Dear Friends of The Hope Center - Appleton,

It is with sincere hope that this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing to you today with a heart full of hope and yet a deep sense of urgency.  Your Hope Center is dedicated to serving those who find themselves sometimes in the shadows—those who are facing hardship, and at times despair. We believe that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is valued deeply by our Lord, and therefore by us.  And so, our Lord leads us to care for their needs as we are able, as though they were Him. In Matthew 25:40, He tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” With this in mind, we are reaching out to you, as a valued supporter in our mission of hope.
 
The generosity you have shared in the past has had an impact on the lives of those who are in desperate need of hope and assistance. More than anything we praise God for individuals like yourself, willing to give of yourself in support of The Hope Center’s mission.  Through September, we have served nearly 1700 households, and over 6000 individuals in them (the numbers each month have been steadily increasing to over 200 households/month served). That would never have been possible without supporters like yourself. Out of the hundreds we serve each month each has a story that grips our hearts.  Too often it begins in varying degrees of despair and seeking help.  Some have transitioned from homelessness; many arrive just seeking the bare necessities to help with health and hygiene. With open hands, they are thankful for the support they receive.  A significant number express a desire for the greatest item found in our Hope Center inventory, the good news of Jesus Christ and HOPE’S full assurance found only in Him.
 
The Hope Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, affiliated with, and in fellowship with all Fox Valley WELS churches under WELS United. All donations are fully tax deductible and go 100% directly to its mission.  By sharing in this cause, you are not just donating; you are becoming a beacon of hope and a testament to the love that Jesus calls us to share, turning faith into action.
 
I wish I could share with you every story, as each is filled with gratitude and genuine thanks.  Here is, however, with permission just one example of the power of the Gospel.
 
She came to us 5 years ago at The Hope Center, she needed personal supplies.  Even more she needed comfort over the loss of her mom.  Her Native American beliefs and attempts of coping on her own couldn’t overcome the despair.  It would take time, but In GriefShare sessions, she came to see the risen Jesus as her conqueror over death.  There was still her cancer, and her children’s drug addiction, and another death of a loved one.  More prayers offered at The Hope Center, and more gospel from meetings with other welcoming Christians. 
 
More recently her cancer treatments and the loss of her home nagged at her, “Where is your God?  Has the sin in my life driven Him away?”  More talks with the pastor, and more confidence from Jesus in the gospel.  Friends would share their concern, “We’re afraid you’re going to die.”  But now undeterred, she assured them, “If I do, I’ll go to God in heaven and tell Him, you have to let me in – Jesus died for me.”
 
This isn’t a rare occurrence at The Hope Center.  Souls that are plagued by tragedy, need and sin.  They come for a little earthly relief and experience the miracles of the gospel.  Miracles, like the peace of Jesus’ forgiveness, patient perseverance from the one who cares, living hope of the greater good and glory won by their Lord.  It’s the power of Jesus’ gospel saving souls from impossible evils.  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes.”  (Romans 1:16)
 
We hear it all the time in church and in Bible study:  the gospel of Jesus is powerful, it saves.  It’s exciting and inspiring to see the Holy Spirit saving and working in souls with it, again and again.  That’s our privilege and pleasure at The Hope Center-Appleton.  We again invite you to consider donating to our cause. Your support, alongside the power of the Holy Spirit, is the catalyst for transformation into the lives of those who are struggling.
 
And yet another blessing: The Hope Center recently received an amazing gift in the form of a matching grant pledge from an anonymous donor.  Through this pledge, the first $5,000 in donations will be matched.  This special pledge provides an opportunity for you to double your impact.  Simply, with your donation, every dollar donated up to the first $5,000 will be matched through this wonderful gift. 
 
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering how you might support this vital work. Your compassion and generosity are greatly appreciated, and we are hopeful that, with your help, we can bring light and hope where it is needed most.
 
On behalf of The Hope Center Board of Directors, thank you again for your continued support as we look forward to another successful year.