Gurine Gall
Gurine Gall is all about doing her part to support the gospel and God's work in the world at Luther Seminary. "From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I feel it is my obligation to help make sure the spreading of the gospel continues well into the future," she says.
Gall has been a seminary volunteer for six years in a variety of roles. She is a member of the seminary's legacy gifts committee. She and her husband, John, are members of the Leadership Circle, a group of seminary friends who support the school with gifts of $10,000 or more each year. And, she has introduced the seminary to individuals interested in supporting causes that fit with their faith and values.
Born and raised in a small community, Gall is deeply interested in rural ministry and is fascinated by the seminary's rural ministry program, led by Dr. Alvin Luedke. She has witnessed the impact of the clergy shortage. "I have a real passion to make sure the training of new pastors with good preaching skills continues so our church will continue into the next generations, for my grandchildren and for the rural church communities," she said.
Approximately $13.5 million from the Called and Sent campaign will build and sustain core academic programs, including rural ministry.
Gall has worked as a financial advisor for more than 20 years, helping her clients create, preserve and pass on their wealth. She specializes in working with women and philanthropic planning. She is a member of Women in Philanthropy, a national organization. Gall is also one of four trained and certified TEEM members in Minnesota who specialize in wealth empowerment. TEEM (The Equity Enhancement Matrix) is a program that maximizes one's real estate equity for philanthropic purposes.
In addition to serving as a Luther Seminary volunteer, Gall volunteers at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Maplewood, Minn., Lutheran Social Services and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF). Her support is very personal. She has two grandchildren with Juvenile Diabetes. She has served the foundation as a major fund drive chair for the local area and participates in the Juvenile Diabetes Association walks at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. She also supports the walk in Rochester, Minn.
Gall and her husband, John, are members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. They attend First Lutheran Church, Cumberland, Wis., when they are at their summer home. They are very proud of their four adult children and 12 grandchildren. Continuing in their love for rural community, they plan to retire to a rural area in the future.
"We've been blessed to be a blessing," says Gall referring to Genesis 12:2. "This passage has influenced the decisions John and I have made to volunteer and give charitable gifts."