenko in his ministry as a pastor of St Luke’s, Arsenyev, on the last but one Sunday of the church-year, November 12 o’clock, in a festive Divine Service in Arsenyev. We beg you to pray for him and us.

Manfred Brockmann, dean of the Russian Far East

So much to do!

2008-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for awhile. That certainly doesn't mean we aren't very busy both here and in Russia. I'm in the process of organizing several fundraisers. We have a children's book, The Secret, written in both English and Russian, by a local author, Melissa Stanton. The story was told to me by my Urkranian Russian teacher, Elena Nesterishin (Helen). I thought it to be so touching that it had to be shared. The long road to getting a story written, illustrated and printed is just that, so I will spare the details! It IS however ready. We have plans to sell it at the local Alternative Christmas Market, November 15th as well as having a reading at Watermark Books the first of the year. I plan to make it available here on the blog as well, in the meantime, if you'd like a copy, just email me at jackie@estates.kscoxmail.com and I'll be happy to send you one. The cost is $10.00 plus shipping.

Bishop Mansholt asked me to be in charge of the fund raising for the Russian Far East. I was overwhelmed by the size of this task, but the thing to do is begin and that's what I've done. I will first contact previous donors ( a sure thing, I hope) then I'll enlarge my plan to encompass the 10 area ministries of Central State Synod.

The news from Russia is very encouraging. The churches are growing, our children at St. Marie's are learning. I've had no letters to post, I have received some cards in the mail. I don't know how to scan and attach to my blog so, it's not very colorful this month.

Thank you for your donations, interest and prayers.

Update on our Russian Congregations

2008-08-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

This is taken from Pastor Manfred Brockmann's Annual Report for 2008:

St. Lukes, Arsenyev - as mentioned it is on the way up under A. Lapochenko. We have the great joy that a noble American woman made it possible to make a capital restoration of it's church house. They have a good partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend (Pastor Jim Strasen). They have a good second preacher, who is taking the seminary courses of Nowosaratovka. They have a good musician. They also have their own collections, but little, and depend still on your financial help. But they have good spiritual leaders.

St. John's, Khabarovsk - does not have an American partner Congregation. We have sent one of the women to Nowosaratovka Seminary for courses. They have a glorious tradion in performing the women's international prayer day and also their famous Culture Days. I am hoping to send Pastor Demitriy Schweitz as Pastor there.

St. Mark's, Magadan - they will be visited in August by their partner congregation Holy Cross of Overland Park. Andris Osols is attending courses in Novosaratovka.

The Congregation in Sokol is 35 km from Magadan, it is a new one, their leader and preacher is Jelena Romanyova, she also is attending Novosaratovka for courses.

St. Matthew's, Chita - is far away, financially supported by a congregation in San Clemente, CA.

The congregation in Blagoveshchensk is very little, but so faithful and does not have an American partner congregation.

St Mary's, Ussurisysk - they have the partner congregation of Gloria Dei in Wichita, Kansas. They have a very good work with an orphanage, which is nobly supported by Gloria Dei congregation. They have two serious spiritual leaders, Alexey Kramer, the President of St. Mary's is directly responsible for this sucessful joint mission. Their Preacher Oleg Lapis is a strong and serious leader and a good musician.

St. Paul's, Vladivostok - of course if the most lively of all. We have the Dean and two preachers (one an intern). We hold children's services, seminars, famous concerts. We have obtained a second organ. We have received 3 church bells from a sponsor in Germany and we are now going to restore the west facade of our church building. St Paul's is well know as a center of spiritual, cultural and social life of the town.

Financial needs report continued

2008-08-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

As to people, In a country, where people are used more to take than to give, where they, because of being exhausted and feeble, rather give up and leave their place than to stand and to withstand, where they are more waiting and hiding themselves than to confess openly and free their opinion, our church needs an "order" of ordained pastors, who stand firmly, work steadily and don't leave us.

Up to now I am the only one ordained pastor in these 9 congregations. But it seems that we have new persons of hope: Alexander Lapochenko, preacher of St. Luke's Arsenyev and Pastor Dmitirj Schweitz, who I should like to send to St. John's Khabarowsk and to St. Catherin's Komosomols.

OUR RUSSIAN GUESTS

2008-07-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Bishop August Kruse and Dean Manfred Brockmann visited the U.S. and part of their stay was with us in Wichita. They were our special guests at the Global Mission Festival held on June 14th at Gloria Dei (you can see photos if you click on Gloria Dei's website link).

In addition to the festival, they attended services at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Haysville and were part of blessing the new worship items there.

They traveled on to Bethany Lutheran in Lindsborg and also visited Trinity Lutheran in Great Bend. It was an honor and a privilege to be their travel coordinator for this part of the trip.

Pastor Brockmann shared with me his annual report, which in addition to some sorrows, contained much joy and many successes. I will begin posting portions of his report:

Financial needs report of the Deanery of the Russian Far East May 2008

We now have 9 congregations. they are of different size, character and "vitality". We more and more realize, that there are three factors working and having effect in the earthen life of our church: 1. God 2. People 3. Money, yes also money.

As to God, I can say with Paul: "This all happens in order to show us, that we should build our hope not on ourselves but on God, who is raising the dead" (2Cor. l,9) There are so many dead to be raised in Russia, and the experience of having death and troubles and sorrows, and to wait for to "take part of the raising from the dead" (Phil 3,11) is a sign of distinction, decoration and simply honor for the church.

GLOBAL MISSION FESTIVAL JUNE 14TH

2008-05-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 14th, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, will host Area 5's first Global Mission Festival. We will begin with festival worship at 10:00, then a luncheon at 11:30 and on to our festival exhibits.

Our special guests will be Dean Manfred Brockmann and Bishop August Kruse.

Bishop Mansholt and Bishop Kruse in Moscow

Trinity Ladies Friendship Tea

2008-04-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 27^th a Presentation for Trinity Lutheran ladies tea.

I was invited to the Trinity Ladies Friendship Tea to give my presentation. Everyone was very kind and interested. The food was wonderful and I enjoyed the afternoon.

Messiah Lutheran Church

2008-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

April 13^th, Messiah Lutheran Church, Springfield, Missouri

It was certainly exciting to visit the congregation of Messiah Lutheran. Pastor Friberg welcomed us and helped us get set up for my presentations. We attended their Contemporary worship service and enjoyed the fellowship. They are a very dynamic, growing, mission centered church and it was my pleasure to share my story. Several people expressed a definite interest in making connections and being a part of this ministry. I look forward to our work together.

Next presentation will be 3:00 on Sunday April 27^th, for the ladies tea at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita.

If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact me at 316-267-1968 or my email jackie@estates.kscoxmail.com.

From the Community of Saint Luka's

2008-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Дорогая Jackie!
Greetings from the community of Saint Luka's (Arsenyev, Russia).

We congratulate you on a holiday of Sacred Easter.
We thank you for your fine heart, for your frankness and love.
There has come spring, all alive goes to the sky. I wish you that in your
heart always there is a spring. We thank the God and you for your help and
your open heart.
I hope that you write us the letter as how are you doing.
We hope that you will visit us again in this year. In our church there is
a repairing.
In our house of a pray there are changes owing to you and the God and I
would like that you have seen it. we have now plastic windows, a fine
fireplace near which we gather in the evenings we feel it's warmness and
we remember you. And repair proceeds...
On a holiday of great Easter we shall pray for you. Let the God directs
and bless you.

Chairman of a community Evgenie Slinchenko.

Ps. Alas I seldom write letters. Since I do not have house of the
Internet - go to the Internet-cafe.
It is a photo from Saint-Peterburg where I was on study in seminary in
this winter.

Мы поздравляем вас с праздником Святой Пасхи.
Мы благодарим Вас за Ваше прекрасное сердце, за вашу откровенность и
любовь.
Наступила весна, все живое тянется к небу. Я желаю вам чтобы в вашем
сердце всегда была весна.
Мы благодарим Бога и вас за вашу помощь и ваше открытое сердце.
Я надеюсь что вы напишите письмо как идут дела у вас.
Мы надеемся что вы посетите нас вновь в этом году. В нашей церкви идет
ремонт.
В нашем доме молитвы произошли изменения благодаря вам и Богу и я бы хотел
чтобы вы сами это увидели. У нас теперь пластиковые окна, прекрасный камин
, около которого мы собираемся вечерами греемся и вспоминаем вас. А ремонт
продолжается ...
В праздник великой Пасхи мы будем молиться за вас. Пусть Бог направляет и
благославляет вас.
Председатель общины Евгений Слинченко.
Ps. Увы я редко пишу письма. т.к. у меня нет дома интернета - хожу в
интернет-салон. Это фото из Санкт_Петербурга, где я был на учебе в
семинарии этой зимой.

March Presentations

2008-03-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Wichita March 1st

An exciting new women’s group is forming at St. Paul’s and I had the great pleasure of being their very first speaker! Sharing with them the work and mission of St. Marie’s and the churches of the Far East in Russia. I encouraged them to look for the doors that God is opening for them and to walk through them fearlessly.

We shared a scripture meditation: “Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent, for I am with you and no one is going to attach and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:9-10

I left that presentation and headed for Salem Lutheran Church in Axtell, Kansas. They had prepared such a wonderful welcome and celebration. I presented the children’s message and told them of the little girls who live on the other side of the world in Russia.

The Children did Russian crafts, they made Orthodox Crosses and little red hens. The church prepared an authentically Russian feast. I can tell you that the best Russian food in Kansas is most certainly served in Axtell!

Pastor Charlene centered her prayers around the churches of Far East Russia. I was made to feel so warm and welcome. They were so very receptive the hearing about the world and mission of our Companion Synod.

I left them knowing that we are all part of something so much larger than ourselves, we are the body, the church! We are connected and in communion with our Lord regardless of the distances between us. We are one!

Berlin, Febr 19.08

2008-02-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

Berlin, Febr 19.08.

Dear Jackie,

My e-mail connection by my old Russian server primorye.ru
has broken down, and I have not got my mails since two weeks! . I opened a
new adress, please send always to this new one above!--- Dan BIles just
wrote me, that you keep him always informed about our plans. Thank you
very much for this. He wrote, that he would be on St Louis June 5 and 6.
But I am only coming to St Louis June 5 by plane from Chicago. But make
all the schedules for me with you and Daniel. I hope we shall have a
positive and effective talk together.

God bless you, Jackie, Yours
Manfred and Tatjana.

- WE are very busy here,- my poor Tatjana. Today I was in Hannover, EKD
and Hannoversche Landeskirche, the day before we were in Hermannsburg,
Missions Society, which will send me another pastor, at last! Tomorrow in
Leipzig GAW (Gustav-Adolf-Werk a helping society), then in Hildesheim with
this organist, who played in St Paul's during our jubilees, Next week
meeting in Frankfurt, then with the MLB (MartinLuther Bund) , then with
the GAW Stuttgart, then the noble industrial entrepreneur, who sponsors us
our church-bells, then at a conferennce of th GAW in Pfalz,-- but the at
last a week holidays with Tatjana in France, - then Hamburg, then
Moscow... and March 14 back in Wladiwostok.-- Beginning of April we
shall inaugurate our second organ with organ concerts for two organs in St
Paul's, a German organist is coming, and the second one, that's me, of
course in all modesty.

Jackie, I am ver, very glad , that YOU WILL VISIT US APR 28 - MAY 14 IN
SPITE OF ALL !!

Manfred Berlin, Febr 19.08.

Season of Global Awareness: Epiphany Season

2008-01-30T07:06:00.001-08:00

It was such a great privilege to be invited to several of our Area 5 Congregations to make my presentation about ELCROS and Gloria Dei’s Global Mission St.Marie’s Orphan School, Ussurisk, Russia.

I visited Resurrection in Haysville on January 9th. The congregation and Pastor Leaf were so welcoming and warm. The pot luck dinner delicious and the response to my story was wonderful. It was my first time to visit their new church and their sanctuary is beautiful. They are praying for our mission in Russia. They are truly my brothers in sisters in mission.

Then on January 27th I was invited to visit the Sunday School Children at Lord of Life. The kids were great, listened with their hearts and are now busy making cards and letters to send to the girls at St. Marie’s. We stayed for worship service and it was a great joy to commune with my new friends at Lord of Life.

One of the gifts that God gave me during my Russian trip was a larger vision of church. It is such a great joy. One Church, One Baptism, One Body! I am looking forward to visiting all of our Area 5 Churches before years end.

Blessings and peace,

Jackie Volbrecht

Area 5 Companion Team Representative

EPIPHANY: A Season of Global Awareness

2008-01-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Please remember the children of Papau New Guinea and Far East Russia…

The Central State Synod encourages us to celebrate Epiphany as a Season of Global Awareness…a time to nurture our relationships with our Companion Synods.

The main focus of our companion Synod Relationships is not financial. The word used to describe our working together is “Accompaniment.” The most important thing is to develop relationships between people from the Central States Synod and our Companion Synods overseas through visits both ways, through working together and through correspondence. With this is mind, the primary need is for funds to enable people to travel to visit our Companion Synods and to bring people from our Companion Synods to visit us.

If you would like to make a donation to fund scholarships for future visits please make contributions to the Companion Synod Visitation Fund.

The 8 congregations of ELCROS – Russian Far East require outside support for facilities, staff and program expenses. If you are interested in sending funds to one of these congregations you may contact Jackie Volbrecht for guidance on which congregations need the support.

PRAYER REQUESTS

*For the hungry, the unemployed and those that suffer with addictions

*For those who are in power, that they maintain awareness of the needs of the people

*For all who have suffered and are in despair and have lost their hope and faith

*For overall leadership of the churches in the Far East Russia: Bishop Kruse and Dean Manfred Brockmann

*For development of leaders and pastors for the various congregations

*For all those that serve in the congregations of the Far East

*That the church in the Far East of Russia will continue to serve as a beacon of light as it proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ and brings hope and salvation to those that hear it.

RESOLUTION FROM 2007 ASSEMBLY

The Central States Synod designated the Epiphany Season as a season of global awareness. During the Epiphany Season, congregations are encouraged to designate Global Mission/Companion synod Sundays.

Blessings to you all

Jackie Volbrecht
Area 5 Companion Synod Team Representative

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

We wish all of our supporters a very Merry Christmas and we want to thank you for you continued help and interest in our Russian Missions. We look forward to a happy and very productive New Year making a difference, one little girl at a time.

God Bless you everyone!

The Ladies of Ruth Guild

From Russia: December 1, 2007

2007-12-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Wladiwoastok, Dec 1.2007.

Dear Jackie,

At first thank you for a letter by mail, I just received, it is a
greeting card. You are so faithful "Hope to see you again" right,
- then next year in spring? But longer than one week.

Then thanks for your letter Nov 21.- Allrigth that there is no
more money this year, but you gave us already so much.
Nevertheless I shall give the last rate for Oct - Dec of 1.000 $
tomorrow to Aleksey, out of that what is left here with me, I
think thy need it, they are counting every three months with
1,500$ for their work with the children.

Fine that you are now area 5 representative. Well, contact
Messiah Lutheran Church in Springfield MO, I know them from the
last synod but one in Springfield, may be they remember me.

I just had a telephone call with Olga Kochan. She will contact
you about the illustrations. I shall see the congregation of St
Catherine 8./8. of Dec.

I send you some more photos of the repair in Arsenyev.

Soon I shall write you our Christmas greetings

Blesings and thanks Manfred and Tatjana

Donations Needed For Repairs

2007-11-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

Repairs are being made to the church house of St. Luke's in Arsenev, donations are needed to complete the renovations.

Your help, as always, is supremely appreciated.

Information and HAPPY NEWS!

2007-11-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Friday and Saturday, November 16^th & 17^th, I attended the Companion Synod Team Meeting in Kansas City We stayed at St. Paul’s Seminary, a very pretty campus. I found the team members to be “all about missions” and I really learned a lot. There were great sessions and my Russian DVD was part of our presentation to the team about the Russian Trip, several of our team members took copies for their home churches and I am invited to give my presentation on January 20^th in Springfield, Missouri at Messiah Lutheran! They must be a big church, they have 4 services.

I was elected as Area 5 Representative for the Companion Synod Team. They pretty much tell you what to do and you’re supposed to get it done, they only meet once a year. I like those kind of committees. My job is to make sure everyone in Area 5 is aware of our companion relationships and help to connect any who are interested with one of the congregations in either ELCROS or Papua New Guinea. What a fun job!!

When I came back from Russia, I decided that God had given me the job of not only raising funding for St. Marie’s but also to fund St. Paul’s Vladivostok, so I set my goal to raise $20,000.00 in 08. I was sort of like a walking United Way Sign, you know they keep filling up as donations come in? I never felt “burdened” but I was certainly preoccupied with raising funds, that’s a lot of pies in the face! Anyway, a representative from Global Missions attended the meeting and reported that ELCA Global had granted St. Paul’s Vladivostok $16,000.00 for 2008! It was almost like God said “ok, here’s your money, now get back to the original mission I gave you of connecting churches here with churches there-tell the stories, do the work…I OWN the results!” So, I can happily announce that all my fundraising is complete for 2008 as of this date!

I do feel about $20,000 pounds lighter. I wish I’d listen to my own self more…God always gives us what we need, we always have enough to do the job, He’s in control, it’s HIS mission.

I wanted to share this with you because it is truly a wonderful, extravagant thing God has done for our congregations in the Far East and He did it in the most remarkable of ways, His own!

Thank you all, everyone who is wearing a Gloria Dei t-shirt, as they put a St. Marie’s Christmas ornament on their tree while drinking Cloud County Tea and eating a gluten free baking mix! You all have been faithful true friends to our connection with our brothers and sisters in Russia and benefactors to little Russian orphans. Thank you for your prayers, and please continue as my work is just beginning and I want to make you proud.

Jackie Volbrecht
Area 5 Companion Synod Team Representative

Alternative Christmas Market

2007-11-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

We just completed our Alternative Christmas Market fundraiser for St. Marie’s Orphan School. It is one of our largest efforts during the year. We will not have our totals until all the mini markets throughout the city are done. I want to thank all those who helped, Karen Haynes, Doris Ylander, Della Curtis, Margaret Simmons, Mary Tidemann, Lorna Erickson and Carol Glidden and also everyone who purchased a St. Marie’s Christmas ornament. I plan to have them available for sale through our website next year.

I am headed for Kansas City the weekend of November 16^th and 17^th to meet with the Companion Synod Team of the ELCA. Members from our Area 5 district will meet to discuss our plans for development of covenants and companions committee representatives and to make plans for 2008. I will report any exciting developments!

An Update from Jackie

2007-10-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

So far the Fall Campaign has been extremely busy! On September 17th, I was invited by the 49er’s of Gloria Dei to share my stories of Russia. Thank you 49ers! Then on September 23rd, Pastor Dave Fulton of St. Paul’s Wichita gave me his sermon time at both services and showed my DVD presentation during fellowship time. St. Paul’s members made a generous donation to Children of the Wind. Karen Haynes was right there with me, thank you Karen!

In October I was privileged to address Area 5 Pastors meeting at Cross of Glory in Derby, however, technical difficulties prevented the showing of the DVD. I asked the Pastors to take my plea back to their congregations regarding an offering and emphasis for St. Paul’s Vladivostok during Epiphany Season. Thank you Pastor Jacobson for setting this up!

October 11th I presented to about 45 people at the Shepherd’s Center West – how exciting, my first ecumenical presentation! Again had a few difficulties with equipment, no sound for DVD, still I felt the message was well received and it was so nice to see the many faces of my Gloria Dei family in the audience, thank you for the support.

Next up October 20th, a presentation at a Women’s Retreat in Rock Springs and on November 12th I present at Reformation Wichita.

Please keep this Mission in your prayers and let any group you think might be interested know about Gloria Dei’s Global Ministry and that I am available and so excited to talk with them and share the news of what I witnessed, to tell of the great new day dawning for our brothers and sisters in Far Eastern Russia! Reclaim the Sacred! Lift High the Cross!

Jackie Volbrecht

Companion Synod Team

P.S. One of Children of the Wind’s loyal contributors is donating a lap top and projector to avoid any further technical difficulties…thank you Lawrence, my love.

5 Questions with Jackie Volbrecht

2007-09-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

From the Wichita Eagle:

MEMBER, GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH

5 QUESTIONS WITH JACKIE VOLBRECHT

MEMBER, GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH

Jackie Volbrecht and her husband, Lawrence, have owned and operated Estates Unlimited, a Wichita real estate firm, for the past 20 years. Volbrecht is social ministry chairperson at Gloria Dei Lutheran, where she and others are active in outreach through a number of community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Alternative Christmas Market, Salvation Army and Interfaith Ministries. Volbrecht also participates in her church's global mission known as "Children of the Wind," whose goal is to provide information about and collect funds for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia. Volbrecht was the only layperson to accompany her bishop's delegation to Russia a year ago. A high point of her trip was visiting the girls' orphanage in Ussurijsk, where Gloria Dei helps sponsor learning opportunities in cooperation with St. Marie's Church.

1. Why are you a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) denomination?

I am a member of the ELCA because of their emphasis on grace, which is extremely important to me because I know I need it. I believe God has totally forgotten the "wild child" of my youth and works through the new me! I also love the denomination's reverent, respectful and powerful worship practices. I am a "bells and smells" worshipper, a light way of saying that I like the ancient and traditional things such as candles, incense, chants, icons and paintings.

2. Who inspires you?

Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Anwar Sadat and Mother Teresa, who is a golden light and example for all faiths. I guess I was very fortunate to grow up in a time of heroes, or at least heroic acts: the Civil Rights Movement, a real attempt at peace in the Middle East and presidents I trusted who challenged me to be better than I am. To me, a hero is someone who in spite of his or her human nature rises above that and strives to be a force for good -- does things that benefit the whole and sacrifices to help others. I believe and know that heroes are still out there; in fact, I want to be one!

Today, I'm inspired by Pastor Manfred Brockmann. He began his ministry in far eastern Russia after the German Lutheran Church retired him. He is the only pastor for the largest parish in the world. He has helped eight congregations regain their roots, worship practices and faith statements. I believe him to be a true saint, and I actually know him firsthand.

3. How has your faith made a difference in your life?

My faith is my life. To try and separate a Christian from Christ is impossible. The difference is light and darkness, life and death... it goes way beyond right and wrong to being. My guide, my reason, my hope, yes, the great hope is all in Christ. It has made all the difference.

4. What has been the biggest challenge to your faith?

Me -- my basic selfish self. I don't believe anyone can tempt me beyond my ability to resist, and I don't believe any circumstance would ever separate me from God. But I must continually, daily determine who I am, not by the large things, but the little everyday decisions, choices that I make that could take me away from my faith. Faith is lived, day by day, minute by minute. It is not a stagnant thing. You either feed it and grow it, or you starve it and it can die.

5. If you weren't Lutheran, what might you be?

I think the labels, the way we practice our faith, are like tattoos on the surface of the body of Christ. The Scriptures tell us over and over again, "One body, one God, one faith, one baptism, one Communion, one Resurrection." I am Lutheran because that particular way of worship helps to grow my faith. I accept that theology as truth but not to the extent that I would say we are "exclusively correct." I am Christian, which I believe makes me Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Pentecostal, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox... and Lutheran. (If I left out any Christian denominations, it was not intentional.) I am not Buddhist, Muslim or Hindu. So you know that I DO have one criterion that is so simple: Jesus Christ crucified, Jesus Christ alive. He left us a faith. We, in turn, need religion.

Cynthia Snider, Special to The Eagle

Letters from Russia: September 20, 2007

2007-09-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Wladiwo, Sept 20.07.

Dear Jackie,

Yesterday we had here Oleg Lapin, the preacher of Ussurijsk, and I could hand over to him your wonderful gift, the paraments. (see photo). They will surely soon thank you. Ludmila, the musician, is on a women's seminar in Omsk. Alexej or Oleg will be the official representatives at our jubilees, for which we are hard working now. Bishop MAnsholt has written us now an official greeting.

THanks to you all. Manfred

Letters from Russia: September 8, 2007

2007-09-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wladiwostok Sept 8.07.

Dear Jackie,

Thank you so much for your letter Aug 30. It must be wonderful to
ride an old train on the old roads in the states. Teton I know,
Tanj and I have been there in 2001 by car.-

I thank you so much, that you will begin the great
fundraising in September, and that you are so full of
hope in this!

In the next days I shall have the opportunity to hand over the
paraments to delegates from St MAry's Ussuruijsk, when they will
coem here. --- Yes, we are now after my birtday and the visit of
my daughters eagerly p[reparing the festivies of our jubilees. I
send tyou the latest edition of the program. Now even our
archbishop will come and preach on our thanksgiving day, Sept 30!
It is a great pity, that ee have nort yet an official delegate
from the CSS, nore from teh states at al....I just wrote again to
KAthie, I wrote and telephoned to bishop G MAnsholt, but did not
even get an answer... --

I told you, that we had the visit of the German industrial, who
will sponsor these three church bells for us?( see photo, when he
handed us a costy present: copies of old Armenian symbols. I shall
share the admiration of them with my colleage of the Armenian
church nearby ). You can also read about this on our website. So
you are right, when writing in your letter, that "His children can
always be hopeful and rejoicing".

We yesterday has a great event in St PAul's: the American
general consul, THomas Armbruster, who from time to time
attends our Divine Service(!) made wirth us a merry meeting
with 65 Amercan tourists in our church. I send you what I shall
place about on our website, and also a photo.

I also am someti,es placing a candle for you in our church.

Yours sincerely MAnfred + TAnja

Facts and Information about our Congregations in Far Eastern Russia

2007-09-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Russia is about twice the size of the United States (including Alaska) with about half as many people. There are eleven time zones that span the country.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States (ELCROS) includes the Lutheran churches in Russia. The Central States Synod has had a companion relationship with the following eight congregations in the Far East of Russia:

St. Paul, Vladivostok

St. Paul began over 100 years ago by Germans that were either deported to Vladivostok or went there for economic opportunity. The current building was completed in 1907. Stalin closed it in 1935, and the communists used it as a military museum. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1988, St. Paul was restarted in 1992 and the building was given back to the congregation in 1997. The building is currently being restored.

The congregation is served by Pastor Manfred Brockman who serves as Dean of the eight congregations in the Far East of Russia. Pr. Brockman has made several visits to the Central States Synod.

St. Paul currently has about 200 members. A variety of ministry is being done through the congregation which includes: music ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, prison outreach, web site development, and hosting a German cultural center where people come to learn the German language.

Each Christmas and Easter St. Paul presents a concert of music by Bach that is open to the general public. In the summer they have a one-week summer camp for children.

St. Marie’s, Ussurijsk

This congregation is about 60 miles from Vladivostok and owns their own flat where they hold worship services. They work with a girl’s orphanage helping the youth get training to become beauticians, drivers, and computer programmers. They teach the younger girls how to crochet, knit and sew. They sponsor a camp and learning opportunities for the youth during the summer.

Gloria Dei in Wichita, Kansas, began a relationship with St. Marie’s in 2005, and they help St. Marie’s sponsor learning opportunities for the girls at the orphanage.

St. Luke’s Arsenyev

St. Luke’s began in 1999 and is located a little over 200 miles from Vladivostok. The congregation consists of quite a few young people that are well educated and many are studying English. They bought a house (in need of repairs) that they use as a worship center. They do a lot of community service ministry, such as helping older people especially those that are ill, having sports teams, helping with forestry, and offering bible study. They have a puppet ministry and each year present the Christmas story and a concert. A German pastor had served them, but he has returned to Germany.

St. Katharines’ Komsomoksk

St. Katharines’ began in 1999 with five women. Today there are around 100 that range in age from infants to retired people. They work closely with a children’s home. They collect clothing for the children and visit the home on a regular basis to teach Bible lessons, give art lessons, and have holiday parties. They have a very active women’s group that does Bible study and participates in the World Day of Prayer each year. They have an active youth group that does Bible study and community service projects.

Atonement in Overland Park, Kansas, began a relationship with St. Katharine’s in 2003 and sent two individuals to Komsomolsk in the summer of 2004. Olga Kokhan visited the US during the summer of 2006 and Atonement hopes to send two individuals to Komsomolsk during the summer of 2007. With the help of Atonement St. Katharine’s recently purchased a flat where they can meet for worship, study and ministry activities.

St. Johns Khabarovsk

St Johns is a vibrant congregation that is about ten years old and has 60+ members. They have a good music ministry, which attracts young people. They do have a preacher, and they have use of a classroom in the German Cultural Center for two and half hours each Sunday.

St. Matthew’s Chita

St. Matthew’s was started in January of 2000 and is located 1500 miles west of Vladivostok a trip that takes two days and three nights by train. They do not have a preacher or regular place to hold worship.

St. Mark’s Magadan

Magadan, about 1,800 miles north of Vladivostok, was founded by Stalin in 1935 as the headquarters for the Gulags in that area. St. Mark’s started in 2000.

Holy Cross in Overland Park, Kansas, began a relationship with St. Mark’s in 2001. Three individuals from Holy Cross traveled to Magadan in 2002, and Alla Vysokova visited the US in 2004. Two individuals from Holy Cross visited St. Mark’s in 2005, and Alla and Elena Romaneva visited Holy Cross in 2006. With the help of Holy Cross St. mark’s was able to purchase a flat in 2004 where they celebrate worship, conduct Bible study, do social ministry in the area of drug and alcohol abuse, and offer housekeeping and handicraft classes.

In the Spring of 2007, a delegation visiting Russia, met the newly elected Bishop of ELCROS, Bishop Kruse who indicated that they would attempt to have a census in 2008 to determine how many other home church congregations might be in the vast regions of Eastern Russia.

We anxiously await the news!

Welcome!

2007-09-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Our Mission is to provide information about and to collect funds for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia and Other States, ELCROS. After 70 years of tyranny and oppression a new church is rising up. The need is urgent and great, however their faith and hope are even greater!

The Mission to St. Marie's Church in Ussurisk, Russia, began with 14 ladies, old ladies, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. Since the visit of Jackie Volbrecht to Russia, our vision is larger and so are our plans to help. Our organization is now congregational and of course affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, The ELCA.

Your gifts should be made payable to

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
and mailed to
1101 N. River Blvd, Wichita, Kansas 67203.

Please mark them as a Children of the Wind donation.

We then forward the entire sum, 100% to our ELCROS representative, Manfred Brockmann, Dean of the Church of Far East Russia for distribution as indicated by you or if not indicated, as needed by the congregations.

To read more about it, www.luthvostok.com is the official website of the Far East (make sure you find the English translation button at the top of the site)

This site is new, I plan to ad additional information and more interesting links, however, this is the beginning, thank you for being here with us.

In His Service
Jackie