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Fall 2023 Update

Dear Friends of the MLS Foundation,

I hope this letter finds you with a thankful heart for all of the blessings our God provides from his gracious hand. I’m writing to express my sincere appreciation for your ongoing support as we strive to fulfill our mission of supporting our beloved school, Michigan Lutheran Seminary.

At Michigan Lutheran Seminary, we hold firm to the belief that faith and family serve as the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant campus. Every aspect of a student’s life on campus is focused on strengthening their faith and nurturing relationships that make them feel part of a larger family. In a world filled with challenges, it is often our faith and the bonds of family that provide us with strength and resilience to persevere. These are wonderful gifts from God! That is why your partnership is so vital in supporting the students who attend MLS. Your gifts play a pivotal role in sustaining the training and operations of MLS, enabling it to continue preparing future pastors and teachers at a time when the world needs more faith and family.

I pray you truly understand what a blessing your support is to the MLS Foundation and how it daily impacts the lives of the MLS students. Here are some areas where your support is needed most at this time:

  • Gifts Given for the Greatest Need — This critical funding gives the Board of Directors flexibility to address the areas where help is needed most. By setting up a monthly donation of $10, $25, $50, or $100, you can support both current and future needs. Monthly support is invaluable for effective budgeting and planning. Our goal is to secure 100 donors to partner with us by establishing a monthly commitment to this fund. Please scan the code on the back of the reply below to schedule your recurring gift today! It will truly make a difference!
  • Student Assistance Fund — Providing financial support to students is a very high priority of the MLS Foundation. We want to continue to provide a $100,000 annual distribution from this fund to MLS for tuition assistance. We have been blessed to provide this consistent support for several years. Funds given here may be used for tuition assistance, an educational program, a mission trip, or any other program that would benefit the students as a whole. Your gift to this fund ensures that students at MLS are receiving the necessary support to nurture their faith and develop as leaders in our synod and its churches.
  • Capital Improvement Fund — The home and visitor bleachers, press box, restrooms, and concession area have been completed and enjoyed since the fall of 2021. It has been a wonderful addition to campus! We are now seeking funding to reduce the remaining loan balance of $372,840 associated with this phase of the Big Backyard Project. While using borrowed funds was part of the plan to complete the project promptly, eliminating this debt has now become a priority. Clearing this debt will free up resources for additional projects and programs. In recent years, the MLS Foundation has also been acquiring real estate around campus, now owning six properties. We intend to secure land on and around the campus for future strategic planning. Your contributions will enable us to maintain these properties and seize opportunities to acquire more if they arise. Please consider making a contribution to our capital improvement fund to support these endeavors.

Over the years I have witnessed the generosity of God’s people, and it continues to amaze me! Thank you for considering our appeal, and for embracing the values of faith and family. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of students who are preparing for work in the public ministry. On behalf of the MLS Foundation and its board, I want to personally thank you for your support and wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!

In Christian Service,

Joshua Wakefield
Donor Relations Director
MLS Class of 1996