A Christmas Card From Lafayette Urban Ministry
This Christmas Make the Marginalized Matter
December 2020
Dear Friend,
The marginalized matter. The artwork in this letter portrays the arrival of the Messiah. From the hollow of the “stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1), a life-giving Vine has taken root. The angels make the royal birth announcement not to the well-off, but to the cast-off – the shepherds. The artist, Bette Dickinson, explains, “He is born into the margins and announced to the marginalized.” God makes a statement: “a Savior has been born to you.” Implication: “the marginalized matter to Me.”
For 50 years LUM has been compelled to care about people on the margins in Greater Lafayette. So far in 2022, LUM has uplifted 3,621 households through one or more of its 22 programs and events. That’s 12,324 bednights for people experiencing homeless, $156,783.32 to households in the midst of eviction or utility disconnection, 802 consultations and 288 clients receiving federally-approved legal immigration assistance, and so much more.
LUM could not “tackle basic human needs and uplift human beings” without the support of people such as you. Thank you. Thank you for living out a Scripture that has echoed throughout this 50th year of LUM, “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
It is my hope that in your compassion for the marginalized you will make a holiday gift to LUM of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. May God bless you for your kindness, and may God bless you with justice, mercy, humility, and great joy this holiday season. A Savior has been born to you, too.
Merry Christmas! The LUM Staff wishes every blessing upon you and your loved ones!
Peace be with you,
Wes Tillett
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry
P.S. Please donate online at LUMserve.org/donate, by mail or in person.