In 2021, a member of the United Methodist Church in Montrose, South Dakota, welcomed a foster child into their home. When she picked up the child, they only had a black garbage bag with their belongings.
Montrose United Methodist Church is a part of the Dakotas Annual Conference.
"It is a simple thing. We give duffle bags to kids that are moving from place to place. Who would have imagined that we could bring Jesus to these kids in this unique way," said Sandy Krumvidea, a member of Montrose UMC and coordinator of the mission efforts.
"That is kind of demeaning to a teenager. We got the idea that maybe we should get some suitcases for these kids," said Sandy Krumvieda. "They need something if they are moving from place to place. We settled on duffle bags."
One of the mission team members called around to different places—Child Protective Services, Abbott House, and McCrossen's Boy Ranch. They found there was a need.
"She took the bull by the horns and started looking for good deals on duffle bags. Our first year, we gave out 75," Sandy said. "We give out two sizes, large, 22 inches, and medium, 20 inches. We also add a note that says, 'A gift from Montrose United Methodist Church.'"
In the second year, the congregation of 110, with an average worship attendance of 40, provided 95 duffle bags. Last year, 105 children got duffle bags after leaving a facility or foster home.
"It's something they can have the rest of their life," said Sandy. "We just provide something so they can leave and go to their next place with dignity."
Funds for the duffle bags and other work of the Montrose UMC's mission team come from the fourth Sunday collection.
Sandy describes the offering. "We have what we call the Fourth Sunday Offering. On the fourth Sunday of the month, a special offering is collected. The committee gets together at the beginning of the year and picks four different offering recipients—one for every three months. The third quarter of the year is dedicated to the duffle bag ministry. In the spring, kids will leave places like McCrossen's Boys Ranch because of graduation."
The United Methodist Church is one of three churches in the community. There is also a Catholic church and a Missouri Synod Lutheran church. Montrose UMC holds a Wednesday night program instead of Sunday School.
"Our pastor is young. She welcomes everyone. We are blessed with the many gifts she brings to the community," said Sandy.
Sandy invites other congregations to consider joining or multiplying the duffle bag ministry. She states that many agencies and organizations support foster children. These agencies and organizations would welcome the effort. When asked why she is involved in this ministry, she said, "I guess it is how I was brought up, to give instead of doing stuff for yourself. It makes you feel good knowing it is appreciated and needed."
excerpt from a story by Doreen Gosmire, director of communications, Dakotas UMC
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
