Autum Greetings!

Richard Ondicho’s Newsletter 6/2026

28.9.2026

International Lutheran Church’s Exciting Day at Kivisaari

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
— Psalm 133:1

Many thanks to all of you who have carried us in your prayers and supported all that is being done at the International Congregation at Luther-Kirkko. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are deeply appreciated and continue to strengthen the ministry and fellowship of our church community. It is through God’s grace and the support of many people that we are able to experience such wonderful moments of fellowship and togetherness.

The International Lutheran Church had a wonderful and exciting time at Kivisaari, enjoying a beautiful day filled with fellowship, learning, laughter, and memorable moments together. The excitement began in the city centre as members gathered to take the ferry to the island. There was a strong sense of anticipation as everyone looked forward to spending time together and discovering this special place. By around 9:00 a.m., at least 30 members had already arrived, while others who were delayed followed later and joined the group on the island.

The weather was favourable, making the day even more enjoyable. As we arrived at Kivisaari, there was a feeling of joy and curiosity as members explored the island and admired its peaceful surroundings. Everyone was excited to find out where they would sleep, as the rooms were spread throughout the island. Kivisaari is a small island with houses located in different parts of the island, making the experience of staying there quite unique. It was a special opportunity to step away from the busy city, enjoy God’s beautiful creation, and spend meaningful time together as a church family.

For some members, the gathering brought new and exciting experiences. One of the highlights was the sauna, which was a first-time experience for some of our members, especially those who had arrived from Iraq just the previous week. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they experienced an important part of Finnish culture for the first time. These shared experiences helped members from different backgrounds connect with one another and enjoy the beauty of fellowship.

The lectures were short but meaningful, giving everyone something important to reflect on. Pastor Torsten Sande shared a powerful teaching based on the story of the woman caught in adultery. His message highlighted Jesus’ compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and His call for us to turn away from sin and live differently. The teaching encouraged us to look beyond judgment and condemnation and to recognise the transforming grace that Christ offers. Although the teaching was short, it left a meaningful impression and provided an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their own faith and walk with Christ.

Our speakers were Rev. Torsten Sande and his wife, Tua Sandel, who contributed to making the gathering both meaningful and memorable. The place was full of excitement, especially as some members were attending such a seminar for the first time. Everyone had the opportunity to listen, learn, share, and grow together. The combination of teaching, fellowship, and the beautiful surroundings of Kivisaari created a warm and joyful atmosphere throughout our time on the island.

In between the teaching sessions, we enjoyed singing together and taking breaks to relax, talk, and spend time with one another. The shared meals, including lunch and dinner, were also important moments of fellowship. Sitting around the tables, sharing food and conversation, gave us opportunities to know each other better and to enjoy one another’s company. These simple moments of eating, talking, singing, and laughing together became some of the most refreshing parts of our time at Kivisaari.

The children also had plenty to enjoy, with games and activities organised for them. Their laughter and energy added to the joyful atmosphere of the gathering. While the adults were taking part in the teaching and fellowship, the children were able to play, make friends, and enjoy the island in their own way. It was wonderful to see both young and old participating and enjoying the time together.

In previous years, we have had opportunities to travel together to Evankeliumijuhla, although the number of participants was smaller. This time, however, we were blessed with a much larger group and had the wonderful opportunity to gather with a greater number of members. Seeing so many people come together made the Kivisaari gathering especially meaningful and showed the growing fellowship within our International Lutheran Church community.

For me, this gathering felt like a special opportunity to get to know one another better and to refresh and encourage each other. In the midst of our busy lives, it was refreshing to have time simply to be together, share our stories, laugh, worship, eat, learn, and enjoy fellowship. We came from different backgrounds and cultures, but at Kivisaari we experienced the joy of being one church family in Christ.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Dr. Ville and to our coordinator, Rev. Ari Lukkarinen, for their efforts in facilitating this wonderful gathering. Through their support and dedication, we were able to experience such a special and memorable time together. It was truly a blessing, and the memories we made at Kivisaari will remain with us for a long time. It will certainly take time to forget such a wonderful moment of fellowship, friendship, learning, and joy.

Many thanks once again to everyone who participated, supported, and prayed for this gathering. We are grateful to God for giving us this precious opportunity to come together, to learn, to worship, to encourage one another, and to strengthen our fellowship.

We also ask you to continue praying especially for those who have recently arrived from Iraq through family reunification. May they feel welcomed and become an active part of our church community. We pray that they will have the opportunity and desire to learn more deeply about the Christian faith, grow in their understanding of God’s Word, and discover the richness of life in Christ. May the Lord guide them, strengthen them, and lead them in their journey of faith as they settle into their new life in Finland.

May God continue to bless the International Congregation at Luther-Kirkko, our members, families, leaders, and all those who faithfully support this ministry. May He keep us united in faith, love, and fellowship, and give us many more opportunities to grow together in Christ.

Richard Ondicho