Good Samaritan Fund - Everyday Miracles - Lafayette Urban Ministry

November 2014

Dear Friend,

Do you recall the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000? The disciples were overwhelmed, but Jesus took pity and showed compassion. He used what little was available – five loaves and two fishes, gave thanks to God and fed all who were gathered.

I must admit, I spend much of my time at LUM feeling like Jesus’ disciples must have felt that day on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The need here is so great and our available resources are never enough.

In the past few days LUM has received requests to:

Pay the rent for a family because dad broke his foot and lost his job
Pay the water bill for a husband who is spending his limited resources for his wife’s chemotherapy
Pay the electric utility for an elderly couple whose social security checks are covering the costs of raising their granddaughter
Pay for the cost of food for the family of a dad who is on medical leave from work because of back surgery

Already this year, the Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Good Samaritan Fund has responded to these and 2,078 other requests just like them. When I look at the fund’s checkbook balance and compare it to the numbers of families we will be called upon to serve in the weeks and months ahead, I think to myself “there’s just no way.”

But then I remember you and the many others who so faithfully stand behind our work with both your prayers and your dollars. That generosity of spirit reminds me to celebrate the everyday miracles that are inherent in what you make possible here at LUM.

There is the miracle of how a seemingly small amount of money can accomplish so much good in the life of a neighbor who is living through a financial crisis.

There is the miracle of how seemingly unsolvable problems can be resolved for others through hard work, kindness, encouragement – and a little bit of cash.

There is the miracle that happens each time a Good Samaritan Fund check is given and an eviction is averted, a utility is NOT disconnected, or a hungry neighbor is given enough to eat.

LUM’s Good Samaritan Fund is the most important part of our community’s social safety net. Last year, $117,607 was shared.

I hope you will see the miracle of all that is accomplished by the Good Samaritan Fund and consider making a generous gift so that its important work can continue.

Your contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000, will allow the Good Samaritan Fund to be here, faithfully serving those with critical financial needs, both now and throughout the coming year.

The Good Samaritan Fund is unique. Not a single dollar of what you give is spent for administrative overhead. In other words, everything you contribute goes directly to feed someone who is hungry, shelter a family in need of housing, or respond to some other emergency crisis for a neighbor in need.

Through your generous support of the Good Samaritan Fund you show concern and compassion toward neighbors in need – and you share a faith that causes miracles to happen in the lives of others.

Jesus gave of the loaves and fishes until everyone was fed – and twelve baskets were left over.

Please, won’t you make a generous gift today in support of LUM’s Good Samaritan Fund?

Gratefully,

Joe Micon
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry