Bound for Carolina

After lengthy and complicated obstacles mostly due to complexities

in the storm harmed region, this full-size semi-trailer left Michigan

November 15 and was delivered the following day to

a hurricane relief hub at

Restoration Church Disaster Relief

Swannanoa, North Carolina.

We can only estimate, but the shipment included approximately fifteen tons of recovery assistance including food, water, hygiene and cleaning supplies, bedding, tents, generators, flood buckets, and more for distribution to families severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.

OUR MOST SINCERE THANKS

for collaboration with AG COMMUNITY RELIEF

and to

COUNTRYSIDE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

for providing all trucking essentials for this effort. 

We were able to obtain only a few photos of the unloading and of those  receiving assistance.  We pray the darkness of tragedy will be replaced by the brightness of Christian hope and loving care made tangible through the kindness of so many who enabled Orphan Grain Train--Michigan to complete this relief shipment.

We're Not Done with Hurricane Relief

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene will require many years of recovery and rebuilding.  It has been said rightly about Orphan Grain Train ... "We're not first responders, but we're the last to leave." Orphan Grain Train--Michigan has $40,000 specifically earmarked for subsequent efforts as the long task of rebuilding continues.

Just a Sample of Wonderful Encouragements We Receive

 "The Lord's richest blessings on all that you do to help the needy people in this world."  ---Sincerely, Mary Lou and son Dan"

     "Thank you for all the efforts of the OGT's Michigan branch.  Please use this toward relief in North Carolina-- or in any way you see fit.  May the people see Christ's love shining through the care intended to them in their time of great need."   -- MH
     
     "Appreciate all your efforts.  God bless this ministry."  -- Pam and Ken

     "Dear Orphan Grain Train, enclosed is a check to help the Southeast from the Hurricane Helene.... I have such sadness and pain for all the people affected by this hurricane, but I know God is good and it will work out.  My prayers are for all of you."  -- Sandra

     "Please use the enclosed towrd the relief for Hurricane Helene.  Whether it be for costs to ship items there or for specific purchases for items most needed.  Thank you for sharing God's love with those in need."  -- Emily

     "My heart goes out to all the hurricane victims and now it seems like Florida is going to be hit again.  I can't imagine what all these families are going through.... God's bless you for all the work you do for this wonderful organization.  In His Name,"   -- Kathy

     "I thank and praise our gracious Lord for His great mission, Orphan Grain Train.  I continue to pray for our God's continued strength and blessings to you and to all the workers.  Yours in Christ,"    -- Joan

Give So Much and Ask So Little

     Fred and Eugenia Roemer have been bringing us quilts and clothing from St. John Lutheran Church, West Branch, for years.  The Roemers exemplify so many wonderful donors who give to the mercy mission of Orphan Grain Train--Michigan.

    Today Fred and Eugenia asked if we had a couple canes they might purchase.  Quite to the contrary.  What a privilege for us to supply something so very simple and to insist -- as they have always shown -- that everything coming in and going out our doors is a gift.
     And the Giver is Jesus.

After-Storm Relief Loaded - VIDEO

Following two weeks of receiving and assembling relief goods---

food, water, cleaning and hygiene supplies,
generators, tents, towels, flood buckets, and more.  

Our sincere thanks to Countryside  Transportation Services, Sebewaing

not only for supplying the full size semi-trailer but also the exceptional blessing

of covering all transportation costs. 

Likewise, our thanks to John Sigmund of Venture Tool and Metalizing

for the invaluable use of  his forklift.

Ain't Just Chicken Feed

     Joe Urban delivered a skid of Poultry Feed from Boesch Builders of Sebewaing for delivery south to hurricane victims.
     Many people in the storm affected region who rely on livestock or have livelihoods connected to agri-business need food also for their animals.  That's something well understood by those in Huron County where farming and animal husbandry are a core of the economy.
     Generosity like this ain't just chicken feed.  It is genuine concern for the well-being of people and their animals.

Faithful Angels of St. John, Ionia

     Five years ago Lynette and Denny Seiler were the very first—or nearly so—to arrive at Orphan Grain Train--Michigan with material donations.  In 2019 our warehouse was practically empty but Lynette and two or three others from St. John Lutheran Church, Ionia, had sewn over 600 sundresses for little girls.
     A year later they were back with over five hundred more of which many went to Panama.  The same Spirit which moves such devoted energy yet inspires them today.  Some of the quilts they have also sewn were recognized in photos of recipients benefiting from our international distributions in Lithuania.
     This October 29th, Diane Courter and Karen Lehman joined Lynette (right) to deliver 102 quilts, 630 sundresses, plus additional clothing and cleaning supplies to Orphan Grain Train—Michigan.  Those of St. John, Ionia, and their efforts are dear to our heart as among the longest and most dedicated angels of Orphan Grain Train.
 

Absolutely Thrilled to Help

Debbie Caszatt and Betsy Holsing stand by a table filled with food and relief supplies they just delivered.  It was their first visit to Orphan Grain Train--Michigan, and their enthusiasm was conspicuous.
     The support came through members of the North Euclid Church of God and the supply made it just in time to be added to the relief load on the trailer now on its way South.