Since 1991, communist repression of religion in Kazakhstan under the Soviet Union has given way to greater religious tolerance. In 1993, the LCMS began work in Kazakhstan and has since established the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kazakhstan.

In 1995, LCMS World Relief and Human Care began support of ELC mercy work with a grant that provided health services for those living in a fishing village. Through these kinds of relationships, built from LCMS World Relief and Human Care projects, LWML grants and partnerships with other LCMS ministries, many doors have been opened to witness to the Lord’s great love through acts of mercy.

Currently, LCMS support of the ELC includes:

• New Ministry Starts
• Conference and Worship Facilities
• Handicap Institutional Reform
• Christian Resource Materials (LCMS provides expertise and funding for the translation, printing and distribution of Lutheran materials in English, Russian and Kazakh)
• Support of LCMS Personnel

Other LCMS partners in Kazakhstan have included: Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Concordia Mission Society, Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Lutheran Hour Ministries, LWML, MOST Ministries, and Orphan Grain Train.

The ELC is presently comprised of six congregations, seven ordained pastors, numerous small groups and various individual men and women who are receiving training in Lutheran doctrine and worship.

Eastern Almaty Flood Response
A reservoir dam in the eastern region of Kazakhstan burst in mid-March 2010 causing a flash flood which completely destroyed one village and damaged several others. Survivors were moved to temporary tent facilities or housed with other village families. Flood victims lost everything, and their temporary hosts had few resources prior to the flood. LCMS World Relief and Human Care awarded a disaster grant to help LCMS World Mission-Kazakhstan provide food, clothing, water and medicines to these families. The local church also gathered clothing and blankets and distributed them with food packages assembled by mission office volunteers.

For more information on mercy work in the LCMS, contact us at infocenter@lcms.org or by calling 888-THE-LCMS (843-5267).

The LCMS also works with the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) in Kazakhstan, the LCMS’ emerging partner in Kazakhstan, and other Lutheran and public sector partners in making God’s love known in word and deed. Project funding supports...

Reaching those in need:
Disabled and handicapped persons in Kazakhstani society are often restricted by lack of opportunities available for education, therapy and employment. This project seeks to enable local families, individuals and social workers to develop programs that help this disadvantaged sub-community. There is great opportunity for public witness through this project, for as Jesus says, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” By assisting the improvement of the lives of the Kazakh handicapped, LCMS workers and partners can display God’s love for all involved in the project. Funded by Concordia Mission Society, the mobile medical van ministry in Kazakhstan has served local women and children with medical and dental care and testing for more than 10 years! Additionally, eyeglass clinics for community members often accompany the van to its rural locations.

Providing assistance for discipleship training and theological education:
The ELC needs to identify and purchase or translate Russian and Kazakh-language Christian resource materials so that Russians and Kazakhs in cities and villages are able to hear and study God’s Word, grow in their faith and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others using some of these materials. One of the primary materials to be purchased will be Russian and Kazakh Bibles. Other materials will cover a range of topics, including theological education, Sunday school, Bible study, youth ministry and worship.

Providing support for new church starts:
The ELC is a registered religious organization that functions like a “Synod,” ministering in the Russian language in the large metropolis area of Almaty. This project supports outreach ministries and events organized by existing ELC congregations, as well as small groups of both Russian and Kazakh ministries. Additionally, the project supports the work of ELC leadership—their pastors and national staff—involved in forming new church starts, that over time will grow to ELC congregations. As the opportunity presents itself, special project funds will be dedicate to unexpected strategic prospects and situations that will enable the ELC to expand outreach into new locations and among new groups of people.

Supporting personnel and partners in Kazakhstan:
The Kazakhstan business office enables other program ministry areas to function effectively. It is a vital part of ministry in Kazakhstan, benefitting all LCMS workers and nationals through support of personnel and projects. Functions covered through this program area include, but are not limited to:  reporting financial transactions to the Kazakhstan government and the LCMS, procurement of visas and housing for LCMS workers and complying with various governmental regulations.