Love Stories

When the plan works, it can work really well. I called a client who I knew had health problems to see if she could use some housecleaning assistance. She told me that she had recently been hospitalized (which was a bad thing) but because of that stay, she now qualified for a full range of services that she had not been able to access before (a VERY good thing!). The client said that following her action plan and using the advice given at her Love INC intake helped her persevere and get the services she needed. Miracles happen, even if they use a plan!

Last week a client came in who has quite possibly had everything go wrong that can go wrong in life. The latest affliction was that he had an injury while gardening that required plastic surgery. He came in for a gas voucher to get to his follow-up appointment in Portland. We had some milk and diabetic Boost drinks that I also gave to the client because his wife had some medical procedures that made it difficult for her to eat. Perhaps it was the stress, perhaps the love offered, but the client said that those drinks were the best thing we could have given them. A little Boost went a long way.  

Recently I was working with one of our clients from the Adopt-a-Block program to do a craft for Mother’s Day gifts. I had encouraged all of the residents that the gift could be for a mother, grandmother, aunt, or just saved for a special friend or birthday gift. One particular client said that his mom had died a long time ago so I encouraged him to give the gift to a special person instead. When he completed the gift, he grinned as he turned the bag around and it had my name written on it saying, Happy Mother’s Day! I was, and still am, deeply touched.  

One day this week, a woman came in requesting some food for her family. We asked if she had been to FISH, our local food bank. She replied yes, explaining that she had already been once this month and couldn’t go again for 2 more weeks. A volunteer looked through the cupboards in our kitchen and gave her what we had. As she left Love INC, a comment was made that we would need to pray in some more food, we were completely empty. Less than 15 minutes later, a lady came in carrying a large box overflowing with food. I wonder if you could use this, she said. We explained to her that the cupboards were bare. God is good! 

Recently a young woman came in needing help to move out on her own. We had compiled a list of items she could use and told her we would call when we could deliver them. The client got word the following afternoon that she would be getting the keys to her apartment right away. The very same day we had a gentleman ask if he could deliver a bed to someone in need. We were able to connect the two and meet the need within thirty minutes. It is always a wonder how lives come together in God’s precious timing.  

On a beautiful spring day a client called asking for help in getting a landscaping business started. All he needed was a weed trimmer and a leaf blower. We wrote down his request and said we’d call him when something came in. The same morning a volunteer was cleaning up a pile of stuff that had been deposited outside the clearinghouse. She showed me a pile that was unsuitable for keeping. Amidst the “junk” were a weed trimmer and a leaf blower. Before I could call the client who had a request, his wife came into the clearinghouse for another errand. She was able to take the tools the same day, and as it turns out, they have a family member who does lawnmower repairs. What could have been junk turned into potential for someone to earn a living. God’s timing: great timing.

Answered Prayer 

This past month when putting together the monthly needs list, it was noted that we were short of pillows.   As is customary, we prayed for God to provide and added it to our monthly updates to be e-mailed out to supports of the Love INC ministry.  A week went by and a call came in; “Could you use some pillows?”  We responded “yes, we are in great need of pillows.”  The person on the phone responded, “we have 220 pillows for you, when could you pick them up?”  We laughed together as I shared that we had just prayed that God would provide these pillows and it looks like he gave us an overwhelming supply of pillows.  Lesson:  Be careful what you pray for!.

I was calling female clients offering free breast exams and pap smears from a doctor who has recently opened up a new clinic for those in need. Of all the clients I could have called to fill the three open appointments, one lady started crying when I told her what I was calling about. She said that she has been scared because of a lump she’s found, but has been unable to get it checked, as she has no insurance. It was such a blessing to her that we had called at just the right time to offer the service she specifically needed. God definitely works in amazing ways!

One day a client called needing help with some money to get an ID so that she could apply for jobs. It was a small amount so we broke our normal custom and agreed to cut a check for the amount of $29 to the DMV. The next day, when the client was due to pick up the check, a little girl came to our door and said she wanted to give her birthday money to someone in need. After she left, we counted the money: it was $30, exactly enough to cover what we had given out. One little girl’s compassion turned into a blessing for someone who needed help with starting over.  God is so good.

A couple came in who had literally lost everything in a fire. As they visited our GAP ministries collecting new items to rebuild their lives they expressed so much thanks that one of the ministry coordinators was in tears. Then a week later, we received a note from the clients saying thank-you for the kind people who have been helping them. Together, we are making a difference, and our clients are too.

Imagine having almost everything go wrong. The loss of your home, loss of your child’s other parent, loss of income, exposed to dangerous raw sewage and having a special needs child. Then one day you walk into Love INC and receive a quilt as well as some other help. We had a client recently go through multiple life events within the course of a couple of weeks. The week after she had received the quilt she reported that she felt wrapped in love. Soon after, this same client was spotted stopping to smell a rose in front of the Love INC Clearinghouse.  This was a witness of her ability to persevere and to be thankful for even the smallest of God’s wonders.

In September a client came in who had recently been estranged from his long time companion. He was heartbroken and homeless and needed help finding a place to stay. Having been born with the odds against him, it was a struggle for him to reconnect with the community and get his needs met. We were able to connect him with services but the housing piece was taking a long time to figure out. Finally in early October, the client came in with a newspaper ad for a room to rent. He left a message from our office to inquire about the place, and we offered to give him a message if the landlord called back. The next day, the client came back into the office just as the landlord called: perfect timing! They set up a time to meet, they made an agreement and the client moved in the next day. Although our client is still heartbroken, he at least has a warm place to lay his head as he heals. Together, we can make a difference!

A soccer coach contacted Love INC looking for a service project for his team of 13 boys. The names and addresses of 2 families that needed help with their yard work were given to them. Over 4 months, these boys pulled weeds, mowed their lawns and spread bark dust for these families. As the team was finishing up spreading bark dust, one of the residents came out and cried when she saw how nice it looked, and then she hugged each of the sweaty 13 year old boys. The experience had a visible impact on the boys.
The coach said: “Thanks to Love INC for helping these boys become men. I hope we can do something for you next year also."

One volunteer from the recent Serve and Celebrate Carnival shared: I looked forward to being able to volunteer and help people in town and had planned on being a blessing to those that I helped. Instead, I was the one that was blessed by this day. Acts 20:35 says. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

A family came into the Clearinghouse with a request for furniture. Life “happened” and all of their belongings had been destroyed. At their initial appointment we were able to provide many of the basics, such as a bed, linen, microwave etc. Still needed were dressers, dining table, couch etc. The family came to our storage facility on furniture pick-up day. At the same time this family came by the James project students from GFU showed up with a U-Haul truck that had all of the items that they had requested. The gentleman expressed such appreciation for the “love” that was being shown him in Newberg. He shared some of his life story and hopes to find a church home and get his life back on track with God.

The second annual Children's Health Day occurred on July 14th
from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Grace Baptist Church

Children’s Health Day July 14^th 2007

128    Children were seen for well health checks; heart, lungs, blood pressure and lice checks 
121    Children had vision screening
72     Children had their teeth cleaned
23     Children received sealants
135    Backpacks and school supplies were handed out
21     Children received sports physicals
121    Sun visors were handed out
876    Bottles of water were given  

Thanks to you, lives were changed in the name of Christ!

As a volunteer in the Love INC clearinghouse, I coordinate furniture between those who have-to-share and those who have needs.  Many times I am able to match people within days, and the donor is able to deliver.  Now and then I hear about the outcome.  Walking down the sidewalk prior to the Old Fashion Festival parade, a woman called my name and said, “My kids moved me into a smaller place and took my excess furniture to a family you told us about.  The family had been sitting on the floor and using the top of TV trays to eat from.  They were so “sweet” and appreciative for the items we brought them”.  I said, “Thank you for sharing that with me”, and continued on my way.  THESE are the weekly blessings YOU, the church of Newberg, facilitate.  God bless you.  Sharon, Love INC volunteer

Children are never too young to grasp the concept of sharing with others less fortunate. A young girl, with her mother, brought a wonderful doll house with everything imaginable in it (piano that played, spa that bubbled, dishwasher that whirled, vehicles and people, juke box) into the Love INC clearinghouse. Volunteers enjoyed and played with this special doll house. A couple days went by and a little girl and her mom came to the Love INC clearinghouse. They began to share their story, they had to leave their home and all their belongings unexpectedly. They didn’t have much more than the clothes on their backs. The doll house was given to this young mom and daughter. “This is the brightest spot in my daughter’s life for a long time”, the mother exclaimed. How wonderful to see God use one family to give and another to receive. All involved were blessed!

Throughout the year in the Love INC clearinghouse, many young people volunteer their time to help others in our community. Recently, after one especially challenging day in the Love INC clearinghouse, one young person shared that he thought about his parents, realizing how much he had taken them for granted and how much he had to be thankful for. Consequently, he wanted to do something extra special for his dad for Father’s day. Sometimes, in helping others you receive more than those you intend to give to.

A woman came in this month that was in transition. She was looking for a job and something to eat. A volunteer met with her to assess her needs. She was given something to munch on while she completed her intake appointment. This gal, we will call her Jane explained that she had a job interview later that day She was given a couple of sack lunch kits and asked to return in the morning to let us know how things went at her job interview. Jane agreed and returned in the morning reporting that she goes back tomorrow for the second interview. The volunteer gave Jane a hug and they celebrated the possibility of this new job. Next she was given her action plan describing where she should go to pick up the items that she needed. Jane was getting ready to leave when the volunteer said, “I noticed that it is your birthday today and gave her a gift that had been provided by the gift closet. She opened it up and exclaimed “ A watch, this is perfect! I don’t have one and this will help me get to my new job on time” Jane left feeling blessed with this surprise for her birthday and full of hope for her future.

One early afternoon this past week, a local man picked up a hitchhiker between McMinnville and Newberg. Upon hearing his story, the local man said, “Let me take you to Love INC. They have helped me and I am sure can help you as well.” The young man was leaving a bad situation and planned to hitchhike his way back to his family home in the Midwest. Several churches pooled resources, an overnight stay and subsequently a bus ticket. When he picked up the connecting information in the morning with tears in his eyes he said, “I went to church as a grade schooler, and as I headed out on the road yesterday morning, I prayed that God would help me. Thank you.”

Many individuals come through the Love INC clearinghouse doors with heartbreaking stories, and in great need. This past month one woman completed the interview process and noticed the basket for Naps/Thriftway receipts. She dug in her purse, pulled out receipts and said, "I am so glad I have something to help with." A man that we help periodically dropped in just to drop of receipts and ask us, "How is your day?" God is good all the time!

A woman came into the Love INC clearinghouse in need of several pieces of furniture including a long narrow table for sewing. A few days later a man stopped by the clearinghouse with some furniture he wanted to donate. He asked the volunteer to look at the items in his truck before unloading to confirm whether they could be used or should be taken elsewhere. One of the items was a long narrow table. God is so amazing. The woman came to look at the table and was so excited. "It’s perfect!” she exclaimed.

In December, we began to hand out HUGS (Hats, Umbrellas, Gloves and Scarves) in the Love INC clearinghouse. These HUGS had been donated from churches, restaurants, agencies and organizations. Collection bins were set up at Providence Newberg Hospital and Burgerville restaurant. We received HUGS from NW Medical Team, the Astor House and the Newberg Fire Department. HUGS were brought in from Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Newberg Friends, Newberg Foursquare and West Chehalem Friends. Community members dropped by the Love INC clearinghouse to share HUGS too. The response has been great! Even greater is the response of mom’s that have walked in the cold to the Love INC clearinghouse. “I can take one for each of my kids?” one mom asked. “This comes at the perfect time” she continued. “My car is out of gas and we have been walking everywhere. The kids get so cold.” “You can pick one out for yourself too” a volunteer replied. Picking up a package with a scarf and gloves in it, she said “this is my favorite color.” As she walked out the door, she turned and said “thanks for the hugs” and she was on her way.

Elaine and Violet from 7th Day Adventist church contacted Love INC to share that their church would like to assemble Thanksgiving baskets for people in need. They had a supplier for turkeys but at the last minute, they found out that they were not going to be able to supply the 25 turkeys that they needed. “Well, you may be surprised to hear that just yesterday we heard from the Foursquare church explaining that they had extra turkeys and wondered if we could find homes for them.” What a blessing!

This month, we have had an exceptionally large number of people that are homeless contacting the Love INC clearinghouse.  About 2 week ago, a woman came in with her son explaining that they had no place to live.  After conducting a brief interview, we learned that she had recently lost her job, the home that she had been living in had been sold, and it was looking like they would be sleeping in their car by the end of the week.  She was able to stay with a friend for 4 more days but would have to move so she didn’t jeopardize her friends housing.  We created an action plan for her laying out specific churches and agencies set up to help her and suggested the next steps that she should take in order to secure a place to stay.  She was given a couple of homeless kits, a few extra sack lunch kits, a phone card and she left.  Two weeks later, she is back.  “I need to tell you what has happened since I left here”  She began to explain that  she had made her way thru the action plan checking off the steps that had been laid out for her to take.  She signed up for housing assistance, applied for a job and got it, went to Northside church to get some more toiletries and to North Valley Friends to get some clothes. “My son and I move in tomorrow! “  “I can’t believe it.”  She exclaimed.   “How can we help you today?” a volunteer asked.  “Can you help me find a couple of beds and maybe a couch?” The Love INC volunteer jotted down a list of new needs and gave her a hug.  This once homeless woman was so excited, she squeezed back saying,” I am just so happy, everything is looking better". There were smiles all around in the clearinghouse seeing God’s handiwork in action.  A person in need, churches stepping up to help where they can and another need is met in the name of Christ.

Roger, a volunteer that helps Love INC occasionally called to share that he would have some time to volunteer this Tuesday and next Tuesday.  He came into the clearinghouse and was given a list of things to pick up and deliver to various places throughout the community.  His list looked like the following:

      Take supplies to one of our GAP ministries
      Pick up 2 hospital beds
      Pick up a couch, dresser and chair
      Deliver couch, dresser and chair
      Take hospital beds to storage room

The next day a request came in for, you guessed it, a  hospital bed.  The person on the phone shared that her husband was having surgery this week and needed a hospital bed.  She wondered if we might have one.  I shared with her that one had just been picked up yesterday and we took it to our storage room   The woman on the phone took a deep breath and exclaimed “Thanks you sooooo much”  She continued to share that the last few months have been difficult and she just needed to hear something good today.  We won’t be home from the hospital until Tuesday, but we will need the bed on that day.  “No problem, we have a volunteer that can deliver the hospital bed on Tuesday for you.” 

Philippians 4:19   And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
 

Health Day 2006

People coming together to help others in the name of Christ. Its exciting!