How did you decide to go to NELM?

Many members of Hope were introduced to the work of NELM in a Temple Talk given in December of 2007. The next month, at a retreat for Hope leadership and in the midst of some brainstorming, one of the members suggested that maybe there was a way that we could become more involved in the work of the Mission. Eyes lit up. One of the women said that she would look into it. She did and found that medical and dental services are needed there. Discussion about the possibility of some of Hope's members going to Arizona on a Mission Trip began. We looked at the NELM website for more information. The mission sent us books about its history. Hope Circle designated that a percentage of the proceeds from an upcoming flea market would be sent to NELM to support the Clinic. Folks continued to talk and members of Hope's sister Church, St. John of Swissvale, were invited into the discussion.

In June a group of medical/dental professionals from both congregations met to discuss the need for and possibility of a trip to the Mission in Arizona. In September Pastor Schwartz visited the Mission and spoke with staff members to get a better feel for the Mission and their needs. She came back to Pittsburgh with a video and more information. In the mean time leadership decided that the proceeds of that years Oktoberfest would be designated to assist the Mission by financially supporting members who were interested in making the trip. In discussing the needs of the mission for maintenance and light construction work, the medical folk decided that we should broaden our scope. Certainly many could hammer nails, paint walls, and clean and their skills are needed, too. And so the dreaming of brainstorm was on its way to becoming a reality in time.

To read more about NELM check out their website at http://www.nelm.org/

See you tomorrow!