Annual Report 2011 | Page 3

Who would have thought that attending a community meeting almost a decade ago would lead to the ever-growing ministry we call Love INC? In March, 2004, Love INC of the Newberg Area opened with the mission to help churches help people. We started in a small office on First Street with the support of seven churches and two clearinghouse volunteers. Eight years later, Love INC of the Newberg Area is working with 43 churches, 104 agencies, organizations and businesses, 38 people in the clearinghouse and 2,768 volunteers in the community. Love INC has much to celebrate! Many people sign up through Love INC to help fill an unmet need in the community. Some make laundry detergent and others offer to host in the shelter or mentor an individual in the Relational Ministry Program. Lives are changed, no matter how or where a volunteer chooses to show God’s love. I believe that as Christians we are called to action. All of us can truly make a difference in the name of Christ. As we evaluate our daily walk, good questions to ask ourselves are: do my actions bring glory to God, and how can I make a difference today? It constantly amazes me when I think of the diverse gifts that God has given the people in our community. When we work together, everyone benefits. Whether it’s a kind word, a listening ear, raking leaves or filling a cavity, all can be used to change a life. I always say dream big and start little. The key word here is start. So many times we get stuck, unsure of what to do. Nothing gets done. If we just start, take a step and get out of our seat and in the street we will see Jesus. My hope for Love INC in the future is that every Christian moves to make a difference in the name of Christ. Polly Siler Executive Director, Love INC