[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_color=”#FFFFF0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”47px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-26px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#8B2230″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|200px||200px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Mission” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_padding=”0px||3px|||” top_divider_color=”#8B2230″ hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color=”#FFFFF0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
To supply the spiritual and material needs of those under their care, LWF-SR set out to create multiple support programs. Under the leadership skills and dedication of the staff, the LWF-SR ended up creating around five main programs<\/strong><\/span> (congregational care, chaplaincy service, study centers, religious education, and resettlement) with three smaller companion programs<\/strong><\/span> (youth work, publications, and student work). These programs worked together to reach as many persons as possible, whether that be through finding pastors to serve persons in hospitals (chaplaincy service), training up new Sunday School teachers for camp congregations (study centers), or making sure congregations have the necessary materials to print their stories (publications).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/lwf-refugee-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1702\/2023\/07\/Senft-with-Answers-for-Anne-cast-rotated.jpg” alt=”Original Caption: %22Kenneth Senft, Lutheran World Federation American zone director, helps a refugee family at N\u00fcrnberg.%22″ title_text=”Kenneth Senft with Answers for Anne cast” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/lwf-refugee-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1702\/2023\/07\/Unloading-Congregational-Care-Packages-rotated.jpg” alt=”Original Caption: %22Bruno Ederma, Congregational Care director, right, checks the loading list as food parcels and other supplies are unloaded at the Lutheran World Federation British Zone headquarters in Bad Salzuflen. The 3-ton truck is on permanent loan to LWF from the IRO.%22″ title_text=”Unloading Congregational Care Packages” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6Ijk3NCJ9fQ==@” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Follow the movement of care” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#e0d8c8″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” transform_translate=”-4px|-15px” custom_margin=”|-60px|0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”16px|28px|16px|28px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n LWF-SR quickly realized that to truly minister to Lutherans in need they must ensure their physical health is cared for first, hence the creation of the congregational care program. Through the aid of Lutheran World Relief, its own resources, and Lutheran churches globally, the congregational care program collected food, sanitary supplies, clothing, and additional items for those in need. For example, alongside food, one LWF-SR officer in the British Zone distributed \u201csoap, Klex, Kiddie Kits, candles, matches, fruit drops, combs, razor blades, safety pins, Vaseline, hair oil, [and] shaving cream.\u201d<\/strong>1<\/a><\/span><\/span>\u00a0From here, LWF-SR workers would distribute packages to congregations and those in particular need, whether that be pastors, \u201cspecial hardship\u201d cases, or families.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To provide fellowship to all, the chaplaincy service directed itself to those that were on the outskirts of or disconnected from camp congregations\u2013persons in hospitals\/sanitariums, orphanages, and college campuses. Extending a heart and hand to them, the chaplaincy service assigned pastors or deaconesses to certain areas to go out and attend to Lutherans there through prayer and religious services. LWF-SR workers would also distribute medicines or additional food to and advocate for those under their care. Ultimately, the value of the chaplaincy service relied on the importance of presence.<\/span><\/a>2<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#8B2230″ header_2_text_color=”#bf5e5e” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n one refugee’s description of the chaplaincy service3<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/lwf-refugee-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1702\/2023\/07\/Chaplaincy-Service-rotated.jpg” alt=”Original Caption: %22Displaced Persons suffering from tuberculosis are visited in the hospital at Senne in the British Zone by Pastor Edgars Kiploks, Chaplaincy Service director of the Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees. Wider than his direct ministry of the Gospel in institutions is Pastor Kiploks’ work of helping the various Churches-in-Exile to locate and provide regular ministry to their own members outside of camps regularly served by a pastor.%22″ title_text=”Chaplaincy Service” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”18px|||||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/lwf-refugee-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1702\/2023\/08\/Pastor-Trekys-rotated.jpg” alt=”Original Caption: %22Pastor Trakys, youth leader of the Lithuanian Lutheran Church-in-Exile, teaches young people from Displaced Persons camps in the British zone at the Lutheran Study Center in Imbshausen. Since the Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees opened the old Imbshausen castle as a center for the work of the Churches-in-Exile, groups of up to eighty students of all ages have taken part in spiritual leadership courses.%22″ title_text=”Lithuanian Church-in-Exile at Imbshausen” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#bf5e5e” custom_margin=”75px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n James Anderson, director at Imbshausen<\/span>5<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”study-centers” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To service the current leadership and help train the new, LWF-SR employed two displaced pastors to organize the study centers at Imbshausen (founded in April 1948) and Berchtesgaden (founded in July 1948). Here courses were provided such as: a course for Latvian Sunday school teachers, theological refresher courses, and \u201cLutheran Pastors Orientation on Emigration.\u201d4<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> Outside of courses, Imbshausen and Berchtesgaden existed\u00a0 as meeting places for pastors or LWF-SR staff and even storage. Overall, people that entered were able to rest from the toils of camp life, even if for a moment, and then prepare to serve their congregations when they return.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/lwf-refugee-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1702\/2023\/07\/LWF-A_-Berchtesgaden-Sunday-School-Teachers.jpg” alt=”Original Caption: %22Religious education of their children is furthered through courses such as this for Sunday School teachers held by the Estonian Lutheran Church at the Berchtesgaden Lutheran Study Center.%22″ title_text=”Sunday School Teacher Class” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Religious education embodied the \u201cspiritual aid\u201d purpose of LWF-SR, as it ensured that camp congregations had the suitable materials for service (communion sets, hymnals, pastor\u2019s robes, etc.) and general religious life (Bibles, catechisms, children\u2019s educational material, etc.). Also, alongside the youth work program, they provided different Bible picture cards, film strips, and educational programs to Sunday school teachers and children throughout the Allied Zones and sought to help set up new, sustainable children\u2019s programs in camps. On the whole, getting camp congregations to their feet was the true accomplishment of this program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#bf5e5e” header_3_text_color=”#8B2230″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nCongregational Care<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span>Chaplaincy Service<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/h2>\n
“The shepherd who had sought out the one lost sheep.\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
“The centers have given heart and content to the work of the LWFSR.”<\/span><\/h2>\n
Study Centers<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span>Religious Education<\/h1>\n
“Not even song sheets could be obtained.”<\/h2>\n