First on Fullerton says thank you

Editor’s note: St. Paul supports the work of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago, also known as First on Fullerton. The Mission Board designated a $4,000 gift for 2017. The following is a letter from Eardley Mendis, pastor.

“Ask and you shall receive,” said our Lord. Your gifts to continue our mission and vision to feed our hungry neighbors are sent even without asking! Because it is the Lord’s doing. Because you have been thinking and praying about our work. When we received your gift we were at the bottom of our resources. We have been praying for help to come, and you are the answer to our prayers. We were overwhelmed with joy when we received your generous gift of $4,000. On behalf of our church and the homeless community, we offer you our heartfelt thanks for your incredible kindness and generosity. Your partnership and encouragement means a lot to us. Please know how much we appreciate your prayers and support to continue our work.

In November, we opened a well-equipped winter clothing center for the benefit of our homeless friends. We had sufficient quantities of jackets, mittens, gloves, socks, hats, and thermal underwear, all donated by concerned individuals.

We have enclosed a few pictures. Though you are far from us geographically, we feel your love and presence every time we serve a meal in Christ’s name, who said “…for I was hungry, you gave me food, I was thirsty, you gave me drink.”