Programs Supported Through the Endowment Fund

Bethany Lutheran Church Requests
2025 Youth Mission Trip – Pastor Katie requested funding for transportation costs for the Youth Mission Trip to Des Moines, Iowa.

Seminarian Requests
Hector Mendoza Jr. – The Endowment Board was thrilled to receive Hector Mendoza Jr.’s seminarian application seeking support for candidacy with the Northern Illinois Synod. The Endowment Board had not reviewed a seminarian application since 2021, and it was exciting to revive this mission with an application from one of our own BLC members. Hector started online classes with Wartburg in the fall of 2025.  

Matt DeBall – Matt DeBall’s application was a seminarian application received from yet another Bethany member. The educational portion of Matt’s journey is projected to begin in the fall of 2026. This seems to be a season of abundant blessings for the Endowment Board with regard to seminarian support.

We were able to hear Hector preach at the Las Posadas service in December and we look forward to hearing more about the faith journeys of both Hector and Matt in 2026.

501(c)(3) Requests
Mission Save a Smile – Funding to provide a Vatech EzRay X-ray machine and carrying case to expand mission work providing dental care in Panama. Bethany members Chris and Patty Burseth lead this mission.

Grief Guide – Funding for retreats through the Grief Guide program, which provides a safe space for individuals to find comfort, healing, and connection with others who share similar experiences.

The Joshua Mission – Funding to provide medical, transportation, and volunteer supplies for medical care on a mission trip to Jamaica following a devastating hurricane this summer.

American Legion Post 171 – Funding for wreaths to be placed on veterans’ headstones in Union Cemetery in Crystal Lake on December 13, 2025, as part of the Wreaths Across America program. American Legion Post 171 is working in cooperation with VFW Post 12014, Marine Corps League, Veterans Assistance Commission, Veterans Path to Hope, and the City of Crystal Lake to remember, honor, and teach.