A Love Story – Santa Cruz, California
When Rebecca, a young mother of three children in Aptos, California, had to leave an abusive living situation in an emergency, she moved into a low-income apartment with nothing but a mattress, a kitchen table, and chairs. She was working hard to pay the landlord for the security deposit when her car broke down. Needing to repair the car in order to get to her job, Rebecca found herself unable to keep up with the additional, unexpected bills. When Rebecca called Love INC of Santa Cruz County, she was ready to send her children, ages 11, 9, and 7, to live with their grandmother because she couldn't adequately provide for their needs.
Through Love In the Name of Christ, three churches rallied around this young family. Church members supplied groceries, household supplies, furniture, toys, and wood for the fireplace. Another community organization contributed gift certificates for the children. And, most importantly, 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 just before I called Love INC, I heard one of my children pray, ‘God, please have my mommy step inside the church.'" Rebecca's mother had been praying the same prayer for her daughter for many years.
Because of the love shown to Rebecca by caring Christians during a season of need, Rebecca's life was transformed. Not only did her living circumstances improve, she now attends church and has given her heart to Christ. Rebecca gladly shares her story with others of how she was touched by the love of God.