Love Inc.

Loving your neighbors, feeding the poor, caring for the sick and befriending the lonely have been basic religious tenets for thousands of years. But finding ways to deal with some of today's modern needs has become a stumbling block for many churches as those needs become more and more complex.

Churches, government-sponsored social agencies and community organizations do a great deal to help those who, for one reason or another, find themselves in dire straits. But the cracks in the system are still too wide for a good many individuals and families who are down and out.

For a quarter of a century, one national organization has recognized the power of joining forces to meet these needs on a community-by-community basis. This group is Love in the Name of Christ, or Love Inc. By encouraging local groups to work together and train volunteers, Love Inc. has helped countless individuals in the 120 community where it operates.

Now a Love Inc. group is being developed in Cape Girardeau, thanks in large part to organizations like United Way of Southeast Missouri and the interest of church leaders like the Rev. Paul Short, pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Through Love Inc., a network of volunteers will be trained to assess needs at they arise and to help individuals find the right resources that can help.

Churches and other agencies routinely help the needy in so many ways, but there are times when one church's resources don't match the problem at hand. With Love Inc., participating churches and agencies will be able to turn to each other for assistance.

In addition to providing better resources when needs arise, Love Inc. will also bring congregations together in ways that are mutually beneficial to the community. Those who have done the legwork to get Love Inc. started in Cape Girardeau are to be commended for their efforts.