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| Everything We Have is a Gift From God |
A Revocable Living Trust Story
Otto Melby was only 13 years old when his father died. After the immediate shock and numbness passed, the loss of his father began to weigh upon Otto's heart and mind. As his mother observed her young son, her concern grew. She understood Otto was confused and angry.
He needed guidance from a strong male role model, but that was something she could not provide. In desperation she contacted a local youth director, a young man named Art Rorheim. Could he help her son?
At the request of Otto's mother, Art stepped in and took Otto under his wing. Art gave Otto exactly what he had been searching for. He offered direction and guidance; he gave him responsibilities; and most of all he just listened. As time passed and the bond between Art and Otto grew, the void left by the death of Otto's father began to heal. Otto began to grow, but that is not the whole story?
While Art was filling a need in Otto's life, Otto was also filling a need for Art. The new program Art started at the Northside Gospel Center - a program called Awana - was exploding. As news of the success of the program spread, other churches were asking for materials.
With Art's encouragement and a lot of self-determination, Otto became immensely involved in the Awana program. As a freshman in high school, he would catch a bus to the Center after school and help print the Awana lessons on the mimeograph machine located under the stairs.
Several years later Otto met the girl of his dreams. The couple's love for each other grew and they were married in 1955. As time passed, Otto was drafted into the army, and the couple temporarily lost touch with Awana. Soon they started their family. In 1964, as their children grew, Otto and Donna became involved in Awana again - this time as a director and commander.
Donna and Otto eventually had six children, and they have all been involved with Awana. God has continued to bless them with fourteen grandchildren who have all attended Awana Clubs.
In 1985, Art asked Otto to join the Board of Directors for Awana. He accepted and served as chairman for fifteen years, resigning from that position in 2000 to make way for the next generation of leaders with a heart for serving the Lord. Otto continues to serve as an Awana board member.
Now 55 years after Donna and Otto met, they think of the family they have built, and the blessings God has put in their lives. "Everything we have," Donna says, "is a gift from God. And when we consider what we love the most, it is our family. When we consider one of the biggest impacts on our family life, it's Awana."
"My favorite part of Awana," says Donna, "is the Scripture memory, because as the kids grew up, they always remembered the verses they learned in club."
Otto and Donna have now set up a trust with Awana, commenting, "It's now time to plan what to do with what God has given us. We've seen God use Awana to touch lives and today's kids are tomorrow's leaders."
If you would like further information on how you can establish a revocable living trust to provide for your family as well as the Lord's work, please call Jeff Schacherer, Director of Financial and Estate Planning Services, at 1-800-22-AWANA
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