Dear Friend,
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The birth of the Savior, family gatherings, sharing presents, delicious food. faith and fun. As I reflect back on the Christmases of my youth, memories of positive experiences like these come back to me. My mom, my dad, my siblings all pitched in to make it special and I was the beneficiary. As the youngest of five kids, I often was too little help much, but I sure got to enjoy the celebration! Looking back now, I am thankful for the help of my family that made Christmas so special.
This year as we prepare for Christmas at the Montana Rescue Mission, there is an excitement in the air. Financial support, presents and hams and pies for the shelter guests are arriving daily. Volunteers are coming each day to help with the preparations of decorating, wrapping presents, cooking, and cleaning. All are pitching in to make it special for the shelter guests.
While many of the guests are able to help with the work, many come to us with severe mental illness, decades of addiction, severe health crises, and multiple children. These guests not always able to help, yet they enjoy the celebration all the same. Why? Because YOU helped. Much like my parents and older siblings gave me Christmas as a young child, YOU make it possible for the poorest in our community to celebrate the birth of the Savior.
We truly couldn’t do the work you have asked us to do without your help. Thank YOU so very much and Merry Christmas.
Best,
Rev. Matt Lundgren
