This scholarship was established in 2023 by Duane Duin to honor his parents and their commitment to Christian education.

Louis and Irene Duin raised seven children in a Christ-centered home. Duane recalls, “My dad would read something from the Bible every night at supper unless we were in the field.”

His father had a seventh-grade education while his mother was a high school graduate. They both valued Christian education and ensured that all their children attended Lutheran grade school and Lutheran high school in various places. Most of the siblings went on to college. Some of them went into the ministry. Now the grandchildren of Louis and Irene are serving their Lord in the same way.

Duane heard a different calling. He came home to farm after receiving the one and only letter from his father. It was short and to the point. It read, “Mother and I are retiring. You are #4 of four sons. If you want to farm, come now. Love, Dad.” Duane answered that call and dedicated his life to farming and serving his Lord through his local congregation.

To honor his parents’ dedication to Christian education, Duane established this scholarship to support young people training for the ministry, students he calls “Champions for Christ.” His hope is that this scholarship will help meet some of the financial challenges future pastors, staff ministers, and teachers face during their college years.

Scholarship recipients are students from any area of study who demonstrate financial need.

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