Orphan Grain Train | Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church

Sortin' & Packin' & Plannin' & Prayin

January was a very productive month. We had several strong weeks and another that went over 100 boxes. The average packed box is about 35 pounds, so that would be about 3,500 pounds of pack clothing. If the Lord gives us that many vigorous hands on a regular basis, we’ll top the 50 tons that were shipped last year!

We support local non-profit organizations that serve people in need right here in our tri-state area and have added several this winter. We are also planning our first 2026 international shipment in mid-March. You know we need extra volunteers on loading days so be on the look out for updates.

LOCATION SEARCH

We are, of course, a little distracted by our real estate search. We want to move by September just to give ourselves a margin; but that means finding the “right” place and funding to cover it.

We believe the Lord is encouraging us to stay in southern Chester County as about half of our volunteers come from that area. The other half come from far and wide but that area is about central to them. The current space is 6,200 Square Feet in our work area plus shared access.

It sounds like a lot; but we must store up 40 pallets of packed boxes to fill a container.

We are considering all options including renting, buying, building, or some combination. If you know of a resource that may be able to help us out, please tell us at the contact below.

Based on current market rates, our warehouse cost will go up. So we are looking for additional funding also. If you know of resources that may be able to help with locations or funding, please tell us at the contact below.

FALL GRANT MATCH

Speaking of fund raising, Our fall matching grant program was very successful. The contributions from our supporters did indeed raise $25,000 which was matched by our board and special donors for a total of $50,000. That is a one-third increase over the previous year.

Thrivent Choice dollars are also coming in. If you participate in Thrivent programs, don’t forget to designate your Thrivent Choice dollars on their website. Orphan Grain Train – Mid Atlantic Branch is one of many choices, including most congregations, to which you may designate the Thrivent Choice dollars attributable to your products.

PRAYERS

We know many of you join us in praying for the success of our outreach. God has richly supplied what we need to be of service to the needy in our area, our country, and our world.

To God alone be the glory!

October 2025 - Latvia Load

October 2025 Update

It has been and will be a busy month at your Orphan Grain Train MidAtlantic Branch.

We thank all of you who donated to Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends discount coupons. It has been in our top three fundraisers in recent years. The event was October 22nd this year, so we are still gathering the results from the five stores where we participated.

We have shrink-wrapped eight pallets of clothing (about 280 boxes) to go to Christian Appalachian Project (Kentucky) in November. Some walkers and bikes will go along to fill half of a 53-foot combo-trailer. The Annapolis branch will fill the other half.

We scheduled an overseas shipment to Latvia for October 29th. It is mostly winter clothing and bedding to be distributed by the Red Cross there.

We are also kicking off our matching funds drive. This year our main donors have pledged $25,000 so the combined goal is to exceed $50,000. You can mail donations to OGT at 89 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355, or you can go online to OGT.org then click to branch locations, Mid Atlantic, and donate. The needs are increasing everywhere – here, across the country, and around the world. Our branch distributes to local support groups and has increased to five or six shipments per year.

We liken our branch to a stool with a seat and three legs. The mission in the center states, “In loving response to Christ, the Servant, the Orphan Grain Train movement encourages and enables God’s people to share personal and material resources in bringing Christs name and character to needy people, both far and near.” The legs are clothing (and box) donations, volunteers, and financial donations.

Our financial needs will increase due to growth and because we must find a new location before our lease expires in December of 2026. Donations to OGT are used 97.7 percent for the mission. Our branch is entirely staffed by volunteers, and we need more.

To God alone be the Glory,
Rob Hall, MidAtlantic Branch Manager

August 2025 - Republic of Georgia Loading