Oct 10, 2025
Director’s Note: Our Daily Prayer
Written by Jim Holmlund, Executive Director of Love INC Heartland
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9–11 NIV
These verses come at the end of Paul’s message in Philippians 1, where he expresses his deep affection for the believers in Philippi. What compels me to share them with you today is that this is the same prayer we pray at Love INC Heartland every day. We pray that our love would abound, and that our knowledge and depth of insight would grow—so that we may clearly discern how and where the Lord is leading us.
This pursuit of knowledge and insight is vital to our mission. Whether we are walking alongside a neighbor in need, strengthening a relationship with a local church, or engaging a community partner, we must take the time to understand how to best serve in each unique relationship.
Our mission states that we mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ (INC). There can be no transformation, no mobilization, and no healthy relationships if our focus is only inward. Every neighbor, every church, every volunteer, and every organization we work with is different and special in their own way. Engaging these relationships “pure and blameless” requires deep discernment—discernment that only comes through prayer and a humble reliance on Jesus.
One of the characteristics of Jesus that continually draws me closer to Him is the way He met people where they were. He entered into people’s brokenness with compassion and truth. His presence brought comfort because His love was genuine and overflowing. Can you imagine what it will feel like to stand in His presence one day?
We know that, in our brokenness, we will never know all that Jesus knows. We make mistakes and fall short. Yet I am confident that the people of Love INC Heartland seek to be like Christ—to meet people where they are and offer them a glimpse of the hope that only Jesus can truly give.
We know only Jesus transforms.
We know only Jesus mobilizes.
And we invite you to be part of this work that He is doing through Love INC Heartland.
- Consider *Iris. After completing a 12-week Fresh Start Program session, she shared how important the weekly meals were. Those meals—provided by local churches—created space for fellowship, laughter, and encouragement.
- Or *Hank. He had a checkered past and had spent time in prison. When his car broke down, he called Love INC. After speaking with our Family Advocate and praying together, Hank called back a few days later. He’d found a way to fix his car himself. What he really needed was someone to listen—and to remind him that God still cares.
- Then there’s *Betty, who came to us feeling sad and hopeless. Her family was worried about her. After several weeks in Affirming Potential, one of our Fresh Start Program classes, her family noticed a difference. “They said I looked happier,” she shared. “I’m so glad they noticed.”
- And *Susie. At first, she wanted nothing to do with Fresh Start Program. “It’s not for me,” she said. But the Lord had other plans. Just before classes began, she felt led to enroll—and now she shares how much it’s helping her grow.
These are just a few of the stories we see God writing every week.
Would you consider joining us in this ministry—through your prayers, your time, or your financial support—so that more lives can be touched and transformed by the love of Jesus? Together, we can continue to see love abound, insight deepen, and hearts renewed.
With gratitude,
Jim Holmlund
Executive Director, Love INC Heartland
*Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.
Walk Our Daily Prayer
We Need Your Prayer
Please pray for our staff, volunteers, and neighbors in need as we continue to follow God’s leading.
We Need Your Financial Support
Give online www.loveincheartland.org/donate/ or send a check to:
Love INC Heartland
PO Box 143
Delano, MN 55328
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We Need Your Time
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Acts of Love: January-September
As of September 30, 2025
- 1,684 Requests
- 2,425 Needs Met
- 5,536 Volunteer Hours
- $45,700 Gifts Given
Requests: Asks for help made to the Connection Center or Fresh Start Program.
Needs Met: The number of people helped from requests made to the Connection Center or Fresh Start Program. For example, one request could meet the needs of four people in a family.
Gifts Given: The value of gifts given to families and individuals active with Love INC Heartland. Gifts are given through Gap Ministries or Fresh Start Program. A few examples of Gifts are gas cards, diapers, and clothing/furniture vouchers.
Volunteer Hours: Logged time of volunteers from all areas of the Love INC Heartland ministry– Connection Center, Fresh Start Program, Board of Directors, Gap Ministries, Thrift Store, fundraising events, bookkeeping, and more.
Fresh Start Program: January-September
As of September 30, 2025
- 12 Fresh Start Program Mentor Meetings
- 1,381 Fresh Start Program Volunteer Hours
- 90 Fresh Start Program Class Sessions
Fresh Start Mentor Meetings: One-on-one meetings with a volunteer.
Fresh Start Volunteer Hours: Amount of time a volunteer has donated to Fresh Start Program.
Fresh Start Class Sessions: Each individual class.
Sep 9, 2025
Thank you for your faithful support and ongoing partnership with our ministry!
Because of you, Love INC Heartland is able to unite local churches to meet real needs and share Christ’s love with our neighbors. As the warmth of summer gives way to the cooler, cozier days of autumn, we’re reminded of the natural rhythm of change and new beginnings. Just as the seasons shift, we have opportunities to step into fresh ways of serving and growing together. This fall, we invite you to fall into action with Love INC Heartland by joining us in practical and meaningful ways—whether through prayer, volunteering, financial giving, or simply spreading the word about our mission in your community.
Pray For Love In the Name of Christ National Gathering
At this year’s Gathering, we’ll explore how God’s grace shows up at these intersections of life—through the cross, our calling, everyday encounters, and in life’s challenges. Together, we’ll turn to Scripture, reflection, and testimony to see how Christ meets us where we are, invites us into deeper relationship, and calls us to be present in the lives of others right where our paths meet. Because these moments are where the Church shines brightest: leaning in, walking alongside, and reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Love INC affiliates will unite together on September 23-25, 2025, to worship, be inspired by insightful keynote speakers, explore dozens of in-depth workshops, and experience meaningful connections with others in the Movement. Please pray for the Love INC Heartland team as we get ready to attend.
Gratitude For Back To School Bash Gap Ministry
Through partnership with WestPointe Church, over 50 students are beginning their school year with new backpacks and supplies—special thanks to everyone who donated financially to support this community effort.
Would you like to partner with us as a church, individual, or local business? Let us know at info@loveincheartland.org or call our main office 763-972-6547
Meaningful Meals At Fresh Start Program
Over 35 adults and 15 children are part of our Fresh Start Program! Mealtime offers a meaningful way to connect and grow together as a community. Will you support this growing community? You can serve a meal or pray for the Fresh Start Program today: bit.ly/fsmealtrain
Shop Weekly Sales In Our Love INC Heartland Thrift Stores
We have two Love INC Heartland Thrift Stores! One is located in Delano, Minnesota, and one is located in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Sales from our thrift stores support our mission and ministry and allow us to provide services, programs, and resources (like clothing or furniture vouchers) to those in need.
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May 12, 2025
Love In the Name of Christ Heartland and The Highlands Church hosted a Spring Oil Change Event back in April. This event created a meaningful opportunity to offer something for free, encourage accountability, and extend compassionate grace.
The Oil Change Event is a Gap Ministry of The Highlands Church, in partnership with Love INC Heartland. In short, a Gap Ministry is a service that “fills a gap” within our communities—providing support for neighbors experiencing hardship. Participants in the Oil Change Gap Ministry are individuals or families actively receiving assistance from Love INC Heartland.
Something for Free
Who says, “You never get anything for free,” or “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”? Maybe—just maybe—if you do your part, there’s a chance to receive both a service and lunch at no cost.
Absolute Automotive Services in Delano, owned and operated by Chad Skartvedt, along with a team of volunteers from The Highlands Church, provided free oil changes, fresh coffee, and delicious bakery items. Together, they completed 22 oil changes!
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. — Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Something to Be Accountable For
To participate in this Gap Ministry event and receive a free oil change, participants were asked to:
- Sign up
- Drop off a deposit to hold their spot
- Arrive five minutes before their scheduled time. (Their deposit was returned at check-in.)
We expect people to be active participants in receiving services and support from Love INC Heartland and our church partners’ Gap Ministries.
We believe in offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out—a step toward independence and away from dependence. Our goal is to empower individuals to problem-solve and make thoughtful decisions about their unique situations.
A Moment of Compassion
Chad received a call from one of our Love INC families. The woman explained she would be late due to a domestic issue involving her children. Chad told her he would work her in and thanked her for calling. He extended grace and compassion.
One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. — Proverbs 22:11 NIV
She remained responsible despite the circumstances, and by sharing her situation, she was met with prayer and support during a difficult time. Her communication showed character and resilience, embodying the expectation we have: to stay in touch and reach out if problems arise.
Tears still on her cheeks, she arrived about an hour late. The volunteers welcomed her and got her car into the service stall shortly after. Praise the Lord for His timing, as there was an opening available just when she arrived, sparing her from further delay.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16 NIV
“You never get anything for free” and “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” might seem true—but the gift is free because someone (Chad and his volunteers) invested their time and resources: the oil change, the coffee, and the donuts.
This oil change came at no cost to the recipient, thanks to the generosity and hard work of others. In return, the participants were asked to be accountable—by signing up and showing up. Each one left with a grateful heart, a cared-for car, and a full stomach.
At the Oil Change Event, Chad and his volunteers invested in others—demonstrating their faith through action and serving with love, In the Name of Christ.
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