Orphan Grain Train Christian Medical Endeavor Prayerletter
Volume 4 Number 5

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 4:7, 16 KJV

What is Orphan Grain Train doing now? In addition to our International Efforts, we continue shipping new and used materials to various locations in the states, including the flooded areas of Ohio, the still-devastated areas of the south [Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma], and Texas for transshipment into northern Mexico where medical and dental clinics are being supplied. The total number of relief shipments sent to the Gulf in the past year is now 95 and work continues unabated.

DCE Seth Kaiser [sent by Our Savior LCMS and OGT jointly] who served in Louisiana for about 9 months, has returned, reported and entered the St Louis LCMS Seminary. Please keep him in thought and prayer, thanking God for workers such as Seth.

Why does OGT do what we do? In several places in the Gospels, Christ gives us directions on what we should do and how to be charitable. In that beatitude from Matthew, we are told once how and why. Remembering that mercy is a gift from God, we can pass that along to others as we have the ability so to do. That is how OGT continues to ship what may be needed for continued recovery in the south. We have all seen pictures and video showing the devastation. OGT has produced a new VHS/DVD which is available for your congregation with a suggested donation of ten dollars which shows not only the destruction but the work of volunteers and workers in the area who help clean and reconstruct the houses destroyed by the hurricanes. It is also available for online viewing here.

We were very excited by the District Convention of Nebraska LCMS this past weekend because the entire thrust of the meetings was toward mission. Sudan was highlighted as Orphan Grain Train President Reverend Ray Wilke led Saturday morning’s Bible study. Ray and newly re-elected District President Reverend Russell Sommerfeld were among a group from Synod who visited Sudan earlier this year. The spirit of the convention was very positive toward missions.

Guests of the Saturday sessions included the mission personnel currently working within the borders of the state. These included Rev. Jacobs from the Winnebago tribe mission, and newly ordained John Deang, a graduate of Concordia Seward and Concordia Theological Seminary [Fort Wayne, Indiana] who has been called by the District as a missionary-at-large to African immigrants in Nebraska. John is the first Sudanese man to complete his pastoral training of four years in an LCMS seminary. This is how God in working with the Nebraska District.

Delegates voted to partner with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan through the LCMS ABLAZE movement. This indicates a prayerful support and financial assistance committed to the World Mission to further God’s Kingdom in Sudan. This country is currently in a civil war, and one of the worst in Africa right now. There is tremendous need for spiritual and physical assistance in Sudan.

Prayer Requests:

Thanks be to God for workers and volunteers who continue to do His will by example. May God bless the efforts of Orphan Grain Train as continuing work goes on in the areas which received an over-ample share of wind and rain during the hurricane season of 2005.

Praise God for the growth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan. May He continue to bless congregations there and provide sufficient personnel to meet the expanding needs thereof. We give special thanks for Reverend John Deang, who was ordained in Seward, NE and will serve Nebraska as a missionary-at-large to African immigrants.

Give thanks that the Nebraska LCMS District has chosen Sudan for its ABLAZE effort.

Pray for all who are sick and hungry, in Christ’s name, Amen.

May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all steadfast in the one true faith.

In Christ,
Bill