Project 12 Baskets Update

A message from Project 12 Baskets Founder and President Barry Olson:

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I am writing to all of you to share a handful of pictures captured this weekend at an event in Holgate, Ohio. The Sundermann Children donated the personal effects from the estate of their parents, Ferd and Alma, to benefit St. Johns Lutheran in Holgate and Lutheran Hour Ministries. I have also attached a brochure that recaps the event and the process.

Volunteers from the area assembled, under the project management model and supervision provided by Project12Baskets, to gather the items from the twelve-room farmhouse and barns. Some items were given to Orphan Grain Train, others were sent to the Salvation Army. Most items were harvested and are now being processed for auction by Project12Baskets to benefit St. John's Holgate and Lutheran Hour Ministries. I will keep you informed of the results (thousands will be raised) as the individual item auctions generate dollars for the chosen charities.

Our God was worshiped through this event. The focus for Friday's Opening devotion was the example on giving that God provides for each of us: "For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only Son..." The devotion concluded with God's promise to his children: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life." The closing prayer on Sunday was delivered by Pastor Ted Rellstab from St. John's Holgate. The weekend was filled with fellowship, praise, and thanksgiving. The Sundermanns were remembered for their faithfulness during their lives and for their continued stewardship as they entered eternal glory.

Clearly, this is a model that will serve development groups and God's purpose for his kingdom for many years. Seventy-six million boomers are coming through a time in their lives when they are downsizing their own lives, or their parents are moving to assisted living, or entering eternal glory. Three additional families have already expressed interest in a similar event.

The Gospel is being spread through this process daily. As each item is sold and shipped, the Gospel message will be included in the package. Yes, money is raised through this process for projects in need of funding. That said, and even more important than the dollars raised, the Good News of our Victorious Savior is proclaimed.

To God be the Glory,

Barry Olson, President
Project12Baskets
586-530-7309