A Letter from the President

Thank you!

I don't know how else to say it. In April, we put out a 911 alert about the shortage of food at Mel Trotter Ministries, and you responded! Through the efforts of the Grand Rapids Police & Fire Departments in leading the way in establishing food drives and others who donated from the heart, we were able to collect 81,739 pounds of food (an estimated value of $177,374). This food will supply food boxes for a growing number of needy individuals and families.

Hunger has reached a critical level in our community. Here's the startling figure: In one year's time, our ministry distributes 300,000 pounds of food for weekly food box giveaways plus another 30,000 pounds for our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food boxes. That's a value of $761,100 distributed in food boxes annually.

The need never goes away. Hunger knows no season. Unfortunately, as I write to you today, food donations are down 10.5% and we're running $45,000 behind our overall budget. This shortfall puts a real strain on our ability to care for the men, women, and children God sends us.

People don't care how much we know about God until they know how much we care about them. When they know we truly care about them, then we have earned the right to share the transforming power of God's love. The good news is that every $1.92 you give today is enough to demonstrate you care in a very real way--through the gift of a good meal. Please don't forget the poor this summer--help overcome the shortfall so that no one will be turned away hungry.

Even in the midst of hard times, God gives us plenty to celebrate--like the 10th Anniversary of the Women & Children's Shelter. It's amazing to see women and their children relax when they know they are safe and loved. Then they can begin the job of rebuilding their lives and families. Many miracles in the Women & Children's Shelter through the past ten years are a testimony to how God uses every bit of your support to change lives forever. Thank you, Jesus, for your faithfulness!

                                                                   Together in Christ,

                                                                        Chico Daniels