August 12, 2025

Latest from OKS Inc.

Author

Denee Bowers

Share

August Mission Moment

On Sunday, August 10, our very own Marty Schmidt shared an update on the work of OKS Inc. OKS is a non-profit organization, created in 2012, dedicated to serving the malnourished children of western Kenya. They accomplish this goal by manufacturing and distributing Pudgy Butter, a peanut butter based ready-to-use therapeutic food that was developed right here in St. Louis.


Marty shared the exciting news that ground was broke on a new factory that will produce and package Pudgy Butter on August 4. The timeline for construction is 4-6 months, with a goal of opening the facility in January of 2026. This facility will allow OKS to increase production from 6 to 100 metric tons per year.


The impact on the surrounding counties will be significant, but that is just the beginning. The team is hopeful that this is a model that will be able to be reproduced around the world.


If you are interested in learning more, you can visit our website at www.oksinc.org, call 314-941-1814, or email oks.mms@gmail.com.


Your giving to the St. Lucas UCC general fund helps us support OKS Inc. and our other mission partners.


By Denee Bowers February 10, 2026
February Mission Moment
Children coloring at a table with crayons and coloring pages.
By Denee Bowers January 15, 2026
January Mission Moment
Civil rights march with Martin Luther King Jr., holding button, looking forward, signs in background.
By Denee Bowers January 15, 2026
Social Justice Ministry - January Spotlight
Advent wreath with lit candle, evergreen, and red flowers against a dark blue background.
By Denee Bowers December 15, 2025
Social Justice Ministry - December Spotlight
Camp MoVal sign in front of a tan building with red shutters and flowers, trees, and blue sky in the background.
By Denee Bowers September 30, 2025
September Mission Moment
Man with long beard, wearing suit, posed portrait with sepia tones.
By Denee Bowers August 28, 2025
In the 145 year history of St. Lucas U CC, the church has been blessed by leaders who have left a profound legacy. One of those leaders, Rev. Samuel Kruse was born on this day in 1858. Rev. Kruse's father, Michael, immigrated from Heide, Germany and was also a minister who was a part of the second graduation class of the Evangelical Seminary in Marthasville, MO. At age sixteen, Samuel enrolled in the pre-seminary program at Elmhurst College before continuing his theological studies at Eden Seminary. On July 15, 1880, he was ordained by his father into the ministry of the Evangelical Church. In 1882, Rev. Kruse was called to the recently formed St. Lucas Evangelical Church in Sappington, MO. He was installed on July 2, 1882 and remained in that position until July 26, 1925 -- 43 years!
Group of people in pink shirts posing in front of a tall white lighthouse under a blue sky.
By Denee Bowers July 24, 2025
Our high school youth mission trip was an incredible experience and refreshing to see Back Bay Mission fully embracing and serving the core values of the United Church of Christ. The following letter was from one of Back Bay Mission’s summer interns, Hazel. While this letter was intended just for our group, I think it summarizes the impression Back Bay Mission had on our group and the impact our group had on Back Bay Mission. And therefore important to share with the congregation: 
Group of people standing in front of a  brick building on Habitat for Humanity work day.
By Denee Bowers July 15, 2025
July Mission Moment
Juneteenth graphic: Green, black, and red hearts with text
By Denee Bowers June 11, 2025
In 2021, Juneteenth completed the long journey of seeking official recognition from the government and becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery.
Three people smiling, wearing matching black t-shirts, posing in an indoor setting. One is in a wheelchair.
By Denee Bowers June 10, 2025
June Mission Moment