A Nourishing Story

There is no way to quantify the good the article "5 Ways You Can Change the World Today" in the Summer issue of Thrivent magazine did for the work of Trinity/HOPE in feeding the children in Haiti. We received comments and well-wishes from friends all across the country. We also received two direct inquiries. One person was doing similar work and wanted to network. The other simply wanted to know how he could help. He chose to anonymously sponsor an entire school of 63 children.

Here's where God has brought us since the article: The number of schools being fed has increased from 27 to 34, and the number of children being served a nutritious meal at our Lutheran schools each day has grown from 3,000 to 4,300.

The teachers' and pastors' goals are to provide a meal to nourish the children (62 percent of whom are malnourished according to a United Nations survey), and to provide a positive witness of God's love as they educate the children. When we start a feeding program in a school, the children have tangible proof of God being in their lives.

John Hall
Lebanon, Tennessee

Keep It Simple

I was happy to read of the organization Alternatives for Simple Living in the Fall 2005 issue (p. 26). It has become acceptable for so many Americans (including Lutherans) to accumulate as much "stuff" as we can, giving no thought to whether we need it--or more important, asking ourselves, "Is this how Christ would have us live?"

He has blessed us abundantly, encourages us to be good stewards of His gifts and asks that we return a portion of what He has given back to Him. Our Lord lived a simple life while on earth. May we learn from Him.

Norma Petzold
Decatur, Indiana

Volunteer Here

It was good to read the letter from Stanton and Marjorie Bigelow in the Fall 2005 issue about their service with the Peace Corps and Lutheran World Relief in Southern Sudan.

The ELCA Global Mission office provides many opportunities for retirees and non-retirees alike to volunteer in various capacities at its mission sites throughout the world. I served as librarian at the Lutheran high school in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 1994 to 1998 following my retirement from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. It was a great way to spend time in the heart of Europe and know that I was making a real contribution to the mission of the church.

Visit the ELCA Web site and click on Global Missions for information on service opportunities.

Helen Rudie
Fargo, North Dakota

A Mission Begins

When I considered how to respond to Hurricane Katrina, Thrivent Financial came to mind immediately, just as it had following 9/11 and the Asian tsunami. This organization of Lutherans, utterly reliable in a world of growing mistrust, knows how to respond to the distress of disaster. I picked up the phone and made a financial contribution, knowing Thrivent Financial would match each dollar I contributed with another 50 cents.

Our Creator Lord has placed us in this world to be His helping hands and His strong voices for sharing our blessings. Thrivent Financial, once again, is a place where real missionary work can be done.

Dr. Albert E. Jabs
Lexington, South Carolina

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ONLINE POLL RESUlTS

Did your contributions to tsunami relief impact your other charitable giving?

No, it inspired me to give more overall.	64%
I didn't contribute to tsunami relief.	29%
Yes, I cut back on my other charitable giving to support tsunami efforts.	7%

This issue's question: How did you respond to Hurricane Katrina?

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