The symmetry of Christian proclamation and Christian care must ever be evident in Christ’s church. The love of Jesus is expressed by spoken word and compassionate action. It remains a truism that Christian ministry is so much more challenging when seeking people who are hurting, hungry, or hated.
Thus the truth of Christ in His Word and the love of Jesus in His deeds were never separated. Those whom our Lord taught and forgave He also fed and healed. This is the character of our Lord Jesus where God’s Word is always accompanied by actions which substantiate His Word.
The mission of Orphan Grain Train reflects these twin tenets of Gospel Word with Christian works:
“The Orphan Grain Train movement encourages and enables God’s people to share personal and material resources in bringing Christ’s name and character to people in need far and near. Sometimes that character expresses itself as a word well spoken, sometimes as a bandage well applied, and sometimes as a child well fed.”
The Michigan branch of Orphan Grain Train (OGT–MI) recently marked its five-year anniversary of operations and continues presently with tremendous vitality.
Operating since 2019 from a work and warehouse center at Sebewaing in the Michigan Thumb, OGT–MI has frequently sent 40-foot shipping containers with tons of basic relief supplies to international locations.
Shipments from our corner of the church have gone to Christian charities such as Casa de Refugio, La Chorrera, Panama; to Lutheran diaconates such as the Jurbarkas Evangelical Lutheran Diaconia, Smalininkai, Lithuania; or to partner churches such as the Ev. Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan and its seminary, the Concordia Lutheran Institute for Holy Ministry.
Vital humanitarian goods include clothing of all kinds, quilts, towels, basic medical devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, bicycles in good repair, and basic sports equipment. A wish list may be found at ogt.org.
From Michigan have been sent 40-foot high-cube shipping containers, each with 12-14 tons of relief, to Kyrgyzstan, Panama, Moldova, the Republic of Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Malawi, South Sudan, and Peru.
OGT–MI partners only with charities around the world in which the Gospel is also shared in conjunction with distributions to those in need.
Orphan Grain Train also seeks to serve domestic needs. In early May, our Michigan branch delivered a large truckload of goods to Manna from Heaven located at Myra, Kentucky, for the relief of needy people in Appalachia.
Current warehouse inventory is enabling another international shipment for relief of Ukrainian refugees this summer.
OGT–MI has been the grateful recipient of LWML Michigan District grants and the ongoing support of churches and individuals whose prayers and donated material goods keep our dedicated team of volunteers active.
OGT–MI has its center at Sebewaing and receives goods every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until noon. Deliveries may also be arranged any time by calling Branch Manager Pastor Dave Reed at 989.600.2264.
The Orphan Grain Train center is located at 126 E. Main St., Sebewaing. A secondary receiving and packing location of Orphan Grain Train–Michigan is located at St. Mark, Flint for the convenience of people wishing to donate goods in the greater Flint-Port Huron corridor. Information may be obtained at ogt.org or ogt-mi.blogspot.com.
Congregations and groups may also undertake projects on behalf of Orphan Grain Train by assembling hygiene or school kits, etc., or by arranging special efforts. Orphan Grain Train is a recognized service organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Photos courtesy of Orphan Grain Train
