Concordia Lutheran Church nominates Gary Thomas for the Good Samaritan Award, 2024. Gary has spearheaded the congregation’s efforts to aid in assisting over 100 legal refugee families to relocate to Southwest Florida. For the past three years, Gary has coordinated Concordia’s Refugee Ministry in conjunction with Lutheran Services Florida and St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church. Contacting volunteers, following up on donations, communicating with Pastor, writing frequent articles for our Courier newsletter and weekly bulletin announcements; Gary keeps the congregation aware of the ministry’s needs. All the heavy lifting also falls on Gary’s shoulders. Loading rental trucks and the trailer, driving loads of supplies over the Skyway Bridge, setting up furniture and assembling beds are just a few of the tasks he performs. He is assisted by his wife Sara, volunteers for the Men’s and Women’s Bible Study, our Concordia Foundation, and many other Concordia members. He recently organized Concordia’s ingathering of Christmas gifts for refugee families. Gary’s leadership has resulted in these legal refugees being gifted with clothing, furniture, household goods, food and lots of Jesus’ love… straight from his own heart. Gary Thomas exemplifies the spirit of the Good Samaritan by those needing shelter, essentials, a hand up, and friendship in their time of need. “Thank You, good Jesus, for Your kindness through Gary and all Your servants!”