WORK FOR THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE CITY WHERE I SENT YOU INTO EXILE. PRAY TO THE LORD FOR IT, FOR ITS WELFARE WILL DETERMINE YOUR WELFARE.
– JEREMIAH 29:7
We heard our marching orders for 2017 loud and clear! Be Part of the Solution! This passage challenged us to make sure that we would not cower away from challenge in this turbulent time, but with Christ’s help and the movement of the Holy Spirit we would be used by God to make a difference in the lives of faithful followers of Christ and those with whom he empowers us to serve! We also know we are not bringing human solutions to the brokenness we see. We are here to point individuals and families to the power of Christ’s love and his Church, and the love, grace and acceptance that this community of believers can offer someone who is working toward life change. We know our purpose is to lead those who are hurting and seeking support to connect with the local Church and ultimately experience the love of Christ. I believe that as you read the story of life change for the Hamilton family (see inside) you will feel the same sense of awe that we felt as we watched them go through their season of challenge and transformation. We believe you will share our sense of pride in each person and organization that journeyed with them. We also believe you will feel excited with us as you read of their growth and willingness to be part of their own solution. I feel personally ministered to by their commitment to Christ, and to their willingness to learn the skills they needed to set their future and the future of their children on a different trajectory. We have included a section with some numbers, but more important than the numbers is the life change represented by each engagement! We believe you will feel just a bit staggered, as we do, when you read the volume of activity we have been privileged to participate in. We are truly humbled by the number of times we have been able to share the love of Christ through each engagement. Your continued financial partnership with Love in the Name of Christ is a sound investment in transforming lives! Please allow me to thank you in advance for your continued engagement as together we transform lives and communities in the Name of Christ! On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors of Love in the Name of Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Lisa Mathews Executive Director
SE Ottawa County & the City of Grandville
POINTING FAMILIES TO THE LOCAL CHURCH
THE LOVE OF CHRIST
Love in the name of Christ WITH CHRIST’S LOVE & YOUR SUPPORT
CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM LIVES AND COMMUNITIES IN THE NAME OF CHRIST
HERE’S HOW WE’VE BEEN PART OF THE SOLUTION IN 2017! We’ve received 4000+ calls in our Call Center leading to this snapshot of engagements!
WE’VE PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN 757 Children’s Education was Enhanced with Back To School Materials 434 Children Blessed by the Spirit of Christmas Store 334 Children Enjoyed Summer Camp because of the Camp Bags they received 88 Foster Care Children were Loved with Care Bags 148 Warm Weather Clothing pieces provided Warmth to Children
WE’VE PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH ON BEHALF OF FAMILIES 95 Families Gave Thanks for a Thanksgiving Meal 133 Families Delighted in Easter Dinner Together 182 Counseling Sessions Strengthened our Local Families 434 Adults Participated in Leadership Training and Professional Development
WE’VE PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT THROUGH LIFE SKILLS 65 Families have raised their hand for change and are partnered with a mentor 65 Mentors provided support and guidance with Life Skills families for 1200+ hours 1900+ Gas Vouchers were Earned by Life Skills families as they participate in the program 1900+ Weekly Food orders were Earned by Life Skills families as they participate in the program 35+ Bibles were distributed to children in the weekly Kids Club 69 Families Learned to manage their finances more effectively through the Budget Class WE’VE PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH BY ENGAGING AN ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS 43 Serve Groups from a variety of Churches, Businesses and Schools joined the Love INC Movement 501 Youth Volunteers participated in Service Opportunities 50+ Different Ministries available for volunteers to join in to Be Part of the Solution 900+ Volunteers provided 100,000+ hours of community transformation service in 2017
THE HAMILTONS CHANGING THE LEGACY LEFT TO OUR CHILDREN Financial stress consumed every aspect of our lives. We thought we were masters of survival mode, but student loan debt, 4 children and employment changes brought us to our breaking point. We began researching different budgeting programs and searching for wisdom. Enter Love In The Name of Christ’s Life Skills Program. We were determined. We understood the hard work ahead toward financial health could be daunting. However, we dug in to do the work. The support and care of the staff and mentors motivated us. Their continued love and support was unique. They not only wanted us to succeed, they offered an overflowing amount of help along the way. Transportation became a huge problem. We had been borrowing a friend’s vehicle and working to save for our own. Our student loan payments made it difficult to save. Our mentor offered different ideas for areas we could cut back on our spending to save for the car. Then we received a call that a local company had a car for a family in need. We had been selected! The donor was even someone we had known in our past. We were overwhelmed by God’s provision and had great joy that God had provided a way through His people and the Life Skills Program. When we graduated the Life Skills Program, we still carried a great deal of student loan debt; however we graduated with a renewed sense of hope, a healthy budget, a savings account, an emergency fund, and no credit card debt. Most importantly, we now had the skills we needed to succeed. One day a family from a local church surprised us by paying off half our student loan! This family wanted to bless another family and had heard of our story. We wept for a week. We were so excited to share this news with our Love INC family. We owe tremendous thanksgiving to God, for using so many individuals to help us move forward towards financial, emotional and spiritual health. To those who stewarded their resources and trusted Love In The Name of Christ to supply our needs, we thank you! Your investment in us has given a restored sense of Hope and Dignity. Our extended family, many who are unbelievers, have experienced much joy in the stories we share. Our number one goal through all of this has been changing the legacy left to our children. And with the support of Love In the Name of Christ, we have been able to fulfill this dream.