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Dear ,
Thomas is a man whose interaction with others is limited by health problems. He suffers from diabetes, sleep disorders and a variety of other medical issues. He has had at least 14 surgeries in which everything was done from work on his gall bladder to the partial amputation of his leg. He does not get out much. As a result, Thomas finds his best link to the outside world is his computer. "The computer is my way of connecting and keeping my mind stimulated," he explains. This is what brought him to Love INC.
Our relationship with Thomas goes back to 2009 and continues to today. Some time ago a connection he had with Providence Hospital provided him with a computer. It served its purpose for a while but eventually it had issues that needed resolving. It was about that time that Thomas called Love INC. A volunteer went out and was able to resolve some of the problems. Time and use, however, once again had their effect on the computer and Thomas contacted us again to see if we could help. Love INC had received computers for the office through a generous contribution from a volunteer. As a result, we had a "new" computer we could give him. He was set for a while, but there have been times since then when volunteers have gone out to tinker and work on the system he has. They have labored to remove viruses and make the computer run better. Most recently, a team of two came to work on it. They were part of a ministry project called City Serve. This ministry, through ChangePoint, sent youth teams out on numerous projects over this last spring break. The adult and teen duo came over and did what they could to bring it back up to speed. "The two guys were very nice and helpful. One came back the next day and gave me a mouse pad," Thomas said.
Volunteers work hard to be God's hands and heart to the people they minister to. That is the whole mission of Love INC and it shows. Thomas feels they do a good job. "They are very understanding and compassionate and they care. They do it voluntarily because they have the love of God. " The people who helped Thomas were by no means experts in the field of computer technology. They just did what they could to support Thomas. Sometimes it just takes a willingness to help. Currently, Thomas has several pages of proverbs he has written and would love to make into a little booklet to share with others by way of encouragement. But arthritis and carpal tunnel make that difficult now. He also is challenged by the lack of a printer to make the booklet. If you know your way around a keyboard and would like to help Thomas make this possible, let the Love INC office know by either posting on our Facebook wall (Love INC -Anchorage) or calling the office.
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 | Love INC's Spotlight On Partner Churches |
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We enjoy taking the opportunity to introduce you to the partner churches of Love INC in this part of the newsletter. Every month we highlight a different partner church and give you a glimpse into what its body of believers is like. We want you to see how God uses churches of all shapes, sizes and styles to reach out to Anchorage.
In 2008 Chapel by the Sea became a partner church with Love INC. Chapel by the Sea is a nondenominational congregation located at 14730 Turnagain Bluff Way in Anchorage (345-4424). You can find them on the internet at www.chapelbythesea.com. Their pastoral staff includes Senior Pastor Tim Davis, Associate Pastor Ken Rosentrater and Youth Pastor Eric Kretschmer, chapeleric@gci.net.
Their mission statement reflects their heart and passion. "Through the study, teaching and preaching of God's Word, we exist to be a people equipped to grow in relationship with God, applying His love and truth to the physical and spiritual needs He brings to us: in our families, in our church, in our community, and in our world." Their church family reaches into the community through the following: PATHWAY Family Center, Parachutes, Crisis Pregnancy Center, Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Alaska Christian Ministry to Seafarers. Additionally they support numerous mission and outreach organizations both in Alaska and internationally.
Their way of partnering with Love INC is unique. Kretschmer describes how their youth work with us. "The Love INC ministry provides an opportunity for our youth group to show Christ's love to our community while also growing a heart for those in need within our community. Although this ministry fulfills physical needs to those we minister to, we always try to communicate to those we are helping that we are representing Christ, and many times are even allowed to pray with the clients before leaving."
The youth group does a variety of projects with us monthly. They help people move, deliver meals, care for shut-ins, clean and organize homes, conduct neighborhood food drives - as well as care for neighbors in many other ways. Their care has impacted countless lives.
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| New Opportunities in the Call Center
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Your chance to help...
It has been an amazing first-third of the year for the Clearinghouse. Many neighbors are being blessed with having needs met and systems are continually being built upon that will sustain organizational growth. Recently, a Thursday evening work time began. A Tuesday work night is scheduled to begin on May 2nd. These significant changes increase our availability dramatically to be better positioned to LOVE neighbors IN the NAME of CHRIST. With such growth comes a need for additional volunteer workers.
Below is a brief listing of current needs for all of our ministry times.
- First-Contact: (6) Answer incoming calls and listen compassionately to callers while gathering and recording vital information regarding neighbors' needs.
- Full-intakes: (9) By phone, gather and record vital information regarding neighbors' needs while ensuring needs are manageable and specific.
- Caseworkers: (2) review and analyze information gathered during intakes, resource needs and ensure they are manageable and specific.
- Volunteer Mobilizers: (3) coordinate acts of service, provide directions for volunteers and update records after service is performed.
- Closing: (1) close files and ensure data and hours are accurately entered into computer system.
- Voucher writer: (1) write vouchers so the mobilizer can find the appropriate volunteers.
- Follow-up: (2) contact both the volunteer and neighbor once the act of service is completed and ensure proper notes are recorded.
- General office: (2) assist staff with daily operations, including receiving/routing phone calls and helping with basic office activities.
- Annex organizers: (2) assist the donation coordinator in receiving, inventorying and organizing donations as needed.
Each need represents a 4 hour block of time either Monday and Wednesday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, or Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Please call 274-LOVE (5683) if you would like to learn more about these exciting opportunities.
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How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 36:7
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