Volunteer Focus—Ross Wootan

Ross Wootan has been involved with Love INC close to 4 years. He started volunteering around the time that Love INC moved into the house on Santiam Road in Albany. The house needed a little TLC plus various preparations to transform it from a family home to a ministry center. A large group of volunteers from various churches made this happen and Ross was one of those volunteers.

Ross decided to volunteer more when he saw that Love INC was a ministry that was meeting needs in the communities of Linn County, and it was designed to promote unity in the church. One way he has contributed to the ministry has been as a Love INC Board member. The Love INC Board is made up of individuals from various churches who agree with the statement of faith and the Love INC missions statement. He said that serving on the board is a pleasure because all the members buy into the Love INC mission statement:

The mission of Love In the Name of Christ
is to mobilize local churches to transform lives
and communities In the Name of Christ.

Decisions at the Board level are generally made by consensus due to the buy-in on the mission statement. Buy-in creates unity.

Another area that Ross has been involved in has been the Transformational Ministry Classes offered to our clients, people attending our churches and others in our community. In the Transformational Ministry Classes we seek to help people reach their potential and learn valuable life skills. Ross likes the idea that these classes are giving people a “hand up” rather than just a “hand out”. Ross has been in leadership roles in the Affirming Potential and Faith and Finances Classes.

Ross says he enjoys the family atmosphere of working with the staff and volunteers in this ministry. He also says that for Love INC in general, it is sometimes a challenge being the liaison between Christ’s Body and the clients who need help and promoting unity in the Body of Christ. We need God’s guidance to accomplish His mission.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.
That they may all be one, just as you, Father are in me, and I in you, that they also
may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you
have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them
and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know
that you sent me and loved them even as you love me.
John 17:20-23

Third Annual Fiesta Fundraiser

March 28th at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center There will be dinner, Silent Auction and Live Auction. Great fun for all!  Early bird table sponsorship ends March 1.

Dinner, Live and Silent Auction and Raffle

March 28th 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Linn County Expo Center
3700 Knox Butte Rd SE
Albany, OR 97322

  • Table Sponsors – $200 – till March 1

1 table, 8 tickets, name on centerpieces, mention in slideshow.

  • Individual tickets – $30

Go to our Fiesta page to buy tickets and learn more.

Volunteer Focus—Welcoming Our Neighbors

When people come into our Love INC office, frequently the first person they meet is a receptionist. The receptionist welcomes those seeking help, those bringing donations, as well as people who have questions about the ministry. At the Linn County Love INC we have two volunteer receptionists, each working two days a week — Sue Lucas and Diana Cruce.

SUE has been involved at Love INC for about 10 years. She learned about the ministry through a friend, and at first Sue was helping with a project — data entry. After
that she became a phone intake volunteer, and finally a receptionist. She enjoys welcoming people, learning about their situations, and helping problem-solve, but the most gratifying part of her job is being able to pray for people. Somehow God uses that prayer ministry to touch a person’s inner being, so they sense the Lord’s love and they begin to have hope. Sue readily admits that there are a few challenges in the ministry, including times when we don’t have a needed item (like a wheel chair), or we can’t provide a service (like a ride to a doctor) because no volunteers are available. Another challenge is when a client is in their current difficulty due to poor planning or is not taking responsibility for themselves to meet their own needs. However, overall, Sue said, “It is rewarding beyond words to see the wonders that God brings into people’s lives.”

Sue said, “If you have the time to give, there are lots of areas you can be involved in. Just come in and we can put you to work!”

DIANA has volunteered at Love INC for 5 years. After some initial training, she became a receptionist (she had been a church secretary in the past). Diana enjoys the ministry in many of the same ways that Sue does — meeting new people and developing relationships, sharing information about community resources that may help them, communicating respect and care to each person, and offering to pray.

Since Diana came to Love INC, her heart has gone out to people who continue to find themselves in difficult situations because they have not been taught how to navigate life well. Diana learned life skills when she was growing up in a caring family. That isn’t true for everyone. Diana has been involved in the Developmental Ministry aspect of Love INC, where classes are offered to help people understand more about their value to God and where they can learn life skills and biblical principles. Some people are ready to make positive changes in their lives, and it is a joy to see them learning from God and developing healthy friendships. God is blessing this ministry. Love INC offers some hand-outs, but we are also offering a “hand-up”. Praise God!

We need your help…

We need your help. Support us at our May 3rd Fiesta Fundraiser.We need your help to complete the purchase of our wonderful facility pictured above.  As you know we have been here since June 2016 expanding your ministry to our community.  Volunteers answered 6,837 calls for help in 2018!  Over 900 hospital beds, wheelchairs, commodes etc. were given away last year.  In addition, Church volunteers gave away diapers, blankets and linens, towels, household goods, maternity clothes. As well as school supplies, coats, and Christmas gifts to over 500 children.

None of this would have been possible without your involvement and with your continued support Love INC of Linn County will be able to do even more.

This property houses not only the Clearinghouse but the Career Closet, medical equipment, furniture, household goods.It is also a meeting place for the House of Prayer and Celebration and classes. This year we have continued to expand the transformational classes by adding Affirming Potential to the curriculum.

One way you can help raise funds is by participating in our Fiesta Fundraiser. May 3rd at 6:00 at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center. We are looking for event sponsors, table sponsors and items for both our live and silent auctions.  Individual tickets may be purchased on our website or visiting the office at 1606 Santiam Rd.

I hope you will join with us to see Love INC of Linn County continue to grow in our ability to serve your neighbors in need.

Please ask the Lord how He might have you join in this opportunity to advance His Kingdom work.  As always, your contribution will be tax deductible.  Your donation will further this good work being done in your community bringing hope and transformation to peoples’ lives.

Love Story: God Listens…and Still Does Miracles

Love Story: God Listens…and Still Does Miracles

It is good to know that God is in control and knows what is best for each of us.

One of our clients (I’ll call her Sandy) called in 2013 asking for help with transportation to some medical appointments and for prayer for her double pneumonia. She also asked if Love INC would send someone to her residence to pray for their new home, which Sandy shared with a friend. We were able to send some intercessors from a local church to pray for them.

A week later Sandy called, very excited, and she told us that things were going very, very well. She got a good night’s sleep and things were going better at their house. She was extremely thankful for our prayers.

Sandy called other times, when she needed help with getting some ID after her purse was stolen, when she needed some furniture and linens, and when she needed prayer.

Several months ago Sandy called to tell us she was on hospice and was using oxygen. She had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Our volunteer prayed for her lungs and breathing. A good friend of Sandy’s called several times after that asking for prayer for Sandy.

A few of months later Sandy’s friend called to update us on Sandy’s situation. Sandy had been dying of lung cancer and the doctors had given her 6 months to live. One day last week, Sandy woke up and could breathe without the oxygen and felt much better. When the doctors examined her, they found no trace of cancer.

God graciously listened to the prayers of His children and responded with mercy and power.

Thank You God!

Many Blessings in 2017

Many Blessings in 2017

Thank you for being a vital part of Love In the Name of Christ of Linn County! So far this year phone volunteers have received 6,079 calls for help from people in our community. Church volunteers have responded by providing clothing, transportation, yard work, visitation, firewood, medical equipment, diapers, furniture, moving crews, school supplies, household and hygiene products, linens, holiday meals, by fixing cars, and building ramps. Each need met is a life touched by the Love of Christ shown through a practical act of service.

Let me share with you a few snap shots from 2017…

  • Our medical ministry has delivered 682 hospital beds, wheel chairs, commodes, shower benches, Hoyer lifts and other durable medical equipment to our neighbors in need.
  • This year in partnership with God’s Heart we gave backpacks containing both the gospel and school supplies to 253 children, winter coats to 89 families and Christmas gifts to over 400 children!
  • Two dozen people found clothing in our new career closet for both interviews and new jobs.

Thank you for your prayers, time, and generous financial support this past year. January will see our first Faith & Finances class being offered with more life skills classes to follow.

Please prayerfully consider giving a generous year end gift and together we can join the Lord in transforming lives and our community throughout 2018 and beyond.

If you are interested in learning more about Love INC please call us at 541-924-LOVE.

Please keep our volunteers, clients and staff in your prayers.

God Bless You,
Deb Powell
Executive Director

Love INC finds new home

By JENNIFER MOODY Albany Democrat-Herald –

Love INC of Linn County has made a mission out of assisting others. Now, the nonprofit, faith-based partnership is looking for a helping hand for itself.

 

The organization, which links a network of about 30 churches to help people in need, has begun a $200,000 capital campaign.

 

The money will be used to pay off the organization’s new home at 1606 Santiam Road SE and to make substantial improvements to that home, such as repairing the roof and replacing windows.

 

A formal campaign kickoff — a dinner and auction — has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. But Will Tucker, chairman of the capital campaign and a member of the agency’s board of directors, said he’s hoping people thinking about year-end charity giving remember Love, INC. Read the full article.

School Supply Giveaway A Huge Success!

School Supply Giveaway a huge success!

This year our joint venture on August 19th with God’s Heart to bless children heading back to school was again a great success.

We were able to give backpacks containing both the gospel and school supplies to 253 children!  Six of those children prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior when getting their backpack!!!!!

In addition, eighty nine 6th through 12th graders shopped for clothing and shoes in our special room filled with items from OSU dorms.  Some things were brand new!  This shopping spree is the most commented on when we do our follow up calls.

Many thanks go to the churches, agencies, businesses and individuals who donated supplies and money to purchase the school supplies.  Thank you also to Mike Silva organization for donating the backpacks.  Thank you to the Gideons for blessing the children with a New Testament. AND thank you to the faithful volunteers who spent many hours sorting school supplies and serving the families that attended.

Backpack and School Supply giveaway!

Backpack and School Supply giveaway!

Are you in need of a backpack and some school supplies? On August 19, 2017 we will have backpacks and school supplies for K-5th grade AND really cool clothing and shoes for 6th-12th! Starts at 10:00 at Jesus Pursuit Church 2110 Santiam Hwy SE, Albany, Oregon 97322.

Merry Christmas!

merrychristmasTo Our Love INC Partners,

Thank you for being a vital part of Love In the Name of Christ of Linn County!  So far this year phone volunteers have received 5,136 calls for help from people in our community.  Church volunteers have responded by providing clothing, transportation, yard work, visitation, firewood, medical equipment, diapers, furniture, moving crews, school supplies, household and hygiene products, linens, holiday meals, by fixing cars, and building ramps.  Each need met is a life touched by the Love of Christ shown through a practical act of service.

Let me share with you a few snap shots from 2016…

  • Our medical ministry has delivered 530 hospital beds, wheel chairs, commodes, shower benches, Hoyer lifts and other durable medical equipment to our neighbors in need.
  • Volunteers have worked diligently to provide free firewood to thirty-four families so far this year struggling to heat their homes.
  • Last year in partnership with God’s Heart we gave Christmas gifts to 515 children.  This year we anticipate a similar number of children blessed at Christmas!

Thank you for your prayers, time, and generous financial support this past year.  Volunteers spent 348 hours moving us into our new location at 1606 Santiam Rd. where we soon will be expanding your ability to serve  neighbors in need through a career closet, budgeting classes, parenting classes and more.  Please prayerfully consider giving a generous year end gift and together we can join the Lord in transforming lives and our community throughout 2017 and beyond.

If you are interested in learning more about Love INC please call us at 541-924-LOVE.

Please keep our volunteers, clients and staff in your prayers.