Ogemaw Heights freshman Chase Brewer’s generosity has made a significant impact for a Nigerian family who was gifted a pair of goats from his monetary donation. 
“About six months before Lent 2024, Chase mentioned that he would like to donate livestock — a chicken or a goat — to a family in need,” explains his mother, Rachel Brewer. “His desire intensified during Lent when his religion class at St. Joseph School in West Branch was talking about almsgiving.”
A Fire to Give
“During Lent, we studied the works of mercy in religion class, and we put together poster collages to go along with that,” Chase shares. “This was very impactful and propelled my desire to give.”
“I addressed his desire with Father Emmanuel who was very excited and called his sister in his native Nigeria to inquire about any families in need,” says Rachel. “Soon after, Father informed us of a family and oversaw Chase’s donation. Sometime later, we received a postage reply from the family with a picture of them thanking Chase with the goats.”
The youngest of three, Chase’s story is inspirational because it exemplifies the essence of our Christian values: to help others. “While he is young, age does not matter. The importance and message in Chase’s actions demonstrate persistence in a desire to help others through time, talents and treasures,” his mother reflects.
“Chase is a very humble person. He does not seek attention, but rather has a genuine desire to help others. When I told him his story was in our parish bulletin, he replied ‘I do not want to boast.’”
“My faith and upbringing have guided me and was influential in my desire to donate,” Chase says.
Charity in Action
“Chase’s donation is also significant because animals and farm produce are generally a source of finance
for families,” explains Father Emmanuel Finbarr, administrator of St. Joseph Parish in West Branch.
“Whenever the need for finance arises, maybe for tuition, hospital bills and some other necessities, it is common for a family to sell one or two of their animals or some farm products to attend to these
needs.”
“When the goats reproduce, the family will have an additional way of solving some of their financial problems. Essentially, it is like Chase helped the family open a savings account that will solve some of their needs,” he adds.
The 14-year-old embodies the values of his Catholic formation of centering Christ at the forefront of life and living out the charitable Lenten spirit through deeds of service.
An Inspiration of Generosity
“Chase’s act of charity teaches us that even from the little we offer to others in need, it can change their lives. All that matters is to have that desire to want to touch the lives of others who are not as fortunate as we are and God will do great things through us,” says Father Emmanuel.
“He just loves helping others and deeply cares about others,” echoes Rachel.
“Chase offered inspiration to many parish families, especially young people, as it opened the eyes of many on how one could easily touch the lives of others in different parts of the world,” continues Father Emmanuel.
“The most important thing is for us to have generous hearts like Chase. When we ask for directions of how or where to give, the spirit of God will guide us on what to do,” Father Emmanuel ends.
