When Rebecca, a young mother of three children, had to leave an abusive situation in an emergency, she moved into a low-income apartment with nothing but a mattress, kitchen table and chairs.
She was working hard to pay the landlord for the security deposit when her car broke down. Needing the car to remain employed, Rebecca found herself unable to keep up with the additional, unexpected bills.
When she called Love INC she was about to send her children, ages 11, 8 and 5, to live with their grandmother because she couldn't adequately provide for their needs. We did an intake and then made calls on her behalf to our network of churches. Three of them rallied around this young family and church members supplied groceries, household supplies and gift certificates for the children. Our network partner, Heavenly Treasures in Lomita, provided a bed, sofa and a small microwave oven.
Most importantly, Love INC's church volunteers visited with Rebecca and her kids, building a special relationship.
"I had grown up resenting the church," said Rebecca. "Because I was bitter, I would send my children to church and wait outside in the parking lot to pick them up. One night I heard one of my kids pray, "God, please have my mommy step inside the church."
Rebecca's mother had been praying the same prayer for her daughter.
Because of the love shown to Rebecca by caring Christians during a time of need, Rebecca's life has been transformed. Not only did her living circumstances improve, she now attends church and has given her heart to Christ.