ABOUT US
The four of us have been connected with one another since 2009, and as you can tell by the faces in the photos, for most of us, that is more of our life that we have been doing together than haven't. In our time of growing alongside of one another and learning together, our eyes have been opened to the ways our purpose here includes caring for and serving one another. Through a heart wrenching encounter that Brenda had along the shores of Shawano Lake early one September in 2020 (more here,) the idea of the Olive Tree Initiative was birthed.
What Our Initiative Is
The Olive Tree Initiative is offering complimentary Olive Tree Totes filled with warm meals, healthy snacks, and hand written notes. It's a simple, personal, and creative way to reach out and share hope with someone in a time when other options for physical connection are severely limited. Our intention is that you will sign up to deliver a tote to one or two isolated or disconnected neighbors, friends, family members, or strangers. We know this world is filled with considerate, caring people who want to help others, but we also understand how it can sometimes be hard to navigate what this looks like. We hope that us having everything prepared and packaged up for you in advance will make it feel more comfortable and attainable for you to reach out and care for others. We also hope that the feeling of being able to give others hope will warm your heart so much that you will want to do it over and over again!
Just so we're clear, this initiative does not mean someone is a charity case or "at risk." It simply means they are people who are blessed to live in a place where other people truly care for them and want to reach out and show them.
The Meaning in Our Name
The olive tree is described as a "slow-growing plant" which requires "years of patient labor to reach full fruitfulness." As humans, we face drought and we become weak left on our own, but we too have potential to reach full fruitfulness. The beauty of this metaphor is that, in the same way the sky sends rain to provide nutrients and life to olive trees, God sent His Son, and then His people, to provide goodness and life for us. Thru Jesus we have been saved from the pain and suffering on Earth and we are offered nourishment and protection - we have been watered and labored for. Because we have been abundantly blessed in ways we are unworthy, we are called to share our blessings with others. We are called to care for one another, to provide for one another, and to labor for one another. If our neighbors are beginning to feel weak, worn out, or lonely, we have the opportunity to come along side of them and provide in whatever way they need assistance - whether that be emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Together, we can slowly grow-healthier, stronger, and kinder - and bear fruit just as the olive tree does.
Get to Know Our Team
Brenda, the mother hen of the group, is a resident of Shawano, has an affinity for the outdoors, and always has someone, especially her grandkids, running in and out of her house. She is passionate about people and one of the gentlest women you'll meet. Brenda is a nurturer and a dreamer.
Phoebe, a marketing student at UW - Milwaukee, is a social butterfly. She is considerate and patient. When people think of summer and sunshine, Phoebe comes to mind. She seeks out fun, is beautifully outgoing, and loves to smile and cheer people on in their own adventures.
Rachel is a diligent and loyal friend! She always seeks to serve others and pursues relationships passionately. She is studying biomedical engineering at Marquette University and has a heart to improve health conditions in developing countries.
Shelby, the final of the four, is passionate in everything she does. Studying biomedical sciences at Texas A&M, she hopes to use her education to advocate for others in the health field. She brings laughter and jokes, as well as deep conversations to any relationship.
The four of us together do not represent any specific church or religious organization. We are simply a small group of Christian friends who have a desire to love on our neighbors, serve our community, and share one another's burdens.
Will you please help us reach out to the people in our community and provide hope?
