Olen and Irene Britsch Scholarship

Olene and Irene Britsch Scholarship

The Olene and Irene Britsch Scholarship was founded in 1976 to support students a Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) as they prepare for ministry and leadership in the church.

In keeping with the intent of the fund, priority consideration may be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• members of Ohio Mennonite Conference or Atlantic Coast Conference or one of the smaller conferences of Mennonite Church USA, and
• enrolled in a full-time program at AMBS

All qualified students are eligible to apply and will be considered. When applicants do not meet the preferred criteria, the scholarship may be awarded to other students who demonstrate financial need and alignment with the purposes of the fund.

As of June 30, 2025, the scholarship's market value was $156,524. The earnings are paid out annually to cover approximately 52% of tuition.

Support Olene and Irene's scholarship

Click the big “Give Now!” button to give in U.S. dollars. If you’d like to give in Canadian dollars, click here.

If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to “AMBS,” note "Olene and Irene Britsch Scholarship" in the memo line, and mail it to 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517.

More about Olene and Irene

Olen and Irene Britsch lived most of their lives in Archbold, Ohio except for three years of Civilian Public Service (CPS). Olen had a business career, working at the Archbold Ladder Company, King-Wyse, and Bil-Jax, Inc. When Olen and Irene returned from CPS, they were called to assist Bancroft Mennonite Church (now Toledo Mennonite Church), a developing mission church. They were an active part of the church for 32 years. Olen gave many hours to other church-related organizations such as Mennonite camping, particularly at Little Eden Camp, and Mennonite Economic Development Association before his death in 1978. Irene Wyse attended Winter Bible School at Goshen College. She married Olen in 1937. She loved quilting, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and walking. She volunteered with many organizations during her lifetime. Irene died in 2008.

Olen and Irene had a passion for the Mennonite Church and its missions and educating young people to serve the church. Many Sunday afternoons were spent writing encouraging letters to missionaries, followed by a brisk walk to the post office. This fund was established to encourage and facilitate the development of the church leadership. This award seeks to provide the opportunity for persons with financial need to develop their God-given abilities and to deepen their understanding of Scriptures so that they may be equipped to serve Christ and the church more effectively.

We invite you to share this link with others who may wish to support this fund.