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
We Need Your Time
Volunteer with us loveincheartland.org/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.