“Forgive us our debts” is a phrase we have prayed many times in our lives.

First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, chose this as the title for our 2024 Lenten Appeal. We partnered with Undue Medical Debt, formerly known as RIP Medical Debt. This company is able to use donations to purchase large amounts of medical debt for pennies on the dollar, and then provide relief for those facing severe hardship.

Having medical debt listed on your credit report hinders you from purchasing a car, renting an apartment, or even obtaining credit. One shouldn’t have to suffer further hardship simply because they sought needed medical care. Our goal for this new venture was to raise $10,000 thus relieving $1 million of medical debt for our neighbors in Guilford and Forsyth Counties.

Through online donations and offering plate giving we were able to reach—and far surpass—that goal. We presented Undue Medical Debt with a check totaling $17,346.65, therefore relieving over $1.7 million in medical debt for our neighbors.

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)