Rev. Melissa Self Patrick posted on August 15, 2011 16:50
Each month, we share the thank-you letter that is sent to all donors. Our gratitude extends beyond this list to all those who support us through prayer, volunteerism, anonymous gifts, and the many other blessings we receive that we may not be aware of. Thank you!
Dear friend,
I had the honor of hearing The Dalai Lama speak at a gathering of world religious leaders in Australia in 2009, and I still remember how moved I was by his compassionate presence and speech. He once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
In our daily work, we are blessed with that happiness as we strive to serve others in ministries of compassion and wholeness. Our neighbors who seek compassion at Urban Ministry find it in the form of a hot meal in the Community Kitchen, a bill paid through our emergency funds, an encouraging word from an Urban Kids tutor, a box of food from the food pantry, fresh produce from WE Gardens, a house painted through the Joe Rush Center, or a fresh start from our Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing program.
Like the loaves and fishes, compassion multiplies when it is shared. In a similar way, you bless others through your compassionate giving, and I hope you feel blessed, too.
We have been blessed through your recent giving to our Summer Matching Campaign. We have raised almost $20,000 so far, and our goal is to raise another $15,000 by the end of August to receive the $20,000 in matching funds that have also been pledged. We rely on your generosity and compassion in these lean summer months, and we are so grateful for your support.
Thank you for your compassionate commitment, and thank you for sharing so generously with us. I pray that you will be blessed by the gift of compassion, as together we all continue to strive for compassion and wholeness for all God's children.
Very truly yours,
Rev. Melissa Self Patrick
Executive Director