In Sympathy: Mr. Vi Tran
Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.
In these difficult days, it has become increasingly dangerous for our Hispanic/Latine neighbors to leave their homes—including for work, which results in lost pay; to take children to their school bus stops; to shop for groceries; and to attend worship services.
To provide some relief, Bishop Schwerin has established an Emergency Solidarity Fund. It will assist primarily Hispanic/Latine people (but also other immigrants) who are increasingly vulnerable. (Read the Bishop's article here.) Gifts from this fund will help people with whom our churches directly minister and those in our towns and neighborhoods.
This fund will be collecting funds through Jan. 16, 2026. The goal is for the first round of funds to be distributed in early November 2025.
Please consider giving to this fund as a way to follow Jesus’s commandment to love our neighbors.
Watch a video from our Bishop regarding the fund.
For more information or questions please contact the Northern Illinois Conference Connectional Ministries Office.