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"Dream Small and help us work in BIG waysto help the homeless people in Detroit!"

Early in my ministry, I was standing in the hallway greeting students good morning when I received a response that shook me to my core... "Mrs. Palka, I'm not supposed to tell you, but we had to sleep in our car last night, and I was so scared."
 
An immediate investigation revealed the embarrassment of an eviction due to a series of unfortunate financial circumstances. Instantly, I watched the body of Christ work together to help this family get back into a suitable living environment and ensure that basic needs were met.  Scripture states in Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do onto Me", and it was so exciting watching congregational members be the hands and feet of Jesus in action during this situation.  Sometimes, God uses us to help those in other states or countries, and sometimes, He presents us with opportunities to help people in our very own community.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, Do not be terrified. For the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go. He will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

As soon as I answered the phone last Wednesday night, I could tell by my husband's voice that something was wrong. "Hey, I have some bad news... the nursing home just called, and they are sending your mom by ambulance to the hospital. I'll meet you at home, and we can drive together to Ann Arbor."

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

It was a college student's worst nightmare! For weeks, one of my son's friends had been preparing for her final exam in chemistry. As a potential pharmacy student, she knew that it was critical for chemistry grade to be as strong as possible. Midway through the semester, she began attending other professors' lectures, in hopes they would provide additional clarity that would enhance her comprehension. She signed up and participated in numerous study group sessions and even held a few of her own with various classmates. She located previous course lecture packets that the college had posted online and diligently reviewed them every night.

St. Matthew Lutheran School 8th Annual Turkey Trot Is Tomorrow!

"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto me." Matthew 25:40

Collins is a little boy living in Northern Kenya. His mother died during childbirth, leaving his elderly grandmother as his only surviving relative and available caretaker. Many nights, Collins' grandmother would go to bed hungry because she would give what little food she had to Collins. Often, she would pray and ask God to help her and provide a way for her to raise her grandson.
 
One day, she learned about Compassion International and the sponsorships that they provided to children living in poverty. After meeting with the designated staff, Collins was accepted into the program and provided with a sponsor. As a result, Collins now receives adequate food and clothing as well as access to an education, all which have dramatically improved the quality of Collin's life. In addition, his sponsor family frequently sends letters of encouragement to Collins, reassuring him how much God loves him and his grandmother.