Page 3 - Our Hands FALL 2019

The Beginning Of

Samaritas

ou may know the story of Rev. Martin Luther Frederik. In During a teacher’s strike, my mother changed careers. She
1919, Rev. Martin Luther Frederik, arrived in Detroit with began working as an insurance agent with the Lutheran
Yhis family from Luckey, Ohio with a mission to minister to Brotherhood, today known as Thrivent Financial.
the disenfranchised. He led the effort to provide food, clothing,
housing and employment during the time of the Great Depression. She was a top performer earning her membership as the
Rev. Frederik’s missionary assignment lasted 18 years and became first woman in the Million Dollars Round Table. She was
the base for Samaritas today. Samaritas was thrilled to have Rev.
Frederik’s granddaughter, Barbara and great-grand daughter, Tisha, really amazing.
on our Southeast Michigan Donor Tour this year. Seeing Samaritas My mother was a wonderful sewer. She made all our
in action today, and the legacy her family is leaving, was a truly
touching moment. It comes full circle. Barbara was kind to share clothes as kids and teenagers. Having lived in a home of
some of her family history with us... nine children during the Great Depression, my mom could
make $1.00 into $1.50. I’m very lucky that she passed the
“At a young age, my grandfather experienced the impact skill and love of sewing along to me.
faithful service could make in his life, and the lives of others.
As small child, Martin’s mother traveled to the United States Dinner gatherings were always important to my
to find work. Back home in Germany, Martin’s father raised grandfather. He welcomed individuals from the community
him. After losing his employment and unable to care for his son, into his home for a meal. Gatherings remained important
Martin’s father enrolled him in Lichtenstern boys’ school. While to the family throughout the years, especially holidays.
attending school, Martin lived with a local family for many We gathered with aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.
years. It was very similar to foster care. The whole family.

I believe the love and support he received during those years And we always attended church. You could go out on
inspired him to become a minster and serve others in need. Saturday night and socialize but you had better be at
church in the morning. There were no excuses.”
I saw much of my grandfather’s influence in my mother.
She was a trailblazer herself. For several years, she was a We would love to hear your Samaritas experience as part of our
homemaker. Then once us kids got a little older, my mom 85 years of impact. Share your Samaritas story with us online
earned her teaching degree and taught in the public schools. at samaritas.org or volunteer for one of our many programs by
Serving others was always important to her. contacting Lauren Brosch at lbros@samaritas.org.

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