posted Feb 3, 2010 1:25 PM by Julianna Guy
Our church recently held its first “Undie Sunday,” a drive to collect new undergarments for people of all ages to donate to the clothing ministries of Love INC. I was asked to bring the items to the clearinghouse and also to take a tally of how many items were collected. My youngest son, (age 7), asked if he could do the counting. I said, ”sure.” While wearing his underwear and not much else, he sat down and tallied all of the items. It was a precious picture of a little guy in his underwear counting underwear…excitedly using his gifts to serve.
Someone recently donated a large set of antique cookware to our kitchen ministry. When asked the story behind it, she told it: She had collected a set of pans for herself by scouring antique and thrift shops when her son noticed them and liked them. He asked if she ever found another set, that he would like some. He died before she could collect it. As part of her grieving process, she put a set together in his honor….and ten years later she said it was time to let go. Her son’s pans are now a gift to our clients. |
posted Nov 25, 2009 12:21 PM by Julianna Guy
Home Sweet Home. An expression many of us take for granted. This Christmas, someone who had been homeless and in need of our shelter is finally home. She had a long journey of healing from domestic violence, separation from her spouse and family, and eviction. Jane needed to “push the reset button” on her life. At the Newberg Community Shelter she got a safe place to tend to her needs. She participated in counseling, met with a mentor, and found a former neighbor who took her in. Now Jane has her family reunited, and is living in community with her neighbor-sharing life and expenses- and is thriving. She has even found a way to give back by making laundry detergent for our Non-Food pantry. Sometimes giving is sweet too. |
posted Oct 7, 2009 2:15 PM by Julianna Guy
Having neighbors can be a tricky thing. Sometimes they leave their yard a mess or make too much noise. Sometimes they complain that your dog barks too loud or that your children are unruly. Last week, a woman had come in to get her voucher, went home, and then discovered three neighbors who needed a ride to Love INC. She brought them in, then waited patiently for them to be served. Who is your neighbor? Someone in need? Or someone who helps to meet a need? |
posted Sep 24, 2009 9:52 AM by Greg Smith
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updated Sep 24, 2009 9:56 AM
]
Orange jump suite, why would guys wear orange jump suits? " Was the question I asked myself when I saw 6 men standing around eating hamburgers at the serve and celebrate this past Saturday. Then I realized they are a work detail from the Yamhill county jail, so I went up to them and welcomed them to the celebration and encouraged them in enjoying all the free stuff at the serve and celebrate. I meet David first and his first question to me was " what is this about, all this free stuff? " I quickly explained to him what it was about and he said to me " man if I had been here last year on this day I would not have gotten into trouble!"
On my way to help out at Serve and Celebrate I prayed " Lord if there is anyone there who needs to hear from you I am willing to speak for you. Lead me, I am willing!" My task for the day was to be a helper to Gem 100 in cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. The celebration was winding down when I met David and the crew. I was drawn to David and his statement. David stated, " These are all churches, together doing this! Wow I didn't know they worked together!"
I asked and David filled me in on some of his background and he was searching for God. I asked him if he had ever committed his life to God through Jesus, and he said no. I asked him if it was something he wanted to do, and he said yes. There between the Gem 100 grill and Pogy's sandwich booth David accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. I gave him a Gideon bible and exchanged phone numbers and got him hooked up with Pastor John of the Four Square church so that when he gets out of jail at the end of the month he will have some hope of making it. David wants to go to college and become a LPN.
It is amazing how God works, orange jump suits, hamburgers and a willing heart to hear from him and be obedient.
I admit I had chuckled in nervousness when I saw them arrive in their orange suits...not because I suspected them of any intentions but because of how they would be perceived. God didn't allow me to think that way very long. I joked with a few team members that I'd like 40 inmates next year!
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posted Sep 14, 2009 8:49 PM by Greg Smith
Every day we need something to keep us going…sometimes it’s seeing a cute baby, other times it’s eating a good meal, and for me, it’s other things. Today, it was pulling a big pink towel out of the closet to give to a homeless man to use for his shower…..he was delighted, and so was I.. Everyday in the Love INC Clearinghouse, God brings us reason to smile.
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posted Sep 13, 2009 5:04 PM by Piper Parks
Love Comes Around
One day, a client came into the clearinghouse
asking for a gas voucher. When he was told he was not able to receive
one at the time, he got angry with our receptionist and stormed
out. The next day he came in and apologized to her and
explained that he had just lost his job and was frustrated but was
sorry he had treated her badly. Our volunteer melted. The courtesy and
care that she gave him had come back to her…and made a loving impact.
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posted Sep 13, 2009 5:04 PM by Piper Parks
Spreading the Love
Recently, a client had need of our community shelter. By accessing the
shelter, she was able to be connected with regular safe housing and a
mentor to help her meet her goals. After only a couple of months, the
client found her own place to live and is putting her family life back
in order. Then one day as she was in the clearinghouse, imagine our joy
when she heard someone telling their story and she recommended the
shelter to this stranger. She was spreading the love she had
received….the ultimate compliment.
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posted Sep 13, 2009 5:03 PM by Piper Parks
Recently, we had some clients who were waiting for
their turn to be
served. As they waited, they asked if they could clean up the yard of
the clearinghouse and prune the rose bushes. We said, “Sure!”
Soon, there were three clients outside all working to help with the
job. They said they were thankful for the work we do and wanted to give
back. We, and our roses, are thankful too. |
posted Sep 13, 2009 4:59 PM by Piper Parks
Love Knit with TearsAt least once a week I have clients ask how they
can give back to
us. I often tell them to focus on caring for themselves and that is
gift enough. For one client, that was not enough. She wanted a way to
express her gratitude for us helping her, even though she was in a
non-traditional relationship with her partner because not all of the
helping agencies she contacted were kind to her. This client was
simultaneously dealing with the death of her mother and the loss of her
job. Her mother had lots of yarn from unfinished projects so the client
decided to use it to help others. She knitted several hats and brought
them to our office for us to give away. She said it was therapeutic,
helping her feel close to her mother and to help us at the same time.
What the client did not realize, is that she cared for herself in the
process, just what I had asked in the first place. Love, knit with
tears, In the Name of Christ.
God's ProvisionWhile showing the Newberg Community Shelter to a
potential host
couple, I noted that we needed one more bunk bed. When I
walked
next door into the Love INC Clearinghouse, I mentioned that another
bunk bed was needed. Less than 5 minutes later, a man walked
in,
“I wonder if you guys could use a bunk bed. I have it with me
and
need to get rid of it today.” This is just one more example
of
how God provides for the needs of his people.
From Cookies Comes BearsIt’s amazing that something as Americana as
selling Girl Scout
cookies can turn into something special for someone in need. Recently,
a mom came in with three beautiful bears that her daughter had made
with “bear bucks” from a local workshop. She earned the “bucks” by
selling cookies. The daughter decided to give the bears she made to
Love INC so they could be given to other kids who could not have a
special bear of their own. From cookies to bears, the Love of Christ is
shared in many ways.
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posted Sep 13, 2009 4:59 PM by Piper Parks
When you don’t have a car, getting a ride can be a
constant source of stress. Last week, a client who had a lot of issues
(a brain tumor, housing problems, no car), made her way to the Love INC
Clearinghouse to get a gift for her daughter’s birthday. While she was
waiting she sat next to a client who spoke no English. Somehow they
were able to communicate and the one client offered the other a ride
home. How amazing it is to see the Love of Christ flow from one client
to another. Both ladies left with smiles in hand and a little extra
spring in their step…called hope |
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