SA国际传媒

By Kendra Whittle

Paul and Linda Arbesman spent much of their marriage on the move. Throughout their years together they moved twice in Maryland, twice in New Jersey, to California for three years, back to New Jersey and finally settled in Connecticut. But they say, no matter where they鈥檝e been, there鈥檚 one thing that has always remained constant in their lives: a Lutheran church to attend with a faithful, theologically sound pastor.

鈥淲e鈥檝e always been impressed with their biblical knowledge,鈥� Paul said. 鈥淭hat speaks to the type of education they鈥檝e been receiving through the Seminary, and that鈥檚 an important quality to support.鈥�

鈥淭hey have such hearts for the Lord,鈥� Linda added.

Paul and Linda say that鈥檚 what drove them to begin supporting SA国际传媒, St. Louis in 1982. A few years later, they also started specifically giving to the Adopt-a-Student Program. The Seminary鈥檚 Adopt-a-Student Program pairs donors with specific students. The donors support the students financially throughout the academic year.

The Arbesmans say their interest in supporting Seminary students came partially from their former pastor, Rev. Michael Ahlemeyer, who led their home congregation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Terryville, Conn., after the parish had gone without a pastor for several months.

鈥淗e was fresh out of Seminary,鈥� Paul remembered. 鈥淎nd he was such a tremendous young man. Even at a young age, he knew so much and was so helpful.鈥�

The Arbesmans say Ahlemeyer encouraged his parishoners to remember and support seminarians, and several of the church鈥檚 groups answered the call. Linda says her women鈥檚 group decided to support a seminarian, and Paul says his Bible study group, the Emmaus Walkers, have been longtime supporters of the Adopt-a-Student Program. Heartened and encouraged by Lutheran Church鈥擬issouri Synod pastors they had known over the years, the Arbesmans also began participating in the Adopt-a-Student Program as a couple.

鈥淲e鈥檙e aware that there鈥檚 a need for more pastors to serve Lutheran congregations,鈥� Paul said. 鈥淲e thought this might be a way to encourage young men who are preparing for ministry.鈥�

Linda says she particularly appreciates the opportunity to get to know a specific student one-on-one. In fact, as they got more involved the program, the Arbesmans asked to support the same student year after year until he graduated, which allowed them to foster and deepen the relationship.

鈥淭he students write us letters and keep us informed on what is going on in their lives, what they鈥檙e studying and how their studies are going,鈥� Linda said. 鈥淲e like getting to know them. It makes it more personal. Oftentimes we鈥檒l write back and forth.鈥�

The Arbesmans鈥� 鈥渁dopted鈥� student for the current year is second-year seminarian Jonathan Jahnke. This is the second year they have been matched. Jahnke and his wife, Danielle, were married in Nebraska over the summer. 鈥淚n talking to him, we learned they got married in Norfolk,鈥� Paul said, 鈥淲e know Norfolk because that鈥檚 where Orphan Grain Train is located, and we volunteer in their East Coast warehouse. It was nice to make that connection.鈥�

Jahnke calls Paul and Linda 鈥渁 brother and sister in Christ,鈥� even though they鈥檝e never met in person. He says he鈥檚 incredibly thankful for everything they have provided for him. 鈥淭heir support of my studies at the Seminary fills my heart and lips with rejoicing,鈥� Jahnke said. 鈥淚t speaks volumes about the work of God鈥檚 people.鈥�

The Arbesmans encourage other lay people in Lutheran congregations to support the pastors who will one day serve congregations like theirs. They say a faithful, theologically sound pastor is imperative for a church, and it should be a mission for Christians to make sure there are well-trained leaders among the community who continue to preach the Word.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 just have a building,鈥� Paul said. 鈥淵ou have to have a pastor who passes on the message of Christ from one generation to the next and also takes care of the people in the flock right now. There鈥檚 not a more important task. It鈥檚 a blessing to be able to participate.鈥�

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Student Program, visit www.csl.edu/aas or contact Seminary Advancement at 800-822-5267 or [email protected].