For the Lutheran Church in Latvia Shipment is on Its Way

On Tuesday, June 6, volunteers at Orphan Grain Train--Michigan gathered to load another international shipment with 13.5 tons of humanitarian relief.  Our volunteer team moved 1,653 boxes representing 31 categories of goods (bedding, clothing, hygiene, school kits, toys, etc.)
     The shipment is now in route to Latvia in the Eastern Baltic and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pampāļi.  Pampāļi parish is 150 km west of the Latvian capital of Riga.  The receiving contact there is Pastor Ivars Eisaks who oversees 12 different parishes in the region.
     Pastor Eisaks also works with deaconesses trying to extend their reach.  This shipment will aid churches, social services, and also Ukrainian refugee families that have arrived.  There is even a playground near the church in Saldus being set up with children’s toys.

St. Paul Women Come to Help

     Wonderful women of the St. Paul Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, Sanford, Michigan came to visit and volunteer at the Michigan Branch Center of Orphan Grain Train.

Generosity From Just Around the Corner --- And Generosity From Far North

Linda Jones and Dawn Kundinger delivered valuable clothing from our church neighbor, Trinity Methodist Church of Sebewaing.
       Trinity was among our earliest contributors four years ago when they donating winter wear which remained from an annual rummage sale.  Here is only one example of those who care about mercy ministry and come through our door.

Folks from Alpena and Immanuel Lutheran Church
have been some of our most generous and continuing donors.

Come Look Around

 For those who haven't seen our place, here's a quick walk around video.

Georgian Spiritual and Material Care Supported by Orphan Grain Train—Michigan

     Humanitarian action and spiritual care is carried out in Poti by our partner Toliskuri. He and others visit elderly people who use the City of Poti's home care services and give them what necessities they can. They also visit the nursing home for the elderly and deliver important items.
     We were told it is quite emotional for them and much gratitude and warmth is expressed even for small gestures. 

       Such a simple gift, yet it means so much.  One dear foreign recipient is given a sweater by an aid worker.  The gift began with the thoughtfulness of someone in Michigan.  
       Orphan Grain Train also strives to share the love and truth of Jesus along with the material gifts of which so many have so little.

St. John Amelith Students Prepare a Gift for the Church

     Fifth and sixth grade students of St. John Lutheran School, Amelith (Bay City) polished altarware donated for the Ev. Lutheran Church of South Sudan.

      We hope so much to send these vessels along with the clergy vestments, paraments, hundreds of choir robes, baptismal fonts, and candelabra which have already been collected for the church's use.

     Here is only one example of the goods we are yet praying God will enable us to ship to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Fourth Year Anniversary of Operations

      Orphan Grain Train--Michigan began branch operations April 23, 2019.  We have marked the fourth anniversary of the day when we filled our first box of Christian care relief.

     A year in preparation had preceded, but our volunteers have since devoted themselves wonderfully to this mission.  Here are just a few of our treasured folks giving time and energy: Betty, Margie, Diane, Jill, Nancy, Sue, Ruth, Fran, Roger, Chris, and branch manager Pastor Reed.