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
Give A Gift
We Need Your Time
Volunteer with us loveincheartland.org/volunteer/
Volunteer
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.
Mar 31, 2025
For over 20 years, Love In the Name of Christ Heartland (Love INC Heartland) has been dedicated to transforming lives and communities In the Name of Christ.
We have grown to partner with 30 local churches to serve 15 Minnesota communities, including Delano, Howard Lake, Montrose, and Rockford. Through our impactful initiatives, we operate two thrift stores, provide assistance through our Connection Center helpline, and offer free life skills classes via our Fresh Start Program—helping individuals and families break free from hardship and build a brighter future.
Expanding Our Mission + Impact
Over the past three years, we’ve taken strategic steps to increase our brand awareness and expand our outreach efforts:
- Installed new exterior store and office signage featuring our updated logo.
- Refreshed local news releases, business listings, and community partnerships.
- And much more!
As we continue spreading the word about Love INC Heartland, we see God’s work through our ministry. The impact has been extraordinary:
- Our Needs Met* has increased by 100% over the past two years.
- Our Fresh Start Program* class sessions have nearly doubled.
- More families and individuals are finding hope, restoration, and community support.
Be Part of the Growth—Support & Stay Connected!
We invite you to be part of this journey. Support our mission, volunteer, donate, and stay engaged with our growing community. Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events, success stories, and ways to get involved:
*Read more success stories and statistics in our 2024 Annual Report.
Dec 18, 2023
Jim Holmlund Executive Director, Love INC Heartland
More Than A Thrift Store
Written By Jim Holmlund
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
I have been at Love In the Name of Christ for over two years. When I first arrived here, I sensed we had a big, bright light to share with the rest of the world. We had a story to tell, and people wanted to hear it. A story that if people heard, they would rally to our mission. However, circumstances of life and a pandemic put a cover over that light. The work still went on, but the message began to fade.
The passage above comes from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. I bet that was a happy time for Him. His ministry was blossoming, and He had all these people there who wanted to be fed some solid spiritual food. The old system of sacrifices and penance to earn forgiveness did not change people’s hearts. The acts of self-justification were filled with selfishness and arrogance and were empty of truth and relationship.
Then Jesus tells his people, “You are the light of the world.” He tells them to stand up and be seen. Let the world see your light and take off the lampshade so the world can see your deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. I like to think that we are a reflection of Jesus’ light, and at Love INC Heartland we share that light.
Will you help us continue to share the Light of Jesus? Donate any amount today.
At Love In the Name of Christ we are telling our story. I often hear… “Oh, you are the Thrift Store People”… That is when I smile and say, “Oh, we are much more than a thrift store!”
At Love In the Name of Christ, we change lives.
People come to us in a financial crisis and leave us with the truth of Jesus. We connect our neighbors in need with the gifts of God’s church. Sometimes, that is in the form of meeting material needs, such as diapers for their baby, bedding, clothing, car repair, or personal care items. We provide material goods to soften the crisis until we can build relationships with them and join them in their struggle.
We can only speak the truth of Jesus to people if we are willing to build relationships with them.
We need your help growing this ministry to build relationships with the neighbors we help. Consider giving any amount of $25, $50, $175, $550, or more today.
You see, this ministry is about relationships with people. Relationships take time to build. When you support Love INC with your time, talents, and financial resources, you create more opportunities for us to connect and build relationships with people in difficult financial situations.
Jesus stood on the side of that mountain, giving the world something they had never encountered before. He laid the foundation for His grace, love, and desire to be close to his people. He shared radical ideas like loving your enemy, turning the other cheek, stopping worrying, and judging others. He invites us to ask, seek, and knock, and the Father will provide all we need.
At Love In the Name of Christ, we help alleviate poverty in a way at which the current social climate would scoff. We not only share material goods with the financially marginalized…We invest in them as people. We are bold enough to ask them the radical question….” What do you have?”
The God of the universe doesn’t make junk, and all people have gifts and talents to offer. We are brave enough to tell those in financial need, “We want to help you see and use your gifts and talents!!!”
Will you support us while we let Jesus work His transformational change in people? Donate any amount today.
It is hard for people to see change in their lives when they do not fully understand their value. That is Jesus’ message to us: I love you enough to tell you forgiving yourself and forgiving others is key in your life. I love you enough to die on the cross and take your sins on my shoulders. I love you enough to say, “I forgive you.” I love you enough to tell you that you have value. This was Jesus’ message to us in that sermon, His ministry, and His Resurrection. I love the resurrection power!!
Our mission is really that simple. We tell people they are loved and that they have value. We remind them Jesus knows their value. We walk beside them until that relationship can be restored. We help people move from darkness to the light.
These are the good deeds we strive for at Love In the Name of Christ. These are the things I want to put on the lampstand and let our light shine to the world. These are the things that show who Jesus is to the world.
We need your financial support! Give any amount of $25, $50, $175, $550, or more today.
Love In the Name of Christ Heartland needs $30,000 to balance our budget in 2023. When you support Love In the Name of Christ, you support the mission field in your community. We are often the only Jesus with whom people come into contact. People in need are willing to ask, and we are eager to share.
I encourage you to help the ministry of Love INC Heartland to stay financially strong. Our work is vital to helping people make transformational change in our communities. Help us help people make the type of change only the Resurrected Lord of the Universe can make.
In Christ,
Jim Holmlund
Executive Director – Love INC Heartland
763-972-6547 | info@loveincheartland.org
P.S. Year-end is an important time for our ministry. There are so many people we can serve with your help. Please consider a generous donation of $25, $50, $100, $250, or more by December 31, 2023. Donations can be made online at www.LoveINCHeartland.org/donate or by mailing a check to:
Love INC Heartland
PO Box 143
Delano, MN 55328
