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Shining God’s Light Into the Darkness

by | Aug 2, 2016 | Stories of Transformation

Love Restored

During prayer request time in one of our Life Skills classes, a new member raised her hand. Her husband was leaving her for another woman. Heartbroken, but willing to forgive, she requested prayer for her marriage; in the end, her husband resolved to end the marriage.

As is often the case, the children pay a significant price in these situations. The daughter in this family was dramatically impacted by the separation and impending divorce. She dropped out of sports and hobbies and she grew angry, insolent and depressed.

The daughter was invited to participate as a volunteer in an area of a Love In the Name of Christ ministry that restores old broken items and re-purposes them to new purpose and beauty – Love Restored. She found a mentor in a mature Christian woman who showed her love and mercy. Her broken and tender heart is now slowly mending.

This is just one example of how Love In the Name of Christ has been shining God’s light into the darkness in our community for over 30 years.

It’s quite incredible that all of this happens almost every day, and every week, by diligent volunteers who embody our diligence core value.

Not only is there a large variety of “things to do,” but also a deep investment by those who say yes to volunteering. Most volunteers serve weekly, some even daily, spending hundreds of hours donating the gift many of us hold most tightly – the gift of time.

In 2023 alone, 420 volunteers invested 49,120 hours – a value of $1.5 million! 

Our core mission is to love, serve and connect with dignity as we follow Jesus Christ closely, watching how he transforms lives – and we often highlight the transformation happening through our Life Skills Program.

What we often forget to highlight is that God is also transforming lives through volunteerism, giving community members purpose, friendship, creativity, and belonging. Here at Love, we believe everyone has something to offer.

If you are a volunteer, at Love Your Neighbor or elsewhere, thank you for this priceless gift!

Check out this volunteer video to learn more about volunteering at Love Your Neighbor.