Dear Jan Dankwardt,

 

I am deeply moved and grateful for the generous gift of four-hundred fifty-five dollars received from the South Wisconsin LWML. This gift is needful to cover the rising costs associated with seminary education.

 

I am a second-career student. Most of my previous work experience is with the US Air Force and in 9-1-1 emergency services. I was working as the Communications Supervisor for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department when the events of September 11, 2001 occurred. I was subsequently activated by the Air Force Reserve. From 2001 to 2005 I served here in the United States for homeland defense, and deployed for both the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns. My last tour was to Germany ended in March, 2005 just prior to entering the seminary.

 

God used the events of 9-11 and the my experiences with the war on terror to redirect my life and turn my attention back to Him. I am forever grateful to our Lord, for His love endures forever! That God would use a man like me to preach His Word and minister to His flock is beyond amazing. I continue to learn to trust God for all my needs of both body and soul.

 

Gifts like this ensure me that God is providing for my needs through His servants. Words alone seem inadequate to thank the women of the SWD LWML for their faithfulness. I wish that I could personally thank each woman who worked so hard to provide this gift of money. Perhaps I will have the opportunity in the future to thank at least some in person.

 

This is my last year in the seminary and by God's grace and favor I will receive a call into the office of holy ministry on April 21.

 

May God bless you all for taking care of the least of His servants, even me.

 

In Christ,

Seminarian David Abuya

Concordia Theological Seminary