VE LETTERS. A bi-monthly publication of Love In the Name of Christ Muskegon County 2735 E. Apple Avenue Suite A

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1 L VE LETTERS A bi-monthly publication of Love In the Name of Christ Muskegon County 2735 E. Apple Avenue Suite A Nov./Dec Transforming lives In the Name of Christ through the church As we look back on 2015 and the many changes that have taken place at Love INC, we are forever grateful to our donors and partners who believe in what we are doing and can see the transformations taking place. Our 2015 motto was Do Something...we put out the Do Something Challenge and our faithful volunteers and donors stepped up and made this a great year with lots of people serving Jesus by Doing Something. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, Don t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. We are incredibly blessed at Love INC for we are continuously telling God what this ministry that bears His Sons name needs and He has answered our prayers. We are so thankful for the way He blesses us! Thank You for Doing Something Well done my good and faithful servant...

2 Food Donations: 106 donations with a value of $44, Household Donations: 195 donations with a value of $39, Furniture Donations: 89 donations with a value to $28, Church Partnerships: 106 faithful churches that partner with us by sending volunteers, monetary gifts, monthly giving, pantry partner and host classes. Pantry Partners: Food Pantries: 2,559 families served Personal Care Pantries: 1,183 families served Baby Pantries: 212 families served Household Pantry: 117 families served Monetary Donations to Love INC from January 2015 thru October 2015: Individuals: $87, Churches: $38, Businesses: $26, Organizations: $40, We are so very thankful for these generous donors who keep our ministry open and ready to help our neighbors in need. We could not do what we do without your support! New Directions Programming: 805 classes were attended 14,080 total points were earned 3,100 points were saved to shop for Christmas presents in our store 170 families are actively participating in our programming Gas Cards: 2014 we issued (3) cards, in 2015 we issued (302) cards. Our class participants are able to purchase a gas card with the points they earned in class. We have (2) faithful donors who donate $40.00 and $90.00 to our transportation ministry every (2) weeks Meijer Simply Give awarded Love INC with $ 34,200 to help feed those who are hungry.

3 A great new project is circulating on the internet and a few very patient ladies decided to take on the challenge of getting comfy bedding to those that are homeless and sleeping on the ground. This awesome bed mat is made from plastic bags! It takes a thousand bags to make one bed mat but it does provide some cushion to someone who is sleeping on the bare ground. As they get them done, they bring them to us at Love INC and we find those living in the elements and get them a bed mat to sleep on. Our Northside Quilters are making sure our neighbors in need have a nice hand made quilt when they start out in their new home. These ladies spend much time and money with talents that are sewn in with love to each quilt donated. Thank You so much for thinking of Love INC and our neighbors in need with these wonderful quilts! The ladies at Lamb of God are busy working to get our first resource room opened for our neighbors actively participating in our classes and earning points to spend. We are so blessed the way they have embraced our programming and opened up their church to us.

4 Our earthly bodies are all created different, different colors, tones, textures...but inside we are all created the same. The inside is where Jesus can clean us up and fill us with more of Him. Our New Image class begins the transformation process where our friends learn about their personalities, quirks, strengths and weaknesses and goal setting. They are taught Ephesians 6:10 11; Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full amour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil s schemes. Romans 12:1-2 Paul tells us, And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

5 In all things we give thanks... My daughter, each other, and my car ~Alyssa That I can smile ~Tamia I m grateful for all the wonderful people who ve come into my life and taught me more about God and gave me encouragement towards my goals. ~Ellen I m grateful for a beautiful, sunshine day and the help. ~Duncan My family and my faith...that I woke up today. ~Jeannie We are grateful to have each other, our home, our basic needs met and a God who helps us and loves us. ~Jarradalan I m grateful everyday to be alive and for the ability to enjoy the little things that really count. I like my son of (3) picking me a beautiful flower. ~Jade The opportunity to make things right with God and my family. ~Ronnie I m grateful for my children, my health and my faith in God. ~Sandy I am thankful for the changing seasons and how God fits in and blesses us during all the changing seasons of our lives. ~Paula I am thankful for my families health. ~Sandy I am thankful that God has allowed me the blessings to be his hands and feet in Muskegon. ~Melissa All thanks be to Jesus for the way He is working through us as Love INC Romans 12:2 tells us, Don t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Our New Image class is doing just that...you are learning about you...why you think the way you do...and why we put our faith in Jesus We are reminded that we are not alone in our day to day struggles Philippians 4:13 we re told For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. This also tells us that we are not in this life alone...that He has a plan and we are to rely on Christ Jesus for our strength. We are going to face many challenges in this life and we are told it will not be easy. But we are also told not to worry Philippians 4:6, Don t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all he has done. But, the best promise comes from Jesus himself in the book of John John 16:33, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

6 Love Letters Nov/Dec 2015 Our New Directions Comprehensive Programming has been transformational...

7 It s not too late...join our team in many exciting volunteer opportunities available to help mentor and transform someone s life... A wonderful anonymous donor gave the gift of this devotional to all the participants who earned a certificate in our New Image program. How can you make an impact in the transformational process of someone s life? A wonderful couple has taught the New Image class 7 times since we began using this curriculum. They are going to be hosting a Christmas dinner and party for every single person who completed the class with them! This amazing couple is paying for a lovely catered dinner and arranging for special Christmas music and other spiritually uplifting readings for those in attendance to enjoy. The music is being provided by several of those who were in the classes. This couple told us that they felt so close to those who had been in the class and really wanted another way to help them celebrate their successes from working hard on changing themselves and their situations.

8 How can you help be part of the change and transformation process? How can you be part of this growing ministry? In Philippians 2:3-5 we re reminded, Don t be selfish; don t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. We look forward to having you join our team in How can you grow your heart... I know we don t want to be the Grinch or the modern day Pharisee. How can we grow our hearts 3 sizes like the Grinch? The bible is a great handbook to help us along our way. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:12, Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Jesus goes on in verse When Jesus heard this, he said, Healthy people don t need a doctor - sick people do. Then he added, Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners. By picking up our cross daily and following Jesus...our hearts will grow!

9 Donations made In Memory of: Margaret Kaley By: Martin & Pamela Kaley Matt & Cheryl Kaley Margaret Kaley By: Anonymous On behalf of our staff, volunteers, the board of directors and the neighbors we serve Merry Christmas and Have a safe and Happy New Year!

10 Board of Directors Our Staff Joe Singerling, President First Congregational Church Muskegon Casonda Brown-Oakes, V.P. Friendship Missionary Baptist Bruce Duiser, Treasurer Unity Reformed Church Matt McKinnon Fellowship Reformed Church Velma Shea Sacred Heart Catholic Church Dick Morgan, Secretary St. James Catholic Church, Montague Maureen Mussman Laketon Bethel Reformed Church Joel VanderWall Forest Park Covenant Church Executive Director: Matthew Kaley, St. James Catholic Church Clearinghouse Coordinator/Office Manager: Paula Scott-Stewart Laketon Bethel Reformed Church Administrative Assistant: Amy Martell New Beginnings Assembly of God Relational Ministries Coordinator: Melissa Brooks Kentwood Community Church YOU make a difference in the lives of people in need. Each need brought to Love INC represents an opportunity to connect with one of God s children, DONATE ONLINE Enclosed is my tax deductable gift of: $25 $50 $75 $100 $500 $1000 Other Name Address City State Zip Charge my gift circle one:: Credit Card Number Expiration Date Cardholder signature Security Code The above name and contact information is required for all credit card transactions Last 3 numbers on back of card My gift is in honor, memory, or celebration (please circle one) of: Please send notification of my tribute to: Mr./Mrs./Ms. Address City St Zip I/We want to become a prayer partner. Please send me the monthly Prayer Requests via US Mail Love INC of Muskegon County * 2735 E. Apple Ave. Suite A * Muskegon, MI *