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July 09, 2026

“Servant Road Trip” Leads to OGT Norfolk for Two MN Youth Groups

On Tuesday, June 23, the spark that began in the mind of Ted Stroming was shared with Chris Brown and together the two men lit the flame of a “servant road trip” to Nebraska. Both men are Directors of Christian Education (DCE) in their home churches. Stroming, from Good Shepherd Lutheran in Glencoe, MN and Brown from St. Paul’s Lutheran in Perham, MN met up at the 2025 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. They visited the Orphan Grain Train information booth, and they watched as young people enthusiastically prepared Mercy Meals at the OGT Servant area.
Stroming was inspired. He later contacted Brown and the two DCEs began planning a trip to OGT Norfolk headquarters to tour the Servant Center and spend the day volunteering.
The plan that began one year ago, came to fruition on Tuesday. Sixteen students and four adults traveled on a tour bus from Minnesota and arrived at Orphan Grain Train Norfolk on Tuesday morning. This amazing group of students sorted through blankets, school supplies and gtm’s. They completed ten pallets of ready-to-ship products.
At noon, the students took a break and enjoyed a wonderful Ukrainian lunch, prepared by one of the local Ukrainian women from Norfolk, Anhelina Popova. Popova had offered to prepare lunch for volunteers and staff that day. She agreed to make enough for the students as well.
The students completed their trip by traveling to Camp Luther in Schuyler, Nebraska. They not only enjoyed the beauty of the camp but also participated in several projects needing done at the camp.
Thank you, to Ted Stroming and Chris Brown for allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you as you prepared for this trip. Thank you, students for your great energy and enthusiasm. Thank you, Anhelina, Anna, Emilia and Maryna for the wonderful Ukrainian meal that you prepared for all of us.
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