A truckload of gifts

It was late evening by the time the delivery truck pulled into the inner court of the seminary. The truck and its crew of volunteer drivers had begun their long journey in Michigan earlier that day. They made stops at congregations in the Northern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Conferences of the Michigan District picking up cargo as they went. Upon arrival in Mequon they were met by members of the seminary family who unloaded the gifts of love that had been collected. Those gifts came in the form of non-perishable food items, paper products, cleaning supplies and other household items all destined for the married student food bank. For the past several years this scene has been repeated as our brothers and sisters in Michigan express their love for our students in this very tangible way.

In addition to the food and pantry items, over $8,000.00 in cash was also delivered. The food bank manager will use these funds to buy gift cards at the local supermarket for our student families to use for meat, produce, and other perishable items.

The food bank helps bridge the gap for many of our students as they balance everyday living expenses and the costs of schooling. Student families are very appreciative of the loving generosity shown by God’s people during these challenging economic times. Middler Jasper Sellnow, food bank manager, echoed these thoughts, “It is awesome to see the body of Christ working together. How wonderful to see the Lord providing for his people beyond what they could even imagine.”

It was after midnight when the last box was unloaded and the lights turned out in what is now a very full pantry. And though the helpers and volunteers were sore and tired, they were also very thankful for gifts given and received.