By Pam Kamrath
During this time of sheltering in place our congregation has taken the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. From front lines to behind the scenes we are serving Christ in many ways. In recent weeks we have donated funds to provide 500 meals for frontline workers. Hundreds of cards of encouragement have been mailed out and phone calls have been made to nearly our entire congregation sharing hope and a listening ear. All of these were done as acts of love, living out our faith.
As we reflect on those recent acts of service, we ask ourselves how we can continue to show others they are not alone in the challenges that they are facing. We believe Jesus is calling us to shift our focus to Hope Clinic, a ministry that members of St. Luke have been supporting since its founding in 1982.
Last year alone Hope Clinic received over 50,000 requests for help. People without food were given hot meals and groceries. Neighbors without insurance were given medical and dental care. Parents unsure of how they were going to care for their children were given diapers, wipes, and formula. Those with mental health issues were given professional counseling. Help was needed to wash the clothes of needy people; gifts were provided at Christmas and prayer offered for those in crisis. Help was needed to guide individuals bound by addiction find the path to recovery.
We can help Hope Clinic make lives better as the demand for services has increased exponentially due to COVID-19. Since this time last year, Hope Clinic has expanded their meal program three extra days and food programs have seen three times as many people in need. There has also been a 600% increase in new families using their services.
We can continue the work by being the body of Christ that embraces those facing life’s challenges. By supporting Hope Clinic we can help provide the light of hope to people who are in great need. We can do this with our financial support, our prayers, and providing food and items needed for everyday life.
If you would like to give financially through St. Luke, click here and choose SUPPORT HOPE CLINIC under the drop down menu. You can also contribute through our St. Luke APP. Of course there are many other ways to help. Check out the Hope Clinic homepage at https://thehopeclinic.org
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
