. . . From the Save the Seminary Campaign and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novosibirsk, Siberia.

For many years, the Christmas bells of Lutheran churches in Russia were silenced by a repressive government. Today, after the fall of Soviet Communism, the Lutheran Church is being restored with the help of Missouri Synod Lutherans throughout the United States. The bells are beginning to ring again, and congregations can be heard singing. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”

You and others in your congregation can be part of this important evangelical effort and help bring God’s Word to the Russian people through your financial support for the Save the Seminary Campaign.

Funds that the campaign gathers will be used exclusively to support the ongoing operations of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novosibirsk, Siberia. The seminary was established in 1997 at the request of Synod leaders by Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The seminary is now a strong, independent institution, managed and staffed by a first-class faculty of Russian pastors.

Please consider supporting this important mission endeavor. Your entire gift goes to the seminary—the Lutheran Legacy Foundation has provided a grant to cover the incidental expenses associated with the Save the Seminary Campaign.

Your gift matters; it can help restore the Lutheran Church in Russia and bring the true meaning and sound of Christmas back to the Russian people.

MAKE CHECKS TO THE SAVE THE SEMINARY CAMPAIGN. PLEASE DESIGNATE “SAVE THE
SEMINARY CAMPAIGN” ON YOUR CHECK, OR USE THE CONVENIENT “DONATE WITH PAYPAL” BUTTON LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO DONATE ONLINE.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you for supporting the restoration of the Lutheran Church in Russia! We have surpassed our first major milestone and announce that we have received in donations and commitments over $1 million towards the $7 million goal to permanently fund the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. The endowment is safely tucked away in conservative investment accounts, managed by professional, bonded personnel. God be praised!

Thanks to skilled and dedicated Lutheran volunteers, we had a very professional presence and meaningful literature, along with a new video.  We made many wonderful contacts among the pastors and laity, who will be taking our story back to their congregations.
 To stimulate interest, we also had a little contest: “Guess how many M&Ms in the little Matryoshka Dolls.”  It created a lot of interest (see to the left) and allowed us to speak with a many new supports.  Rector Alexsey Streltsov of the Siberian seminary was present, and also drew many to our booth. 

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We also received another important endorsement of our efforts this month. As you’ll remember, President Harrison charged SLMS to Save the Seminary as our primary funder considers reducing their support.  President Harrison therefore recently penned the following confirmation letter, as detailed below:

“Dear Rev. Daniel Johnson, Greetings in the name of Jesus! The Seminary of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church exists because of the remarkable efforts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne who answered the appeal from Pastor Vsevolod Lytkin in 1996 for help in establishing a confessional seminary in Siberia. Two years ago, the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society responded to a request from my office to assist the LCMS in raising funds for an endowment to keep the seminary open. What you have accomplished in such a short time is remarkable. Please extend my deep gratitude and encouragement to the members of the Mission Society for their commitment to Lutheran mission and the restoration of the Lutheran church and holy ministry in the former Soviet Union, and be sure to pass on my thanks and encouragement to those who are willing to help you to reach this crucial goal of saving the Seminary through their generous offerings. 
In Christ, Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod”

The Holy Spirit, working through graduates of the Novosibirsk seminary, is saving souls all over Russia.  Those who have never heard of Jesus the Christ are hearing the pure Word and being baptized and catechized. 

In order to bring this story of the restoration of the church to more congregations, we’ve prepared a presentation package with everything needed to tell this wonderful story. About 45 minutes total, the package includes a PowerPoint and Video presentation on a thumb drive, plus the narrative to go with it. Bulletin insert, handouts and other aids are included.  If you’d like a package to use for your congregation, please let us know.

Please pray for the restoration of the Lutheran Church in Russia, for her outreach to the lost and for the Seminary as it prepares pastors. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  2 Timothy 2:2

For the restoration of the Lutheran Church and Seminary in Russia let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all the pastors and deacons of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church that they not loose heart or become discouraged, but faithfully give pastoral care to their sheep and courageously give witness to those still in darkness, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy

For the laity of the Siberian Lutheran Church that they may remain faithful to the Gospel and the Lutheran Confession and be encouraged to live and confess their baptismal vocation in joy and hope, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Yours Truly,

Rev. Dr. Timothy C. J. Quill
Director of Fundraising
Save the Seminary Campaign

Save the Seminary
8811 St. Joe Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46835