A Love Story – Liberty, Missouri
When John and Mary came to Love INC of Clay County, in Liberty, Missouri, they were destitute and starving. John had lost his job at a local restaurant, and Mary had injured her back, leaving her temporarily unable to look for work. They were homeless, living in their car. They did not have money to buy anything they needed-not even the smallest bit of food.
"When John and Mary first came to us they had not eaten anything in quite some time and were desperately in need of food," said Linda Knouse, Love INC executive director. "The first thing we had to do was get them fed quickly. They needed some hot, nutritious meals right away." Love INC referred John and Mary to a partner church ministry that provided vouchers for hot meals from a local deli and market.
Once this urgent need for food had been met, Love INC made arrangements for short-term housing for John and Mary, and for several partnering food pantries to provide them with ongoing food until their situation stabilized.
With their most basic needs for food and shelter met, John was able to begin to focus on finding employment. Love INC gave John personal care items and clothing provided by partner churches and a thrift store. Now able to present himself with confidence and dignity, John began to interview for jobs referred by employment agencies that partner with Love INC. He was supported by the prayers and encouragement of Love INC staff. It was not long before he found a job that provided both a decent salary and benefits that would help him and Mary get back on their feet. A short time later, they were able to rent an apartment on their own. Love INC provided some furnishings for their home and new clothing for Mary once she was well enough to begin looking for employment herself.
Through caring Christians mobilized by Love INC, God met John and Mary's urgent physical needs, which opened up opportunities to help them move from hunger, homelessness, and despair to employment, housing, and hope for their future.