Please read this special letter from previous Leader and Board Member, Fred Grossenbach, about our new vision for United Madison Christian Givers & inspirational efforts of local ministries.

Dear Friends,

Dane County is home to incredible Christian ministries—transforming lives through compassion, leadership, and service. Yet, so many of these efforts go unnoticed. What if more people knew? Imagine the impact we could have together.

Last week, I attended the second quarterly meeting of United Madison Christian Givers. The event was held at the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship headquarters on Whitney Way and featured presentations by six Christian leaders in Dane County. About 65 people attended. What struck me was the reach and life-changing impact that each of these organizations has. And, that if more people knew about their work, the entire community would flourish. The work being done across Dane County is both profound and inspiring. Here are just a few examples of faith in action:

• Athletes in Action works with college athletes at UW Madison, Edgewood College, and Madison College to foster a culture of faith-driven leadership across these campuses, equipping athletes to share their faith.
  

• Brat Fest, the world’s largest bratwurst festival, held over the Memorial Day weekend, is continuing its efforts to establish a Christian music stage and community-wide worship service during this secular event. People who might never go to church will have an opportunity to hear the gospel in unique ways.
  

• Every Daughter is a network of Christian women from churches in Dane County that helps women who have been sexually exploited or trafficked. They provide practical help and Christ’s love to women in desperate circumstances.
  

• Jesus Lunch is now in its 10th year, offering students at Middleton High School free lunches and a Biblical message during their school day. The volunteers typically serve over 3,000 lunches in a school year. Most of the students do not have a church background, have never heard the gospel, and have never experienced the love of Jesus.
  

• Outside the Walls is an evangelistic effort to reach people who would not normally go to a traditional Adoración service. They meet in coffee shops, cigar lounges, restaurants, and neighborhoods. Their events are all designed to foster relationships and spiritual growth outside of traditional church settings.
  

• Shelter From The Storm Ministries works with single moms in the Sun Prairie area. They provide trauma-informed therapy and Christian life coaching, helping residents address emotional wounds and grow spiritually.
  

As I listened to the stories of these Christian missionaries in Dane County, I marveled at how much they accomplish with so few resources. I'm amazed at the volunteers who work alongside these missionaries to serve people in need in all walks of life to advance the gospel of the Kingdom in Dane County.

Witnessing these stories firsthand reinforced the way I see the gospel advancing in Dane County—it’s a reminder that God is still at work in our community, transforming lives.

I invite you to see for yourself. Join us on July 22 from 5-7 pm at the IV Headquarters. Meet the missionaries, hear their stories, enjoy a light meal, and make a difference for people you will probably never meet.

In His Service Together,

Fred Grossenbach