Summary of "A Letter to God" by G.L. Fuentes
The story follows a simple and hardworking farmer named Lencho, who relies heavily on
his crops for sustenance. Lencho’s cornfield needs a good rain, and he is overjoyed when
dark clouds begin to form. As the rain starts, he feels his prayers have been answered.
However, the weather quickly changes, and a powerful hailstorm descends on the fields,
devastating his entire crop. Lencho and his family are left hopeless, as this crop was their
only means of survival for the year.
In his desperation, Lencho decides to write a letter to God, a bold and unusual decision that
highlights his deep faith. In the letter, he asks for 100 pesos, believing that this money will
allow him to replant his crops and sustain his family. Lencho’s faith is unwavering—he truly
believes that God will send him the money.
Lencho mails the letter at the post office, where it catches the attention of the postmaster.
Moved by Lencho’s innocence and belief, the postmaster decides to help him. He collects
money from his colleagues and even contributes part of his own salary to gather funds for
Lencho, though they only manage to collect 70 pesos.
The postmaster places the money in an envelope, along with a letter signed "God." Lencho
receives the envelope and is not surprised to find a reply, as he had expected one. However,
upon counting the money, he becomes angry, realizing it is short by 30 pesos. Lencho writes
another letter to God, accusing the post office employees of being thieves who took part of
the money.
The story concludes with this irony. While Lencho’s faith in God remains strong, he is quick
to judge the very people who tried to help him, unaware that it was actually the post office
staff who provided the money.
Themes:
1. Faith and Innocence: Lencho’s unwavering faith in God is central to the story. His belief is
so strong that he thinks God will respond to his letter.
2. Irony: The story ends with situational irony as Lencho misjudges the people who helped
him. His innocence blinds him to the kindness of the post office staff.
3. Human Kindness and Empathy: The postmaster’s decision to help Lencho, despite not
believing in the request himself, showcases empathy and compassion for others.
Message:
The story follows a simple and hardworking farmer named Lencho, who relies heavily on
his crops for sustenance. Lencho’s cornfield needs a good rain, and he is overjoyed when
dark clouds begin to form. As the rain starts, he feels his prayers have been answered.
However, the weather quickly changes, and a powerful hailstorm descends on the fields,
devastating his entire crop. Lencho and his family are left hopeless, as this crop was their
only means of survival for the year.
In his desperation, Lencho decides to write a letter to God, a bold and unusual decision that
highlights his deep faith. In the letter, he asks for 100 pesos, believing that this money will
allow him to replant his crops and sustain his family. Lencho’s faith is unwavering—he truly
believes that God will send him the money.
Lencho mails the letter at the post office, where it catches the attention of the postmaster.
Moved by Lencho’s innocence and belief, the postmaster decides to help him. He collects
money from his colleagues and even contributes part of his own salary to gather funds for
Lencho, though they only manage to collect 70 pesos.
The postmaster places the money in an envelope, along with a letter signed "God." Lencho
receives the envelope and is not surprised to find a reply, as he had expected one. However,
upon counting the money, he becomes angry, realizing it is short by 30 pesos. Lencho writes
another letter to God, accusing the post office employees of being thieves who took part of
the money.
The story concludes with this irony. While Lencho’s faith in God remains strong, he is quick
to judge the very people who tried to help him, unaware that it was actually the post office
staff who provided the money.
Themes:
1. Faith and Innocence: Lencho’s unwavering faith in God is central to the story. His belief is
so strong that he thinks God will respond to his letter.
2. Irony: The story ends with situational irony as Lencho misjudges the people who helped
him. His innocence blinds him to the kindness of the post office staff.
3. Human Kindness and Empathy: The postmaster’s decision to help Lencho, despite not
believing in the request himself, showcases empathy and compassion for others.
Message:
