Written By Jim Holmlund, Executive Director of Love INC Heartland
A few years ago, I heard a simple story that has stayed with me. A neighborhood was facing a long, cold winter. One family needed firewood. Another needed groceries. An elderly neighbor needed help clearing snow. A young mom was trying to find work while caring for her children.
One church wanted to help. Then another church heard about the need. Then another.
One had people who could deliver firewood. Another had a small food pantry. Someone knew a business willing to offer a job interview. Others simply showed up to shovel snow and sit at a kitchen table with a neighbor who needed someone to listen.
No single church could do everything. But together, they could do far more than any one of them could do alone. That picture captures much of what I love about Love INC Heartland.
Our vision is to see Christian churches united in purpose and fully engaged in actively living out their faith by lovingly serving people in need in their communities.
We believe the local church is uniquely positioned to bring hope to the people right outside its doors. And when churches work together, something beautiful happens.
Needs are met—but relationships are built, too.
At Love INC Heartland, we don’t want to simply hand someone what they need today and send them on their way. We believe in what we call Redemptive Compassion®: coming alongside people with dignity, compassion and genuine relationship, while encouraging steps toward greater stability and independence.
Sometimes that looks like:
- Listening ears and a calm prayer when we answer our phone.
- A warm meal and conversation around a table at our Fresh Start Program.
- Bright smiles from volunteers helping customers shop in our stores.
Sometimes it is as simple as someone saying, “You are not alone. We’re glad you’re here.”
And through those relationships, we have the opportunity to share something even more important than practical help: the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
That is why our mission is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ (INC).
We aren’t the ones doing it all. Our role is to bring people together—to connect churches, volunteers, donors and community partners so the body of Christ can serve together.
A donation to Love INC Heartland doesn’t just support an organization. It helps create opportunities for churches to live out their calling. It helps put caring people in the right place at the right time and creates space for relationships where trust can grow and hope can be restored.
As we enter this season of giving, I invite you to think about the vision God has given us for our communities: churches united, people cared for, lives transformed, and the love of Christ made visible through action.
Would you prayerfully consider making a gift to Love INC Heartland this year?
Your generosity helps us continue bringing churches together and creating opportunities for our neighbors to experience practical help, meaningful relationships and the hope of Christ.
Thank you for believing in what can happen when we choose to serve together. There is so much more we can do when we don’t do it alone.
With Gratitude,
Jim Holmlund
Executive Director, Love INC Heartland
