July 30, 2015

Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:

When you read this letter, nearly two weeks will have passed since the conclusion to our Mission Possible 8 week of outreach to the South Hills of Pittsburgh and beyond. I think most everyone who actively took part was blessed, even as they sought to be a blessing to others. As Lead Pastor of our church, I'm grateful for all who joined the MP8 ministry in both great and small ways. Time however quickly slips by, and MP8 soon becomes only a good memory in our minds and hearts. In the hope of encouraging that memory to linger longer, I'm including the text of a wonderful letter of thanks sent by our local paramedics in response to our recognition of their fine work in our community.

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Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics Local 6

P.O. Box 245101

Pittsburgh, PA 15234

July 21, 2015

Rev. Dr. Timothy Janiszewski

Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church

255 Washington Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Dear Rev. Janiszewski & congregation,

My name is Matthew Coleman and I am president of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics Local 6. I represent the dedicated and hard-working EMT's and Paramedics of Medical Rescue Team South Authority. This is the ambulance service that provides emergency medical response to the communities of Baldwin Twp., Castle Shannon, Dormont, Green Tree, Mt. Lebanon and Whitehall.

I am writing to you, your congregation, and most especially all of your "Mission Possible" volunteers, on behalf of my entire membership of nearly 50 men and women, to express our deepest gratitude for the beautiful and generous gift basket that was delivered to our headquarters in Mt. Lebanon, on Sunday, July 19, 2015. The treats were delicious and the handmade "EMS" chalkboard is proudly displayed in our kitchen area.

As in years past we have seen the Mission Possible volunteers along Washington Road, in their T-shirts, running and sweating as they provide coffee, water, kind words and a smile to those passing by. When I see all of the volunteers working so hard, and with a smile, I am reminded of a quote from St. Teresa of Avila who said, "Christ has no body on Earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours." It is refreshing, in our busy society, to see those who give selflessly in action. We sincerely thank you for thinking of us at Medical Rescue Team South.

Yours Truly,

Matthew R. Coleman, President FAPP Local 6

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Praise God that our small show of appreciation made a wonderful impression on our paramedics. And praise God that they--and others I am sure--noticed the simple yet faithful act of service done by our early morning "Coffee on the Wing" crew in the name of Jesus.

Friends, this is who we are during Mission Possible week. And it is who we aim to be by the grace of God all year round.

Pastor Tim

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