Christian group helps people in need make a change

Christians in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area have an opportunity to make a change in people's lives through Love INC (In the Name of Christ).

Love INC began in 1977 in Holland, Mich. Currently, 130 local church networks in 30 states make up the organization. Nationally more than 8,000 congregations participate. It is truly ecumenical. It brings different denominations, races and all walks of life together in service.

"It's an opportunity to change this community and change the people in the community and doing it through love," said Kaye Hood, chairman of the board of Love INC for Southeast Missouri.

A few years ago, local representatives from different churches and social service organizations began looking into setting up a Love INC office in the Cape-Jackson area. After researching Love INC's model, attending forums and conventions, and laying the groundwork, Love INC is about to open. It will be introduced to the community at an open house Monday.

Love INC is just getting off the ground. It is still finalizing plans for an office location and is in he process of hiring an executive director. It is funded by the United Way and from continued local church support. Future support may involve applying for grants, the board says.

Once it gets going, the board members say, LOVE INC will become a coordinating agency to link people in need with other people who are in a position to give them a helping hand -- not just a temporary handout. For example:

• People who have medical needs but don't qualify for Medicare/Medicaid can be hooked up with a doctor or nurse who, through a participating church or office, agrees to treat the person's condition.
• A low-income homeowner might need home repairs that a carpenter or plumber from another church willingly provides.
• A struggling single parent might need support that a church group can offer. She might need transportation or day care so she can work or train for a job.

Love INC serves as a clearinghouse to coordinate the needs with the solution.

"There are a lot of opportunities to take advantage of gifts and skills congregation members have to offer," said board member John McGowan of Mers-Goodwill. "It gives them an opportunity to give back and to use those skills to help those in need."

Love INC takes a helping approach that goes beyond a temporary fix.

The new agency will help "individuals become the feet, hands and arms of Jesus for people," said the Rev. Paul Short of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, a board member.

People who might come now to a church asking for assistance will be referred to Love INC, which will verify the need and match the individual or family to the most appropriate sources of help. If someone has a utility bill he can't pay, Love INC will not only help with the bill, but will also work with the person to determine why he can't pay the bill, finding the cause whether it is a job, weatherizing a drafty house or instruction in managing a budget.

It's an example of what President Bush has called for, more faith-based efforts in helping people in need.

"The government started the war on poverty, and it hasn't changed anything over the years," Hood sad. "Years ago churches always took care of people and the community. The government took over and churches backed away. It's time the churches mobilized."

Despite the government's efforts, added McGowan, poverty guidelines have not kept up with inflation.

"The government is throwing money at the problem and not made any progress," he said.

Love INC is set up to go beyond just throwing money at a problem. After solving a family's most immediate needs, Hood said, Love INC then goes on to establish a relationship with the family and will work with them for as long as it takes. The hope is that the family will become part of the family of Christ as a result of their connection to Love INC.

"The whole purpose is to show love of Christ though service," said board member Denise Wimp, director of First Call for Help. "We're reaching people through service and showing love of Christ."

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246