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Tributes On Our 25th Anniversary
Here are some of the tributes we received from the wonderful people we collaborate with worldwide
From LeeAnn Luker
“Denny and I had the opportunity to visit Malawi, Zambia and South Africa in 2012 with Vic and Bev. We were able to meet people, in person, whose lives have been helped and enriched by LifeNets. It is a blessing to be able to donate to LifeNets, but it was an even greater blessing for us to see the incredible, positive, and far-reaching impact it is having on so many lives around the world.
“Congratulations on this milestone anniversary. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and vision in starting this worthwhile organization. May God continue to bless your efforts and the impact LifeNets has on many more lives in the year to come."
From Filius Jere, pastor of Eastern Zambia UCG
“LifeNets' interventions have been of significant impact among various communities in Zambia. They have uplifted livelihoods and even saved lives. One example is the Eastern Province, whose economy is largely based on farming. When crops fail due to any factors, including poor rains and lack of farm inputs, yields are poor and many people go hungry and even starve.
From Mario Seiglie – UCG Senior pastor for Spanish-speaking areas
“You will never know how much you have helped young students in Latin America secure good careers amid the endemic poverty and corruption there. I would estimate that you have assisted around 300 students since LifeNets began.
“If there is one scripture that encapsulates all you are doing, it is 1 John 2:17-18, ‘But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.’
"Thanks again for this selfless and sacrificial labor of love. May God bless you abundantly!”
Bong Remo, the Philippines
“Since the inception of its Developing Nations Scholarship Program, LifeNets has made a difference in the lives of 25 young people in the Philippines by providing them the means to pursue college education. Thirteen have graduated with varied degrees in architecture, education or teaching, business and entrepreneurship, health and allied sciences, and information technology.
“LifeNets has transformed the lives of these young people, who otherwise could not have gone to college, by enabling them to have an education and a degree necessary to have gainful employment, thereby impacting their lives, their families and communities as well.
“On behalf of the scholarship recipients in the Philippines, I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation to LifeNets International.
“Warmest congratulations and best wishes on your 25th anniversary!
Roy Gilos, pastor of Mindanao, Philippines churches
“One of the greatest joys and most fulfilling experiences in serving God is the opportunity to share His blessings, provide relief, and meet the needs of others. For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of experiencing this through LifeNets.
“After Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, LifeNets enabled us to rebuild houses and distribute relief food to many people. We also constructed churches and homes following the fire in Sabang, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines. LifeNets has sent numerous students to college to pursue their education and funded the construction of a water well inside the prison where Jed Sy and Jong Pilapil were incarcerated. Additionally, LifeNets supported the construction of visiting kiosks or nipa huts so families could spend time together during visits. It also provided laptops for the incarcerated to serve and teach others within the prison facility.
“LifeNets funded the construction of a Church Community Hall in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, which our brethren use for worship. This hall also serves as an evacuation and relief center for those affected by calamities.
“I am deeply thankful to God for all the people who have blessed LifeNets, enabling them to continue their passion for helping others.”
From Derrick Pringle – Kitwe, Zambia
“Beyond education, LifeNets has also funded boreholes in Solwezi and Manyinga. These boreholes have been a tremendous help to the local communities. In Manyinga, for example, people previously had to walk several miles to fetch water from a river, which wasn’t ideal for hygiene or health. Now, they have access to clean water nearby, improving sanitation, cooking, and daily living conditions.
“Additionally, we’ve established a thriving orchard in Manyinga. The community has been caring for it diligently, and the trees are growing wonderfully. This project will provide ongoing benefits, offering fresh produce for the community while also promoting sustainability.
“We have also appreciated the three church buildings that you helped us build in Northwest Zambia!
“Thank you so much for your support and dedication to this work. Your contributions have been invaluable, not just to us but to countless families in need. On behalf of everyone here, we extend our heartfelt gratitude."
Ivan Yurishko - Khust, Ukraine
"As the civilized world united to defend Ukraine against Russian occupation and aggression, Victor and Beverly were among the first to support our people during these challenging times. They extended a helping hand, both spiritually and materially, for which they are deeply respected and thanked by the entire Ukrainian nation and by us personally. May the Lord bless you and all people of goodwill who, alongside you, support us in our struggle for freedom. May the Lord abundantly bless you all."
From the LifeNets Foundation staff in Ukraine, the ministers and congregation of the "Salvation" church.
From Oleh Kubik
“Working at the Orphanage in Vinogradiv, Ukraine, was one of the highlights of my life. I still have lifelong friendships from the six years I spent working with the orphans of Vinogradiv. Vasil Polichko took in orphans, providing them with a home and security. In the summertime, he opened the orphanage, inviting neighbors to send their kids to learn English, in cooperation with LifeNets. That is where I came in. I would go with about six college students to help teach English and organize activities for about 30 kids. We would also take tours in the afternoons.
“In my life, I have never seen such gratitude and appreciation for our participation. Orphans are attention-starved. They can act out, but they also respond to attention and praise.
“Helping orphans and widows is one of the most meaningful and rewarding jobs I have ever done. They are people who are isolated with no family or support. They need to be part of a community or family.
“It’s been about six years that I have seen my orphans. The war in Ukraine has not been good to them. Some are refugees in foreign countries. Some have been injured in the trenches of warfare. Their lives will never be the same."
From the Salvation Church in Khust, Ukraine
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to congratulate you on your anniversary and share kind words. We thank God for you and your charitable work. Your contributions have provided aid to areas where there were significant needs—for finances, food, transportation, and various items for critically ill individuals and those who have lost their property or jobs. “These people not only received material assistance but also blessings through the Word of God and prayers. Many of them, seeing the good deeds, glorified the Lord. May God richly reward you with good health, His grace, love, and the actions of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord protect and multiply your mission on earth so that treasures are gathered for the Kingdom of God. We pray for you and your important work."
Dr. Vasyl Pasichnyk - REVIVAL Centre of Rehabilitation - Chernihiv
"Thank you for the assistance of your organization for the purchase of Montessori therapy equipment, electroencephalography, Timoko, and 3D technology. Once again, we sincerely congratulate you and your team and want to thank you for the fruitful cooperation over these 25 years - together we have overcome difficulties, reached new heights, developed and inspired each other to new noble deeds. We wish you all the best, health, goodness, warmth and prosperity."
"With respect, gratitude and hopes for further cooperation."
Vasyl Natalia and everyone in 'Revival'"
Dr. Yumi Yamamoto (MD, PhD) – Kochi, Japan
“Thank you for your help in 2011 Earthquake at Fukushima, Japan. People there still remember the kindness of LifeNets people, and Dr and Mrs. Kimura who delivered the money donated from LifeNets to the family who lost their houses are still one of my best friends, like you! God Bless You, and please enjoy your dinner!"
Dr. Lilya Wagner
“My first introduction to LifeNets and the admirable Kubiks occurred when I lived in Indianapolis and was sent to work all over the globe, and because of that work, I was referred to Vic. Of course I was attracted to LifeNets for several reasons—my sincere commitment to humanitarian work, the fact that I was a refugee myself from a war-torn country, that I had worked in Ukraine in doing training for the Red Cross during post-Soviet times, and that Vic and I were both immigrants and cared about suffering in the countries of our roots.
"I was so impressed by the commitment of Vic and Bev in alleviating pain and suffering and was happy to help whenever possible, both with donations and advice. It’s been so gratifying to observe the results of their efforts and as usual, the benefits are a two-way street. When we give of ourselves and our means, we are blessed as we bless others. It’s been a true blessing to be part of LifeNets over the years, in one way or another. My husband, Dr. John Wagner, shares my views and was honored to serve on the board for some time. Thank you, Vic and Bev, for blessing many and helping in so many ways those who need assistance. And thanks for letting us be a part of it all!"
"Wishing you continued blessings, Dr. Lilya Wagner and Dr. John Wagner"
Dr. Lilya Wagner - consultant and trainer for nonprofits and fundraising and her husband John is a retired higher education president.
Dr. Lilya Wagner has served many roles, most recently as director of Philanthropic Service for Institutions until early 2020. She also remains affiliated with Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She and her husband have been very instrumental in the success of LifeNets
Joseph Mughogho – Malawi
“Without LifeNets assistance, achieving a Master of Science in Managing Community and Rural Development was but a pipeline dream.
“Seeing people’s live changing for the better has been the greatest joy for me working for LifeNets as a Business & Finance Officer in Malawi”
Beverly Chonde (named after Beverly Kubik)
"Opportunities for girls can be scarce in less developed countries and Malawi in particular due to cultural notations. I count myself as one of the luckiest girls to have achieved my Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, thanks to LifeNets”
From Malawi From Dan Ringo, LifeNets coordinator and pastor Gracious Mpilangwe and deacon Osborne Liyawo
"We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and admiration for LifeNets for the tireless efforts to help others help themselves.
"In the southern part of Malawi and beyond LifeNets has made a profound impact. We are grateful for the difference LifeNets has made for the Hussein family by building them a decent house and drilling a borehole within its compound (previously, this this family comprised of 12 members were staying in a tiny 1 bedroom house which had no water source nearby), LifeNets made a huge difference to UCG Blantyre congregation by building a beautiful church hall (previously, members used to congregate in rented classrooms where time for service and space was very limited), not talking of how LifeNets comforted UCG members during natural disasters like drought and the cyclones we have had in past years and also the difference LifeNets has and is still making for the youth through scholarships, making their dream of being financially independent and reliable come true.
"Thanks LifeNets for being a beacon of hope and kindness. The work being done is invaluable. We are honored to work with you as you help others help themselves."
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