Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (ASTER) · NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team / Wikimedia Commons · Public domainGood news
Soyolmaa Lamjav, a prominent figure in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has dedicated her life to supporting the deaf community. After learning sign language while working in a weaving factory, she became a church interpreter and later a Christian leader. She helped establish Mongolia's first deaf kindergarten and a video relay system for official services. Currently, she leads a project to create an online Mongolian sign language dictionary with Finnish support. Lamjav also coordinates efforts to translate the Bible into sign languages for Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, aiming to bridge communication gaps and promote equality for the estimated 10,000 deaf people in the country.
The Oulu Cathedral Parish in Finland is introducing a new initiative called the well-being letter. This tool allows hospital staff to notify the parish about elderly patients being discharged who may need support. The project aims to assist those who feel lonely or struggle with home care, particularly when they do not qualify for municipal home care services. Leena Vuolteenaho, a nurse-deacon involved in the project, explains that the parish offers counseling and volunteer companionship rather than replacing professional care. The scheme will initially launch on a geriatrics ward this autumn to test its effectiveness before potential expansion.
The Pro Kolmen Ristin kirkko Imatra association is raising funds for the interior renovation of Alvar Aalto’s Three Crosses Church in Imatra, Finland. The building was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Association chairperson Päivi Frosti reports that sales of designer jewelry and merchandise have raised 250,000 euros so far. Despite this success, more donations are needed to complete the repairs. The group is also organizing a church event on September 12 in collaboration with the city of Imatra. The event will feature guided tours, music by organist Samuli Saarela, and speeches by former state councilor Riitta Uosukainen and Bishop Mari Parkkinen.
According to a spring 2026 survey by Ruoka-apu.fi, the need for food assistance in Finland has increased for the sixth consecutive year. The survey of 330 organizations reveals that 71 percent reported rising client numbers in 2025. New groups seeking help include families with children, immigrants, and students. Conversely, the availability of surplus food has declined due to supermarkets reducing waste. Consequently, approximately 200,000 people annually struggle to access sufficient aid. The report highlights challenges regarding funding, volunteer resources, and uncertain regulations for unemployed volunteers, creating instability for service providers across the country.
A seminar held on August 23 in Saarijärvi, Finland, examined the nearly 160-year relationship between Finland and Namibia. The event highlighted the legacy of Selma Rainio, the first Finnish missionary doctor in the region, who established the Onandjokwe hospital in 1908. Participants included Finnish politicians, Namibian officials, and researchers. Finnish Ambassador Katja Kalamäki and MP Ville Valkonen emphasized that trust and long-term engagement are key to the bilateral connection. The discussion also covered modern cooperation in business, education, and culture, while addressing historical debates regarding missionary work and colonialism.
Lutheran and Catholic bishops in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern following the Alternative for Germany party's significant victory in Sunday's state elections. Bishops Friedrich Kramer, Karsten Georg Wolkenhauer, and Gerhard Feige stated that the results have deeply divided the region and threaten social peace. They highlighted worries about potential impacts on church funding, education, and social services, citing the party's critical stance on church taxes and state support. The leaders affirmed their commitment to human dignity, democratic institutions, and supporting all people, including those who voted for the right-wing populist party.
The Northern Mission Festival took place in Raate, Finland, from September 4 to 6, attracting approximately 1,500 attendees. The event, organized by the Diocese of Oulu, brought together official church mission organizations and Kirkon Ulkomaanapu. However, the celebration was mixed with concerns regarding upcoming changes to the church's mission structure decided by the Church Assembly. Participants, including Pastor Pasi Palmu and lay volunteers, expressed worry that reducing the number of official mission agencies might weaken global outreach and spiritual diversity. Diocesan Secretary Matti Laurila noted a shift toward supporting local churches in the Global South, though he emphasized the continued need for Finnish resources. Bishop Jukka Keskitalo also addressed youth engagement during the event.
German Catholic priest Juha Eerola and Finnish photographer Jari Arffman traveled to Ukraine to deliver aid and document the war. They visited Lviv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, distributing supplies and assessing needs. During a train journey, their vehicle was struck by a Russian missile, an experience Eerola described as shocking. The pair met with church leaders and assessed damage to infrastructure, including a power plant in Zaporizhzhia where they faced police scrutiny. Eerola notes that despite the conflict, Ukrainians remain hopeful and religious faith has strengthened. Their collaboration will result in a book titled 'Herran haltuun'.
Espoo parishes report positive results from the 'Luokka loistamaan' program, which improved social skills for fourth and fifth graders in 25 schools. Approximately 1,300 students and 60 teachers provided feedback in spring 2026. Participants noted enhanced teamwork, empathy, and reduced bullying. The initiative, funded with one million euros through 2027, is secular and aligns with the national curriculum. Officials state the project provides lasting tools for classroom well-being and conflict resolution.
The city of Espoo in Finland has appealed two decisions by the Equality Board to the Helsinki Administrative Court. The board previously ruled that the city discriminated against a student and a parent by not warning them in advance that the Suvi Hymn would be sung at a school event. The city argues that singing a traditional hymn does not constitute a religious service or discrimination. Consequently, Espoo refuses to pay the recommended compensation and is challenging the rulings in court. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious symbols and traditions in Finnish public schools.
The Hämeenlinna-Vanaja parish in Finland delivered eight truckloads of medical equipment and hospital furniture to Ukraine. The supplies came from the decommissioned Kanta-Häme Central Hospital and totaled over 53 tons. The aid was sent to hospitals in Sumy, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Uman, and Lutsk. The project was a joint effort involving the local welfare area, the city, and the parish. Volunteers and conscripts helped collect, sort, and pack the items. The parish coordinated the logistics, ensuring the materials met the actual needs identified by Ukrainian partners. This initiative combined practical aid with Christian solidarity.
Military pastor Henri Kivijärvi reports that 50 recruits attended confirmation classes at the Upinniemi garrison in Finland, with seven baptized. This marks a sharp increase compared to previous years, including the pandemic period. Kivijärvi, serving for 19 years, noted unprecedented interest from both immigrant-background youth and those previously critical of the church. The low barrier to participation within the base facilitated this engagement. Recruits asked deep questions about faith, theology, and the church's stance on war, particularly regarding Ukraine. Kivijärvi observed a growing curiosity about God and Christian doctrine among the soldiers.
A Finnish mission organization has contributed funds to assist victims of a major earthquake in Colombia. The aid is channeled through an international Lutheran federation’s local office. The disaster, which struck recently, has reportedly caused significant loss of life and widespread damage to homes. A regional leader for the organization confirmed that local partner staff are safe. The area already struggles with poverty and conflict. Partners are currently assessing urgent needs for shelter and sanitation as relief efforts continue in the affected region.
Petri Merenlahti, director of the Finnish Bible Society, has been elected to the council of the United Bible Societies for the term 2026 to 2030. The selection occurred during summer elections where global Bible societies chose ten new members for this key decision-making body. According to the society, the council strengthens international cooperation and direction. Merenlahti stated that his membership increases the visibility of Finnish Bible work globally. He noted the importance of cross-border solidarity during challenging times. The new council will begin its four-year term in November 2026. The United Bible Societies network supports Bible translation and literacy in over 240 countries.
Churches in Oulu, Finland, are launching a free, anonymous drop-in counseling service for people aged 65 and older. The initiative, part of the ToivonSilta project, begins on August 14 at the Kivijala center and on September 15 in Kiiminki. Diakonia worker Minna Lappalainen states the service addresses loneliness and life transitions like retirement or grandparenthood. Sessions last 45 minutes and use solution-focused short therapy. The program fills a gap because seniors over 67 cannot access state-subsidized psychological therapy, and many cannot afford private care. The service is open to everyone regardless of religious belief.
Translated from Suomi
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