Summer Update
Greetings from Love In the Name of Christ! We hope you have had a wonderful summer with family and friends. As we come to the end of summer, I would like to give you an update on what God has been doing in and through your local Love INC affiliate.
In June a group of junior high youth from Houston area Methodist churches came to Lufkin to help us meet some of the needs we had for home repair. Several teams came in and repaired four properties. They built two wheelchair ramps; replaced rotten boards on porches and steps; added hand rails to wheelchair ramps; and sealed a window to better weatherize one of the houses.
On August 31, we were blessed to have local dentists and their excellent staff provide free tooth removal for twenty three neighbors in need. While waiting to see the dentists, these neighbors were encouraged and prayed with by volunteers from local churches. Please see “Love Stories” below to read about a neighbor who was eternally transformed by what she experienced.
We had a great time participating in this year’s city-wide Praise in the Park saw and heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the unity demonstrated, the songs sung, and messages that were proclaimed. We had the opportunity to pray for and minister to a family that needed items for their baby. One of Love INC’s core values is to see Christian churches united in serving their community. We were glad to support this event.
August 8-10, I had the opportunity to attend the 2018 Love INC National Gathering in Chaska, Minnesota just outside Minneapolis. It was another great experience as affiliate staff and board members from all across the country convened to worship and learn together. The theme of this year’s gathering was Amplify: Turning Up the Volume of the Church. The entire conference was designed to teach affiliates how to help churches take the message of Gospel transformation and amplify or turn it up in their communities. Our Love INC should not replace the church or take away from the church in any way but should increase the volume of our churches’ message in our communities. I look forward to the opportunities ahead to work with our partner churches to reach more people across Angelina County in Christ’s name.
Ministry Opportunities with Love INC
Manger Network: It’s that time again! The Christmas season is quickly approaching and many families will struggle to provide presents for their children. Beginning in October we will take applications for Manger Network, a seasonal ministry whereby churches, businesses, schools, and caring individuals can adopt families who are economically disadvantaged and help them provide gifts for their children. Last year, over 700 children were blessed through this ministry. If you and/or your church would like to bless children in need and share the love of Christ with them this Christmas, call (936) 637-6637 to sign up or for more information.
Phone volunteers: We need more volunteers who can be loving, listening ears to someone in need. No experience necessary. Training will be provided. Call us for more info!
Home Repair: We are in desperate need of churches that can provide a team of volunteers to help with home repair needs such as replacing rotting wood in floors, porches, and steps; repairing small roof leaks; patching holes in sheet rock; replacing doors; building wheelchair ramps; and yard work. If you or someone you know has the time and ability to assist in these areas please give us a call.
