St. John's has been involved in supporting a Christian law enforcement chaplaincy mission project in Russia. Read a thank-you letter from the Rev. Dr. Arri Kugappi, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, the partner church of The LC-MS in Russia.

A few years ago The Lutheran Church of Ingria began a chaplaincy initiative with the goal of bringing the Gospel to those working in law enforcement.  Today this initiative has now grown into a ministry.  We have already held more than a dozen information seminars and meetings, and we have already begun training 15 Lutheran pastors, deacons and church leaders according to the program of training offered by Peace Officer Ministries (LCMS).  We have gathered for our ministry various video and other informational material for distribution through our Lutheran parishes, and have built some working relationships with other churches working in this area, especially the Russian Orthodox Church.

The founding of this ministry we owe a great debt of thanks to Pastor and Chaplain Anton Lagoutine, without whose help and support our efforts would not have been nearly as successful.  His experience and spiritual leadership, his unique ability to bridge American Chaplain experience with Russian cop-culture and general understanding of the role of chaplains in law enforcement in the USA and Russia were invaluable assests in estabslishing our small ministry as a major influence in this area.

We are also very thankful to your parish for its financial and prayerful support of our efforts.  We hope that both Anton and your parish will be able to continue as partners in our work here for the Lord and His Kingdom.

In Christ,

Arri Kugappi

Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia

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