Dear Co-Workers for Christ:

As we work to share God’s love, care, grace, and mercy with those who come into our churches for assistance - whether with a spiritual need, or with needs for assistance with food, rent, or other bills - we have a great privilege that we share. According to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, whenever we help those that society may deem to be “the least of these”, we are actually extending ourselves to Jesus.

There are times when the needs that come our way are pretty overwhelming… when we would truly like to do more, but know that we - practically speaking - can not. That is where the Body of Christ in Pierce County comes in, and that’s where Love INC gives such great help.

Love INC has been an important partner in RVCC’s benevolence ministries for the past couple of years. Love INC’s “clearinghouse” style of ministry has been a great benefit, not only to me and our congregation, but - more importantly - to those who come in or call from the community for assistance. As Love INC works with those who call them for help, they work to unite the Church - the Body of Christ - in practical, helpful, and life changing ways on behalf of “the least of these.”

There have been many times when we as a congregation could not possibly help a person with all of their need. But, through the work of Love INC, we were able to join with other Churches (and even secular agencies) in Pierce County to meet the person’s need. What a wonderfully practical and tangible demonstration of God’s deep love and care to those who come to us for help.

Another practical help that Love INC provides is their research into the needs that people ask help for. There have always been those who would seek to take advantage of the Church’s compassion with false, or at least exaggerated, stories of need. Love INC’s volunteers follow up on all the requests that come their way to make sure that the needs truly exist. They also ask the “tough questions” about why this need has come about, how often it comes about and what can be done to turn things around. It’s a practical living out of the “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day - Teach him to fish, and he eats for a lifetime” philosophy.

I can’t recommend the ministry of Love INC more highly. I encourage you to consider partnering with Love INC and joining in this movement of God in Pierce County.

Because of Jesus,

Paul

Paul C. Dawson
Pastor of Member Care & Counseling
Rainier View Christian Church