Progress Report – 2025 – February

On February 24, 2022, Russia started an open war against Ukraine. For three long years Ukrainians have been dying not only for their own country and its democratic future but also for peace, justice, truth and freedom. These values, upon which our civilization is built, depend on each other. As the prophet Micah writes, it is futile to proclaim peace and neglect justice (Micah 3:5-12). Justice and peace go hand in hand, and the obligation of every God-fearing ruler is to secure peace by enacting justice, following Psalm 72:4 “defend the cause of the poor… give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.” Once justice is established, peace follows. Let us pray for peace and justice in Ukraine and all around the world.

Our colleague, Marianna Aljou, the CCE Social Worker for Ukrainian Refugees with Special Needs, fulfills the words of the Psalm 72 every day – she brings peace by helping the poor and giving deliverance to the needy. Due to their various health, social, and mental conditions, some Ukrainian refugees cannot fully adopt to standard life in Slovakia. Like Viktoria, 60-year-old divorced single mother from Mykolajiv, who after diagnosed with breast cancer, had to quit her job and was left with no income. Marianna not only secured Viktoria’s medical treatment but also managed for her to receive social security financial aid. We are thankful to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod grant for supporting Marianna’s ministry.

The story of Matej Toth, a Slovak 2016 Olympic champion in the 50 km race-walking, is another witness how justice is important in every aspect of life, including sports. In his presentation to our students he highlighted that every champion must play fair. According to his words only a just victory counts, being a result of diligent, hard, and day-to-day work. Shortcuts based on cheating do not make one a real champion and have no value. “Work hard and play fair” was his message to our students.

Our high school students visited a nearby psychiatric clinic to have hands-on experience about the subject. They had an open discussion with the local psychologists and psychiatrists about modern treatments of mental diseases and mental health prevention. Our students learned from experts that empathy and loving care for people with mental health is the essence and the starting point of all the treatment and therapies. There is no success in mental health without love, empathy, and understanding.

Dear friends and partners, the reconstruction of all the available classroom space in the New Building is coming to an end! The finances for the four 2nd floor classrooms are already pledged, and they are almost ready. However, financial support for the remaining five classrooms on the 3rd floor is still needed: $142,000 per classroom. With your support more children can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and have access to a high-quality education. We remind them daily that they are loved and that their mission is to become peacemakers by helping the needy. This way justice will be established, and peace will reign in the world.

in His service,