Contact Information
- Mike Rathje
- Branch Manager
- CELL: 281-840-3166
- Email: ogthouston@gmail.com
Mailing Address
- Houston Branch
- 1216 Norwood
- Deer Park, TX 77536
Warehouse Location
- Zion Lutheran Church
- 5050 East Sam Houston Pkwy S
- Pasadena, TX 77505
Donations Accepted Saturdays from 8 to Noon
OGT Container located at
5050 E. Sam Houston Parkway S.
Pasadena, TX 77505.
Houston Branch Spotlight
Houston Board members:
Steve Harris – Assistant Manager jnlhs.harris@gmail.com
Lonnie Loehr – Warehouse Manager celoehr@msn.com
Bernice Wolf – Treasurer
blwolf@sbcglobal.ne
Greg Balfany – Secretary greg.balfany@memorialherman.org
Erika Adams – Development eadamsogt@gmail.com
Marti Rathje – Public Relations ogthouston@gmail.com
Holly Harris – Volunteer Coordinator zionworshipleader@gmail.com
Jeff Bibler – At Large
jeffbibler@msn.com
May 2023
**MAJOR UPDATE**
Orphan Grain Train Houston Branch is, with the help of many gracious individuals and churches, reached the challenge grant goal of $781,455 needed to qualify and receive the $455,000 offered by the Mabee Foundation. What a huge blessing from God as He worked through each of you to provide for this ministry. Rev. Ralph Schmidt from OGT headquarters was instrumental in securing funds for the build. Mr. Dick Rathgeber, a major donor and OGT Houston Board member, also served to bring in other large pledges and donations. To God be the glory!
Churches and individuals within the greater Houston area and as far away as 200 miles in Texas have shown amazing support with donations of blankets, clothes, medical supplies. We are thankful for the calls and deliveries which come from across town…Houston is wide-spread, so deliveries can be a multi-hour gift of time.
There have been multiple groups, individuals, and numerous churches along with Lutheran South Academy (LSA) who have helped during sorting & packing days. Recently LSA scheduled high school students to participate in different service projects for non-profits in Houston. OGT was blessed to watch over 50 teenagers, and staff, tape, count items, pack and label boxes.
We trust in God’s perfect timing on the shipment and construction of the Servant Center. He has provided exciting blessings and solutions at every turn, for which we give Him thanks and glory!
Houston●News Articles


National Youth Gathering Helping OGT With Sleeping Mats and T-Shirt Diapers
Houston Branch is inspiring young adults at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) National Youth...
Read More

Clothing Delivered to Pasadena Community Ministries
The Houston Branch delivered a load of mixed clothing to Pasadena Community Ministries that provides...
Read More

King of Kings Lutheran Church LWML in San Antonio Donate 100 Blankets
A big thank you to the LWML ladies and members of King of Kings Lutheran Church in San Antonio who g...
Read More

Youth from Pasadena Help Sort, Pack, and Haul 49 Boxes
The 30-hour Fast Event at Zion Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Texas did not deter the 2022 Confirmatio...
Read More

Packing Day A Lot of Fun and Successful
Houston Branch had volunteers from Zion and Trinity Lutheran Downtown that worked hand-in-hand durin...
Read More

PreK Through 5th Graders Learn About Orphan Grain Train
During Lutheran Schools Week March 7-11, Houston’s Branch manager, Mike Rathje, and Board memb...
Read More