Orphan Grain Train, headquartered at Norfolk, Neb., announced that it has received a $75,000 pledge from LCMS World Relief and Human Care of Saint Louis, Mo., toward Asian Disaster Relief. All contributions for this effort will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000.

"OGT has been a fantastic witness to the love of Christ in word and deed. We at LCMS World Relief/Human Care are deeply appreciative of its work, and we rejoice that in the midst this tragedy we can partner in the name of Christ, and show his love in speaking the gospel and caring for the hurting, together," said Matthew Harrison, Executive Director, LCMS World Relief/Human Care.

LCMS World Relief and Human Care is the alliance of disaster relief, self-help, and human care ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), headquartered at Saint Louis, Mo. Orphan Grain Train is a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS.

“We are deeply grateful. A tragedy of this scope brings to bear good will and generosity from many quarters, said Rev. Ray S. Wilke, President of Orphan Grain Train. “Practicing Christians are especially eager to carry water and provision to Jesus in all His distressing disguises. We celebrate along with LCMS World Relief the willingness of believers all across the country to respond to the tragedy in an exceptional way. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in all of its entities are responding as one personality. We at Orphan Grain Train deeply appreciate the Body of Christ spirit that pervades our dear church at this tragic time. LCMS World Relief and its executive, Matt Harrison, have been leaders in cultivating the spirit and maturity that Jesus seeks and blesses.”

Orphan Grain Train’s warehouse at Bangalore, India, is delivering clothing, food, bottled water, mats, and utensils to survivors in southeast India’s Tamil Nadu state. The distributions are being made in the cities of Cuddalore, Nagappattinam, and Kolachal. Local government officials have pledged to help. Orphan Grain Train ocean-freight shipping containers full of relief aid arrived at the warehouse shortly before and after the disaster hit. It takes six to eight weeks for an ocean-freight shipping container to reach Asia. That is why Orphan Grain Train is asking for cash donations to purchase immediate disaster relief supplies closer to the survivors. Additional shipping container-loads will be sent as part of long-term recovery efforts.

Checks should be made out to “Orphan Grain Train Asian Disaster Relief Fund,” P. O. Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Secure on-line contributions may also be given through the Orphan Grain Train web site at www.orphangraintrain.org by clicking “On-line contributions and selecting “Asian Disaster Relief.” Donations will be used to purchase food (rice), clean water, and supplies for survivors in the affected areas.

Orphan Grain Train’s assistance to the countries affected by this tsunami will continue as long as funds for the relief effort are available.

Orphan Grain Train’s 14 regional divisions located throughout the United States are all working in this Asian Relief response. Founded in 1992, Orphan Grain Train is a “hands-on” Christian humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization. It is a network of volunteers across the United States who bring necessary help in response to requests for food and clothing, medical supplies, and Christian literature. It also responds to survivors of natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Orphan Grain Train will not ship overseas or in America until it has a secure partner receiving the relief supplies.

Orphan Grain Train’s name and character are explained by the words of Christ recorded in the Gospel of John chapter 14, verse 18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”