Love Story

Dec 31 2015

What It’s All About

A great love story to share to get your new year off to a blessed start.

Last week a neighbor came in who had recently been released from incarceration needing some work clothes and tools. Although we have not been able to find tools yet, we were able to provide vouchers for clothes at Goodwill. Further conversation brought out a need for dental work for a son and we were able to make referral to two potential providers.

Yesterday we learned that he and his son had visited one of our partner churches and they had hired him to do some work for the church. With the money earned he was able to get his rent brought current and get some groceries.

“Pastor ___ said they did a great job and he was happy to get the work done. I do believe ____ was very efficient and sincere and wanted to work for his money and not just to be given a hand out. He told me on Sunday this very thing. He wanted to work for the money.”

Let this be our praise for 2016 – Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Dec 14 2015

This is why we serve!

One of our gap ministries received this heartwarming letter. I w anted to pass it along as an encouragement to the many volunteers that make Love INC what it is. I highlighted a couple phrases that are important for everyone to hear.

“September 11, 2015 although a sad anniversary for most, began a new chapter in my life and the lives of my children. I know I mentioned multiple times on that day how much I appreciated everything the Furniture Ministry had done for me, I wanted to say it again but this time I wanted to put it down on paper. I will keep a copy of this letter and it will be a reminder that there are angels among us and I am lucky enough to know a few personally!

So again, THANK YOU for helping me furnish my little apartment. . . .(at the beginning of) the chaos of the situation I knew I had to act quickly. At the time, all I could think was I needed to find us a clean, safe place to live. I hadn’t thought about all the incidentals we would eventually need like beds, a couch, dishes, pots and pans. I recall praying to God that if He could give me the strength to take the next step and secure housing, I would some how figure out the rest. I actually pictured us sleeping on air mattresses and eating at a card table! But He had other plans. He not only gave me the strength I needed, but He also put in my path amazing people with the means to do so much more for the kids and I than I could have ever imagined!

Words cannot express the feeling I get when I hear the kids in their bedrooms, laughing with friends. We are once again able to hang out in the kitchen making dinner together and going over the events of the day or sitting on the couch watching our favorite television shows. You helped make this possible for the kids and I and I will be forever grateful!

(When) first approached about your offer to help, I was embarrassed and ashamed. In my mind, I had gotten myself into this situation and it was my responsibility to get myself out. I have now come to realize that God wants us to help each other. He wants us to lend a hand when we are able. He wants us to lift each other up in times of need. I hope I can be an “angel” for someone just like you have been for me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.”

As we reach out to our neighbors to give them a hand, we must do all we can to show them they have value, they have potential and that we are merely walking alongside them as they allow God to heal their family.

Apr 07 2015

Theresa

Theresa called in asking for help with her utility bill. She has been on

unemployment and it has been lapsed for four weeks. After listening to her story

Love INC Clearinghouse referred her to Salvation Army for $100 towards her bill.

Here is Theresa’s Facebook response: I really want to thank Ms. Donna for her

help, I don’t know what I would’ve done without her help. … Thank you Ms.

Donna for lifting that worry and burden off of me and thank Christ my savior for

helping me through all of this, I could not do it without His and Ms. Donna’s help.

Mar 23 2015

Here is Meri’s Love Story. . .

When Meri first came to the Job Skills workshop, she was extremely shy and didn’t say much.

By the third night Meri was interacting with others and asking questions. Her self-confidence

was built up by the building of relationships. Meri learned how to gain employment, write her

resume, and improve her interviewing skills. She also learned what her strengths were and how

to market them effectively.

Feb 11 2015

John and Joyce

John and Joyce have been receiving assistance from Love INC since 2013 from resources such as

financial, H2O, and handyman volunteers. In the fall of 2014 they reluctantly agreed to go through the

Hearts of Hope – Money Management program. They were paired with two wonderful volunteers that

walked beside them through this process. The program helped them reevaluate how they were doing

things and improved their budget. They were able to pay a few things off and are continuing to pay on

the rest of their bills. They were also looking for a church and have since started attending First Church

of God on a regular basis and have formed relationships since getting involved at the church.