A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. - Mark 1:40-42

Dear Friend:

My favorite part of this story is not the healing of the leper. No, my favorite part is when Jesus reaches out and touches him. In Jesus’ day touching someone with leprosy was not only risky behavior, it was absolutely forbidden. Yet Jesus, moved by compassion, crosses this societal boundary and touches the suffering man.

We at Lutheran Social Services, as followers of Jesus’ example, are also called to take risks. And, yes, sometimes even cross those societal boundaries. To heal those hurting we need to reach out to those deemed by society as “unclean.” We are called to look beyond the immediate need into the societal issues that underlie the need. We are called to question the current way of doing things and look for better alternatives.

I am excited to report that LSS is working to do all of these things and bring healing to our community through:
• Expansion of the hours and services provided at the medical and dental clinic at our homeless shelter, Faith Mission,
• Collaborating with other social services agencies to form a network to address poverty issues within our community,
• Breaking ground on our 18th affordable housing community for seniors,
• Designing new models of healthcare in our retirement communities.

Challenging the old way of doing things is risky behavior. It’s hard work. But, we have a good example to follow in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
This Easter I am so thankful for you, our faithful donors. Through your gifts, volunteer time and prayers we have together crossed boundaries, taken risks, touched people . . . and brought them healing.

I hope I can continue to count on your support as together we address and advocate for the four societal needs of Hunger, Housing, Healing and Hope. May God, through our risen savior Jesus Christ, bless you and your family this Easter season.

He is risen indeed!

Sincerely,



Thomas J. Stofac
President and CEO
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio