In 2006, a flood in Ethiopia (on the border of southern Sudan) destroyed a Covenant church building and many family homes-for the second time. The original building was constructed of wood and mud, with an iron sheet roof.

Covenant World Relief has given limited funds to rebuild the building, so Simon Chuolnyaang, who heads the Sudanese ministry at Fridley Covenant Church, has undertaken the task of raising $32,000 to cover the project's cost. The new building will have a cement block and concrete foundation to help prevent flood damage in the future.

Currently, five Covenant churches- Lake Jennie Covenant, Oak Heights Covenant, Dassel Covenant, Bethel Mission Covenant in Michigan and Fridley Covenant-have come together to raise $22,000. Construction has already begun with the money raised thus far.

"The church will be done in the end of this August. I did make the first and second payment," Chuolnyaang said. "The grand opening would be December if we raise $10,000 for last payment. I know God will help us to find that $10,000."

If you or your church is interested in donating to this project, contact Simon Chuolnyaang at chuolnyaang@gmail.com.

Minnehaha Academy mourns the loss of Navy SEAL John Faas, Minnehaha Academy Class of 1998. John Faas was among 30 U.S. troops, including 22 SEALs, who lost their lives when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on Saturday, August 6, 2011.

John was the starting quarterback, an excellent student and valedictorian of his class. The list of positive Christlike attributes that John exemplified is long. Please continue to lift up in prayer John's parents, Bob Faas and Gretchen Shafe.

"Our desire at Minnehaha Academy is to produce leaders like John who positively impact their community and the world. John was an extraordinary young man who demonstrated strong Christlike character, positive leadership, discipline, integrity and humility. He was passionate about becoming a Navy SEAL. He wanted to serve his country and he proudly did so. We are proud that he served his country so valiantly," said Donna Harris, president of Minnehaha Academy.

He spoke to a group of Minnehaha students last year in February sharing inspiring words. Characteristic of John, he expressed after his time of sharing, "I feel like I got about as much out of today in my own way as the boys may have."

Memorial Services include

• Reviewal, August 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, St. Paul.
• Funeral Service, August 22, Noon, Fort Snelling Chapel.
• Graveside Service, August 22, 2:15 p.m., Fort Snelling Cemetery
• Reception Following, Minnehaha Academy Upper School, 3100 West River Parkway, Minneapolis

Please direct memorials toward the Naval Special Warfare Foundation or the John Faas Memorial Scholarship Fund at Minnehaha Academy. Please indicate "In memory of John Faas" in the "Tribute" section at the bottom of the donation page.

The Northwest Conference is excited to welcome Ginny Olson to our staff in the newly created position of Director of Youth Ministry. She will start Sept. 1.

In her new position, Olson will oversee training and support for conference youth workers, as well as facilitate current and new conference-wide youth events. She will work closely with the NWC Youth Commission to provide direction for youth ministry through the NWC with its churches. Evaluating current NWC youth ministry, as well as exploring new opportunities for the conference, will also be part of the ongoing work of the director.

Olson most recently served as the co-director of the Center for Youth Ministry Studies and assistant professor of youth ministry at North Park University and Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Before teaching undergraduate and seminary students, she was involved in youth ministry for more than 10 years at various churches and camps, including serving on staff in the junior high ministry at Willow Creek Community Church.

By Ann P. Wiesbrock, CFP® , President

Covenant Trust Company (CTC) is said to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Covenant. We want to change that. Our mission is to serve the members, friends and ministries of the church with excellent financial services. Here is a snapshot of how we can serve:

For individuals: We at CTC know how hard it is to find someone you trust to manage your money, someone who shares your values of faith and family. We also know that prudent asset management is essential in planning for the future and a solid retirement. Our goal is to integrate faith, family and finances, and to provide prudent, disciplined money management and trustee services to all members and friends of the Covenant. We are your financial services partner, always focusing on your best interests.

For ministries: We would like to be your partner in ministry, to strengthen the resources you already have, and generate and manage new resources for the future. Our legacy presentations help your supporters understand how to use legacy gifts to benefit your ministry beyond their lifetime. Our professional asset management can preserve and grow current ministry investments. Endowment accounts can be established to undergird your ministry for years to come.

Through prudent asset management, retirement planning, and legacy/trustee services, CTC is there as your financial services partner. It's time to take a look at Covenant Trust Company!

Check out the new Covenant Trust Company video. For more information, please visit our website www.covenanttrust.com  or contact our local representative, Kevin Lawson, CFP® at 1-877-222-3960 or kelawson@covenanttrust.com.