“When I think of all the blessings God has given me,” says John Apitz, “I know I’ve got to give back.” This New Ulm native is one of several MLC supporters who are giving back in a big way.
Lloyd Schauer(left), Elwood Heldt (center), and Apitz (right), along with Jeff Pinske and Jason Spurgin, have donated many hours to finish work in MLC’s Chapel Rehearsal Hall—the lower level of the chapel that now houses a large rehearsal and recital space plus multiple office, storage, and practice rooms for MLC’s music department.
A transformational gift from Dan and Lonnie Schmidt made the buildout of the entire lower level possible. MLC’s talented Environmental Services staff did much of the construction themselves, and these gifted New Ulm men are contributing their craftsmanship to make the space fully functional for MLC students.
They’ve put in sound panels, and now they are constructing feet upon feet of cabinetry. When we caught them in mid-August, they were staining 95 cabinet doors that will provide secure storage for student instruments.
“The Lord has given us talents, time, and resources,” Schauer said. “This is a way for us to use them in service to him.”
Heldt, a grandfather of two MLC students, agrees. “I feel blessed to have opportunities to use my love for woodworking in ways that serve God, the ministry of MLC, and MLC students.”
