A Love Story – Allendale, Michigan
When Gail left addiction treatment, she faced a whole new set of challenges. She was in debt and recently separated from her husband, Max. She relocated to Allendale, Michigan, to be near her daughter, who suggested that Gail talk with a local pastor for advice and financial help. Gail recalled what the pastor told her, "If you need help, Love In the Name of Christ will help you."
By the time Gail contacted Love INC of Allendale she had reunited with her husband, but Max had challenges, too. His legal problems resulted in bills for court fees and lawyer services. Gail was working in a retail store, but Max was unemployed.
Love INC of Allendale brought area churches together to help Gail and Max build a new life. To meet their immediate needs, one church paid their car insurance while another church paid their rent, keeping them from being evicted and falling further behind.
Gail and Max then entered the Love INC Relational Ministry program and began getting regular help with their budgeting from a church volunteer trained by Love INC. But as much as the financial counseling was needed, it was the acceptance and friendship shown by the Love INC church volunteers that touched Gail and Max. "Anytime something went wrong, Love INC was there with counseling, prayer, and guidance," Gail said.
The couple worked not only on their financial and legal problems, but on their marriage relationship, and in the process they learned to seek God. "Through our experience with Love INC, Max turned his life over to Christ," Gail said. "I had been a believer, but not doing what I needed to do. Love INC was praying for me before I ever came to church. They were so accepting."
Through the coordination of Love INC of Allendale, seven different churches were involved in helping Gail and Max overcome their problems. They received provisions of furniture, clothing, and even a car. But it was the relationships formed, the new skills learned, and the love received by caring volunteers from the various churches that made all the difference. Today, Gail hopes to share the love God has shown her by donating her time to serve others through Love In the Name of Christ.