Ohio + Michigan = Twice the Benefit

               

        The Orphan Grain Train Ohio Collection Center delivered a trailer loaded with kits, clothing, and more suitable for international shipments. This was the first visit of Ohio Manager Nancy Helmke with her husband Marty to our Michigan Branch.  The occasion provided opportunity to discuss other ways in which our adjacent locations can be in support of one another.
       Ohio's efforts date all the way back to 1993 while the Michigan branch just marked its 6th anniversary.  But both efforts are better when sharing support.  Pictured here are the Helmkes with Michigan Warehouse Manager Sal Brandenburg and Michigan branch manager Pastor Dave Reed.  (See our short video below from May 1)

Domestic Delivery to Manna from Heaven, Myra Kentucky, May 14

 

     Many people in Appalachia may have struggles, but those who serve them couldn't be more appreciative of support from Orphan Grain Train.
     We came to know Lois and others there in Myra, Kentucky when making a distribution last year.  We are making another run May 13-14 with the largest U-Haul truck available.  We'll show pictures the next time around.

Give Thanks With Us

Orphan Grain Train--Michigan Marked its Sixth- Year Anniversary on April 23 

    Since April 23, 2019, Orphan Grain Train--Michigan has completed International Shipments to:

        Kyrgyzstan (Charity Fund "Compassion", Bishkek) 
        Panama (Casa de Refugio, Puerto Caimito)
        Moldova (Bible Mission International, Chisinau)
        The Republic of Georgia (3x) (Tblisi and Senaki)
        Latvia (Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pampali)
        Lithuanian (2x) (Jurbarkas Evangelical Lutheran Diaconia, Smalininkai)
        Ukraine (Refugee relief)
        Malawi (Christ Mandate for Missions Church)
        South Sudan (Ev. Luth Church of South Sudan and the Concordia Lutheran Institute for Holy Ministry)
        Peru (ODP Jesuitas del Peru, Lima)

     Also, domestic shipments and/or relief funding 
        H.A.R.P. - (Helping Appalachian Rural People, Ohio)
        Hurricane Helene Relief, Swannanoa, NC
        Mission Mules, Mount Ulla, NC
        Friends Assisting Neighbors, Lansing NC
        Camp Linn Haven, Linville, NC
        Mountainside Lutheran Church, Linville, NC

     Local "Walk-out" Distributions weekly.

Orphan Grain Train--Michigan Helps Fund Mission Mules

    A total of $48,000 from caring Christian individuals throughout Michigan  enabled Orphan Grain Train--Michigan recently to assist four relief entities helping families hurt by the Hurricane Helene disaster.

    One quarter of those funds were given to

                                MISSION MULES

     

     Mission Mules is a Christian based relief outreach which carries supplies to suffering families.  They use pack mules as well as powered "Kawaski mules" to bring relief into the inaccessible hollows and mountain areas to which access by normal vehicles is impossible.  Many roads have been destroyed and bridges in many cases have been swept away.
    

 

 

Mission Mules manned a relief station in Hendersonville, North Carolina just this week, has arranged food deliveries for Kentucky and West Virginia  as well as having a relief station in Black Mountain, NC where food, cleaning supplies, heaters, blankets, and warm weather gear are supplied.  It is such efforts our Michigan branch of Orphan Grain Train supports.

 

+ Shipping to the Rep. of Georgia +

 Loading Day was Tuesday, March 25

        For the third time in five years Orphan Grain Train--Michigan is returning to the Republic of Georgia.  A shipment loading took place, March 25, at 10:00 a.m. 

     Goods were sent to an independent Christian organization in Tbilisi, Georgia actively involved in humanitarian efforts. They help socially vulnerable people, families with many children, the elderly and nursing homes, people with disabilities, kindergartens, schools and Sunday schools. While handing out items, women members share the Gospel and speak of God.  During distribution each person repeats:  Praise the Lord, Praise God for everything!  

"SALT THE FRIES"

     One of our favorite photos is of three Georgian children sitting on the floor with open Orphan Grain Train  boxes.  Look closely and you can easily read

"SALT THE FRIES."

     Over a six year period Orphan Grain Train--Michigan has shipped thousands on thousands of boxes around the world to remote locations from Kyrgyzstan to Peru. Domestic shipments have also gone to Ohio, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

OUR BOX SUPPLY HAS COME ENTIRELY THROUGH
THE GENEROSITY OF McDONALD RESTAURANTS
IN SEBEWAING, MARLETTE, and BAD AXE.

    Especially given the needs of our second OGT location in Flint, we need the cooperation of further McDonald's.  If you would be interested in approaching your local McDonald's to ask for their French Fry Boxes, please call for information how you might serve as a Box Currier for us at Orphan Grain Train.
  

    Call our Branch Manager, Pastor Dave Reed, 989-600-2264 

    We could really use your help expanding our box supply.

Thrivent Choice Dollars® Deadline March 31

      In 2024 Orphan Grain Train--Michigan received $1,779 in Thrivent Choice Dollars® grant funding.
  Thrivent supports the important work we do through this “Thrivent Choice” program.

     If you are a Thrivent member and have not otherwise directed your 2024 Choice Dollars® which are at your discretion, please consider Orphan Grain Train—Michigan.  The deadline is March 31.
     We thank Thrivent for this continued partnership.