T?he National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows was in its infancy, back in 1962 when Russell and Anna Byington began making contributions to the Missionary Oblates. They visited the Shrine grounds as work progressed on the various devotional sites. They liked what they saw and heard.

“Anna and I both admired the Oblates’ dedication to the poor,” Russell, 84, says. This appreciation of the Oblate ministries led the distinguished-looking octogenarian to support the Oblates through a bequest. “When Anna died in 1996, I bought a life insurance policy on myself, naming the Oblates and other charities that we both supported as the beneficiaries.”

“I still send a gift to the Oblates each Christmas,” Russell continues, “but my bequest will be a much more significant amount than any of the checks we sent. Making the Oblates a beneficiary of my life insurance was an easy way to help these exceptional men continue their mission.”

Russell retired after 27 years at the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis, where he worked with computers. Most of his life has been spent living and working in south St. Louis neighborhoods.

Nowadays Russell, who has no children, tenderly and cheerfully acts as the caregiver for his second wife Laurie who is paralyzed with Parkinson's disease. Still very active, he finds time to mow the lawn and tend to yard chores, too.

Russell finds satisfaction in knowing his bequest will help sustain the 4,500 Missionary Oblates serving the world’s poor every day in over 70 countries. His generous gift through his life insurance policy makes him a Good Samaritan for future generations and assures that the good works of the Oblates will continue for years to come.

For more information on how to share your blessings with the Oblates, call the Charitable Gifts Department at 1-800-233-6264, or mail your check to: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate,   9480 N. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville IL   62223-1160.