A Luverne congregation is helping Ukrainians prepare for winter in their war-torn country where energy infrastructure was destroyed by Russian forces.
The First Presbyterian Church in Luverne will host a mission service at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, to raise money for simple stoves in Ukraine.
The stoves, which will use wooden rubble of war as fuel, will be distributed in homes, churches, government offices and businesses to take the edge off winter weather.
During the Oct. 23 church service in Luverne, Yakov Daniko, a Ukrainian pastor from Sioux Falls, will talk about the needs of the Ukranians and about local opportunities to help.
Pastor Valerie Putnam, interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church, is facilitating the event between the Sioux Falls and Luverne churches.
“Winter is approaching and the destruction of infrastructure in Ukraine has taken away their ability to provide heat for their homes and businesses and churches,” Putnam said.
“This is a humanitarian crisis where we can make a difference. Ukraine is relying on the compassion and generosity of the world to survive the harshness of winter.”
Putnam is pastor emerita at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, where the Ukrainian congregation meets. Those members have personal contacts in Ukraine and can direct support where it’s needed most.
Specifically, donated funds will support a Ukrainian small business that’s building the efficient wood burning furnaces at a cost of less than $100 each.
“These furnaces will be quickly dispersed to families without cost to them,” Putnam said. “Wood is readily available due to the shelling of buildings by Russia.”
Putnam refers to the Romans 12 scripture, “Weep with those who weep,” and said her congregation feels called to help the Ukrainian people.
“Let us show solidarity with those who are weeping this day by providing for their basic needs,” she said.
A youth choir from the Sioux Falls Ukrainian congregation will provide special music for the Oct. 23 fundraiser, which will send 100 percent of proceeds to build furnaces.
Western Union has waived transfer fees for funds going to Ukraine.
For more information about Sunday’s event or about how to support the effort, contact Putnam at the Presbyterian Church in Luverne by phone at 507-283-4787 or email at vputnam@sio.midco.net.