First Lutheran Church is changing the world! That’s a big task, but it is a task we are confident we can accomplish  through our Lenten 2012 fundraising project: Heifer International. Through Heifer International, we successed as we worked to “Fill the Ark” by purchasing animals that help villages and families. The most important gift they will receive through our efforts will be the gift of hope, because our donation helps families become self-supporting. This isn’t a handout; it’s a way out of the cycle of poverty. And the best part is that each family that receives an animal must pass on the offspring of that animal to other families, so the hope becomes contagious. And it all starts here, at First Lutheran, with your gift to help “Fill the Ark."

This congregation-wide effort was led by the kids, who filled their “ark banks” with money weekly and brought it to church, while everyone had a chance to contribute to this effort. To fill the ark, we needed to raise $5,000 during Lent (that’s $1,000 a week!) Each week, we featured different animals, two by two, and explaind how they help a family become self-sufficient. That listing is below. Thank you for your partnership in this effort! It will be educational, fun, and an amazing way to express God’s grace in your life by giving to others. $5,000 has never bought more!

Thank you for Marlowe Kulish, who created the wooden ark and puzzle. They look beautiful and add so much. Thank you, Marlowe!