Melacha Scholarship
The Melacha Scholarship was established in 2018 by Scott and Marta Haynes in honor of Marta’s parents, John and Diane Wenker.
Melacha is a Hebrew word that means “that which requires exertion or effort.” It refers to creative, constructive human efforts, the type of activities the Israelites would have refrained from doing on the Sabbath as a reminder that God is the ultimate Creator and Master.
John and Diane were certainly committed to the work ethic suggested by melacha. They also trusted God in all circumstances, one of their favorite Bible verses being Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV): “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
Working in the financial services industry until his retirement in 2018, John was recognized for his servant leadership, integrity, and work ethic. His success would not have been possible without the unfailing support of his wife, Diane.
Over the years, John and Diane have been overjoyed to practice faithful stewardship of the financial blessings God has given them. They’ve generously supported WELS ministries, especially Christian education. This scholarship maintains that legacy.
Melacha Scholarship recipients are preseminary and education majors who are in need of financial assistance and who demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement, potential for the ministry, participation in MLC life and activities, and campus citizenship.
Recipient Expresses Gratitude
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Haynes,
My name is Stephen Gerling, and I want to thank you for the Melacha Scholarship. I am receiving instruction through the Seminary Certification program at Martin Luther College. This means that I already received my bachelor’s degree but need these courses to pursue my seminary education.
My wife, Hannah, and I had our first child, Sofia, in February of last year. As you can imagine, this means that all possible financial help is a Godsend. We are most recently from Doral, Florida, but we met in Taiwan in 2008-2009 as children of missionaries.
I decided to pursue training for the ministry about a year after being confirmed in the WELS. I had grown up as a Baptist and had run the gamut of Christian thought throughout my college and adult life. I took a Bible information class when I pursued my then-girlfriend (now wife), whose father is a WELS pastor.
I believe the emphasis placed on understanding the Bible in its original languages will prepare me for engaging in the pseudo-intellectual atmosphere of our present culture. I look forward to being a tool that God uses to strengthen his people with truths of eternal value.
Again, the financial aid that God has provided through you in the form of this scholarship is a great blessing. My wife and I thank you for the support—financially, spiritually, and emotionally. We are in a place in our journey where it seems God is emphasizing our daily need for him to give us everything necessary. Thank you for ministering to us in this way.
We’re deeply grateful to donors who choose to support Martin Luther College students with a named scholarship, grant, or endowment. If you’d like to create something similar to honor a family member or leave a legacy, please contact the Mission Advancement Office at MLC, and we will guide you through the process. 507.354.8221
