Profile in Giving

By Rev. Robert F. Shonholz

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38) Grain trucks wound the through streets of Ellsworth, a small town in Iowa. The line stretched past the town limits and all headed to the grain elevator. Harvest time was at hand, and the first fruits were already set aside. These vehicles contained the annual grain offerings to be sold for the country church and lifted up to the Lord. These were brought by faithful farmers in support of mission and ministry. This sight had a material impact on a young girl, Celeste Johnson, as she was growing up on her family farm. Jim Bresette had his share of influences that would also shape his world view. His grandmother, Gladys Schwenk, was dedicated to the Lord and the Lutheran church. Knowing the importance of good Christian life management, she and her husband, Bill, were more than willing to commit to a weekly offering at their congregation. Unfortunately, Bill was laid off during the Depression and given only a small pension that equaled their offering to the Lord. Never one to doubt her Lord's promises, "Give and it will be given to you," the pledge was honored, and the household was supported by raising chickens, taking in laundry and boarding local children. This lesson of sacrificial giving had a material impact on young Jim. Little did Jim and Celeste know that their Lord-directed paths would lead them to meet, be married and journey together along life's way, no matter where it might lead. Celeste graduated from nursing school as a registered nurse while Jim was in the United States Air Force. Together they decided that Jim would return to school to become a pharmacist while Celeste worked to support the family. After graduation, Jim transferred his commission to the Public Health Service (PHS) in order to serve the health needs of American Indian tribes. With three children, Tara, James and Adam in tow, their first PHS assignment was to serve the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. Jim and Celeste decided that it was important for Celeste to stay home with the children, confident in knowing the Lord would provide and they could survive on a junior officer's pay. While financial challenges abounded, life lessons were not forgotten, "Give and it will be given to you." The checking account was often empty early in the month, yet God remained first and an offering was given. Eventually Jim, Celeste, Tara, James, Adam and Erik (born in Montana) would return to their home in Columbia, Maryland, after Jim was transferred back to Indian Health Service headquarters, where he now serves as the Deputy Director in the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services. Now, all the children are in school and Celeste has returned to work as a part-time geriatric nurse, but the life lessons learned so early are being instilled in the next generation. Nightly family devotions, just before bedtime, are standard in the Bresette household. Scripture readings and Luther's Small Catechism are resources used, and the forgiveness of Christ clearly proclaimed as the family gathers near the fireplace. The attitude of gratitude is constantly reinforced as lessons from childhood are passed on, "Give and it will be given to you." "Why is supporting your seminaries so important?" Jim and Celeste were asked. Their response was immediate: "An empty pulpit is an opportunity lost, a watchtower unmanned!" Mission and ministry are clearly in their sights. "So often," Jim offered, "when things get tight in congregations, one of the first things we cut is outreach and mission spending. Celeste and I decided very early on that we would provide direct support to Concordia Theological Seminary as well as support our local congregation." He continued, "At Concordia Theological Seminary we know that pastors and deaconesses will be prepared as best as they can be and firmly grounded in the essential truth." Joyful, first fruits giving benefits not only the recipient but also the giver. Both show trust and confidence in the endless bounty of a loving Savior who said, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." We invite you to join with the whole Bresette family as partners in mission and ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary, which exists to "form servants in Jesus Christ to teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all." For additional information on giving opportunities, please contact Gary Nahrwold, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 260-452-2277, or e-mail him at Gary.Nahrwold@ctsfw.edu. Rev. Robert F. Shonholz serves as an Advancement Officer for Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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