Faith in Action is a ministry of Faith Lutheran church that focuses on sharing the love of Jesus with the local veteran community as well as active duty military. We are proud to be known in our local community as a hub for veterans, providing friendship and support however it is needed. We also provide support to active duty military in a variety of ways including sending over 88 tons of care packages to date.
Faith in Action Hits Home
A few years back, the US had 145,000 troops on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and there is no doubt that many feel the heartache of being away from family and loved ones. Here at Faith Lutheran working with the area churches and various community groups like E.T. Brisson Marine Corps League Detachment,, we know the value in any type of gift, but one of the most simple and profound gifts are the kind that travel a long distance.
We have sent numerous care packages with your help over the years. While I never expect a response, we have received a number of thank you notes and e-mails. On February 5, 2013 I received thanks in person. Francisco “George” Martinez served our country in Iraq in 2008 & 2010 as a Lance Corporal. He is now off active duty and receives 90% disability due to wounds suffered. I had the privilege of meeting George, his wife,and daughter here in Naples, FL.
He told me of his time in Iraq:
“We lived on a remote outpost far away from civilization. We depended heavily on mail like yours. In a war that doesn’t gain much public support in the U.S. it means a lot that we still got so much love from folks like you and all. You really have no idea how much of an impact you made on me and my fellow Marines. When your packages arrived, I was able to share them with the others in my squad. You really helped the time pass by and made our deployment easier. God Bless You!”
My response was simple: “I give thanks to God for what you have done for us!”
Now, almost 12 years later the Faith in Action program continues going strong. We have sent 11,143 boxes with a total weight of over 96 tons. What amazes me also is that we have sent 186,111 Beanie Babies and $80,560.03 in phone cards from the sale of our .25 cent books and with generous gifts from the Women of Marco Lutheran Church. Just last month, we sent items to Guam, Okinawa, Bulgaria, Romania, UAE, Qatar, Israel, and to ships like the USS Rafael Peralta.
Thank you all for making this program such a success over the years and in the years to come. Recently(email from June 7, 2024), I heard from Lt. Col. Banke, a LCMS Chaplain serving with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, who wrote “We are grateful for your encouragement and partnership in ministry. You (members of Faith Lutheran Church) are a blessing.
Pastor Don Treglown