+ Praise God +

Shipment Departs to the

Lutheran Church and Seminary

in Yambio, South Sudan

The two year project to send Christian goods, both ecclesiastical and humanitarian to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan (ELCSS/S) was finally completed September 28.  The effort over many months culminated in a deeply satisfying four-hour loading.  The prayers and efforts by so many were blessed by our Lord Jesus.  This has certainly been a highlight of our year. 

Rejoicing in this effort are Pastor Dave Reed, Orphan Grain Train--Michigan Branch Manager; Jeff Rahn,  Assistant Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation; and Rev. Dr. Matt Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation.  Lutheran Heritage Foundation collaborated with Orphan Grain Train especially to acquire the theological books and other ecclesiastical goods included with this shipment.  LHF has supported the ELCSS/S over the years.

"Could not have done it without him."

 Jeremy VanTol completely refits boat interior in three days.

     Realizing weather elements had made the 16' boat intended for our South Sudan shipment unsuitable, Jeremy VanTol completely restored the boat's interior--doing so all within the three days before we loaded!  The work required removal of all decayed components and installation of brand new polystyrene foam, flooring, carpet, and seats.  It was a masterful job.
     The boat is intended for the use of students of the seminary who must grow their own food.  Now they can also fish at a nearby lake.  The boat with outboard motor and trailer was generously donated by Judy Pries.

Goods Arrive at Pampali, Latvia

 A couple of pictures squeezed through from Pastor Ivars Eisaks of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia upon the arrival of the June shipment from Orphan Grain Train--Michigan to the Pampali warehouse in Latvia.

If we receive more, we will share them.

Thank you, Bethany Lutheran

     Delivering a supply of beautiful quilts are David Hoeh and Mary Brach from Bethany Lutheran Church, Kaleva, MI. Thanks also to Karen McDonnell who leads the quilters group.

August Crew Loads Malawi Shipment

     Bishop Harvey with Christ Mandate for Missions Church in Malawi will soon be receiving Bibles, clothing, diapers, medical supplies, stuffed toys, backpacks, school kits, and sewing machines from our Orphan Grain Train--Michigan Branch.  In August we had a great crew of all ages helping load a 40 ft. container!  Thank you, donors and volunteers!

--- Hallelujah! ---

Cleared for South Sudan Long awaited shipment will load September 28 Our unique effort to supply the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan (ELCSS/S) is now booked for shipment.  Two years of planning this Christian care initiative will finally result in a full shipping contain being in route to Yambio, South Sudan in northeast Africa.                 The loading date is September 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m.       This project was often in doubt because of multiple documentary and logistical obstacles, but blessedly the Lord God has cleared the way.  In early 2021 Orphan Grain Train—Michigan began gathering books for the benefit of Concordia Lutheran Institute for Holy Ministry, the Lutheran seminary in South Sudan.  In collaboration with Lutheran Heritage Foundation we now have many hundreds of theological books to send.  We also have choir robes, baptismal fonts, altar ware, clergy gowns, and many other ecclesiastical goods.      Also currently staged for shipment are multiple garden and hand tools, desks, generators, tillers, bicycles, and other items to assist seminary students in providing their basic needs. Clothing, shoes, quilts, wheelchairs, and even a 16’ boat are ready for loading.  Likewise multiple boxes of humanitarian supplies for the Hands of Mercy ministry in Yambio.      Please join us in thanking God for providing this exceptional opportunity on behalf of our Christian brothers and sisters in South Sudan.

Collection Center – Flint

 

Martha Kallaway serves as coordinator for the new Orphan Grain Train--Michigan drop off location at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Flint.

      The volunteer team has begun sorting and boxing donated goods which will eventually be transported to the Center in Sebewaing.

      The drop off location is at 5073 Daly Blvd, Flint for the convenience of donors from the Port Huron, Lapeer, and Flint areas.

Dorcas Society Kits Completed Trinity, Traverse City

     The Dorcas Society of Trinity Lutheran Church, Traverse City just delivered 60 school kits to Orphan Grain Train--Michigan.  Holding completed samples are (left to right) Ruth Goers and Joan Reister.  Bags were sewn by Barb Imhoff, Jan MacDonald and the previous year by Trinity neighbor Tom.

      Dorcas members indicated they are so happy to hear the great news about the South Sudan shipment. “God's timing is perfect.”