Contact

Growing a Heart For All People

by | Jun 13, 2019 | Stories of Transformation | 1 comment

Growing a heart for all people
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

When Hector Ocasio joined the team at Love INC in Hudsonville as the Warehouse Manager, he brought with him ministry experience and a huge heart for God. Hector believes that God is continuously at work in our lives; as we are molded more and more into His Image. However, he had no idea, of how God would use an individual at Love INC to push Hector to have fresh eyes for all of God’s people.

Growing up, Hector did not meet many people with cognitive disabilities. When he did encounter an individual, he kept a distance for fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. Hector believed that it was better to let the trained professionals work with people who were challenged with disabilities. He didn’t want those with disabilities to read his uncomfortableness and feel judged. He believed himself to be unequipped to understand.

Then Hector came to Love INC and met Jesse, a volunteer in the warehouse.
According to Hector, “When I first started at Love INC, I thought I had to micromanage Jesse because of his disability.” Hector soon learned that Jesse did not require micromanagement.

“Jesse may experience challenges in life, but that never stops him from achieving his goals. I was humbled by the realization that Jesse didn’t need my pity, he was self-motivated. instead, I want to help him achieve even more and help with the challenges he faces. God has shown me that Jesse is perfect just the way he is, we are all equal. It doesn’t matter if I have a disability or not. Jesse has humbled me tremendously, and I will never stop showing him that I care and love him just the way he is.”

The beautiful story of how God carefully led Hector to understand and learn how to love Jesse is a reminder to all of us. God calls us to step out of our comfort zone and meet people who are not exactly like us. Because Hector was put into a situation of leading someone with disabilities, he discovered a new heart and understanding.
“I wish I had built the relationship with Jesse years ago. I would have been equipped to befriend individuals with a disability. I am glad God has shown me through Jesse how not to be afraid to help and guide people with disability.”

It is never too late to ask God to show you where you need stretching when it comes to having a heart for all people. For Hector, it came as a gentle nudge and a new friend to realize the fear of the unknown is not an excuse to stepping out and meeting people who are not the same as himself.
May God bless each of us with a person like Jesse, who teaches us the beauty of God’s creative heart!

Every Person is an image bearer of god and therefore has dignity.

Hector and Jesse, cruising around at Love INC.

 

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.