Dear fellow Neighbor of Hope,
The Bible says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs - 19:17). With that scripture in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to first thank you for your years of support and generosity of our ministry, whether that be your prayers, volunteerism, sharing of the Gospel, monetary or in-kind contributions. Truly you have been faithful and ‘kind to the poor’ with whom we serve Jesus among.
Unfortunately, I also have some unhappy news to share with you. Since the COVID-19 pandemic Neighbors of Hope has experienced a 65% decline in its annual revenue. And over the past several years we have had to close many of our ministries to work toward sustainability. Couple this with the current economic climate that we are all experiencing and the shifts within the cultural environment of the populations we serve; the Board of Directors, with heavy hearts, have had to make an extremely difficult decision. This decision was NOT one anyone wanted to make, and it is our last resort. That heartbreaking decision was made at a recent Special Meeting of the Board of Directors, where it was determined that we will cease our operational ministry and services and end the organizational life of Lenawee County Mission Dba Neighbors of Hope. This process will take time to complete, so please hold our board members and staff in your prayers as we embark upon this challenging time. As of September 25th of this year, we will not be accepting any monetary or in-kind contributions. Any such contributions will be respectfully returned to its sender.
Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry will continue to operate as it currently is under the auspices of Adrian First United Methodist Church, located at 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian, MI. Praise be to God for leading us into a partnership with AFUMC over these past eighteen months and for that faith community’s willingness to carry on this vital ministry and serve those in our community experiencing food insecurity. Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry will continue to accept food, hygiene and monetary donations. You can learn more about AFUMC and Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry by visiting www.FishesAndLoavesOfAdrian.org or by calling 517-759-4421.
Again, I want to thank you for being a neighbor of hope and for supporting this life-transforming ministry with your time, talents and treasure. Without your care and generosity, Neighbors of Hope would not have been able to share the compassion of Christ unto ‘the least of them’ (MT. 25) for these nearly past 21 years. God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Steven Palmer
Executive Director