Yambio Boat Launch, South Sudan

Just before Easter, the boat sent from Orphan Grain Train--Michigan to the

Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan

and

The Concordia Lutheran Institute for Holy Ministry

in Yambio, South Sudan

was dedicated and launched.

The boat will be used by theological students to fish

and sustain themselves while studying for the Lutheran ministry.

Lake Nakpangau, Yambio, South Sudan

Here are the first images of Pastor Peter Anibati Abia, bishop and president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan driving the boat sent from Orphan Grain Train--Michigan late last year.

The boat will be used for fishing on Lake Nakpangau by seminary students who must supply their own food needs.  Pastor Abia writes,

 "It is the first time that a boat has entered into our lake in Yambio.  Many here have never seen such a boat in their entire lives.  Some even think it is magic to run on water like that ..."

Take A Look Around

Take a look around.
Orphan Grain Train—Michigan is ready 
for its next international shipment in April
... to Peru.

Peru

 April Shipment to Peru

Details Forthcoming regarding Spring Shipment

We expect shortly after Easter to make a spring shipment to Peru.

     We presently have an approved inventory list of bedding (blankets, quilts, linens), clothing (infant, children, women, men), hygiene goods (health kits, towels), medical equipment, and school kits.  Load rates and dates are being finalized for early April.

Interact Club of Cass City High School

 

The Rotary Interact Club at Cass City Jr/Sr High School during the month of December held a winter coat drive.
     Their generous supply of coats were given to Orphan Grain Train—Michigan.
     Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people and we are much impressed with their enthusiasm for service.  We thank them.
    Interact officers are Shelby Vowel, Paula Learman, Diana Cortes, and Brady Halabis shown here with their Club members. 

Marilyn Bernthal -- Leader in Early Efforts for Orphan Grain Train

A number of years ago there was a significant effort to establish a branch of Orphan Grain Train in Michigan.  It was largely due to efforts in Frankenmuth led by Marilyn Bernthal.  She was instrumental in leading projects at that time.
     After perhaps two years, the effort needed to be suspended with the hope of seeing a renewal one day.  Years passed, but then in 2019 God inaugurated the present activities of Orphan Grain Train--Michigan which have continued now these nearly five years. 

 

     Marilyn Bernthal was present at a Women in Mission presentation held at St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth by current Branch Manager, Pastor Dave Reed.  Both rejoice at the continuation of the wonderful mercy ministry of Orphan Grain Train in Michigan. 

Quilts from St. Trinity, Clarkston

 
We can't begin to name or show all the generous deliveries we receive at Orphan Grain Train--Michigan, but here is Annette Ashley from St. Trinity Lutheran Church, Clarkston who drove north with her husband Joseph to deliver quilts sewn by their parish quilter group.  Two of our faithful volunteers, Nancy and Jill enjoy a moment to visit and take great care of the goods entrusted to us.

+ In Memorium +

     The Rev. Dr. Richard Schlecht served as 9th president of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod for sixteen years from 1969 to 1985.  He passed away in Christ in 2010 survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Schlecht who was recently called home to heaven, age 95, in the certainty of the resurrection of the body and life everlasting through Jesus Christ.

      Dr. Schlecht served as a member of the Board of Regents for Concordia College, Ann Arbor, was Secretary of the LCMS Council of Presidents, Chairman of the Ministerial Placement Committee, was a member of the Synodical Commission on Constitutional Matters and Board of Regents of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

     Many years ago Ruth Schlecht was instrumental in founding a dozen societies of The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in Detroit congregations.  For the last five years Ruth Schlecht has been an ardent champion for the mission of Orphan Grain Train—Michigan.
 
     Following her passing on January 22, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod issued a memorial grant of $10,000 to Orphan Grain Train–Michigan in the name of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Schlecht. We are deeply humbled and grateful for such providence.
 
     Whereas the grant was issued through the Office of National Mission at the direction of the Office of the President, we therefore sincerely thank LCMS President Rev. Matthew Harrison, Rev. Kevin Robson. Chief Mission Officer, Rev.Dan Galchutt (Executive Director, Office of National Mission), and Deaconess Maryann Hayter Grant Administration Manager for conveying such a generous memorial to our Michigan branch.