Every client’s relationship with Love INC begins in the Clearinghouse. Typically a Receptionist is the first point of contact, and then depending on the situation, the client is transferred into the care of a different volunteer or set of volunteers. Occasionally, however, a client’s situation warrants close contact over a period of time, and when this happens, the Clearinghouse Coordinator is the person who is caring for the client.

This Love Story is written by the Clearinghouse Coordinator. She shares the transformation she has witnessed in his life, by showing him Love In the Name of Christ over an extended period of time. 

​Larry called the Clearinghouse at the end of his rope.  He needed help with food, bills, and transportation. A volunteer in the Clearinghouse took the time to listen to his story and pray with him. Larry was a victim of identity fraud. He lost a lot of money and was now dependent on the disability he received monthly.

Recently, he once again fell victim to fraud.  He didn’t know where to turn or what to do.

As the Clearinghouse Coordinator, I started speaking to Larry as we tried to come up with ideas of how to help him.  He had no transportation, no way to get anywhere.

But God. God steps in when no one else will. I gave Larry a couple food banks to call to see if they deliver food. Grace Tabernacle doesn’t usually deliver food, but after hearing Larry’s story, they brought food to his house.

In spite of the care being shown for him, Larry felt like no one cared about him. One day, while on the phone with one of our volunteers, he threatened to kill himself.  So I called the police to do a wellness check. They went out and visited with him. They decided not to Baker Act him at that time (If you are unfamiliar with the Baker Act, click here to learn more). He called us after this and asked why we called for the wellness check and I explained to him it is because we care. Also, the two officers who performed the wellness check with him came back another day and checked on him again. This communicated to Larry that he does have people who care about him.

I continued to speak with him and pray with him each week. We discussed getting him into counseling and some other ideas to help him, such as selling his house and moving to a place more affordable. He continued to be on the verge of suicide, just not suicidal. A couple weeks ago, he called the Suicide Hotline and they called the police on him. This time he was Baker Acted. He was put into a facility for a couple days.

Joyfully, this was the turning point for Larry. This facility helped him. He saw a counselor that he could talk to. He was put in medication to help with his depression. His life circumstances are the same as they were before, but now he’s able to get through it. God didn’t calm the storm, He calmed Larry within the storm. When I spoke with Larry after, he was thinking about going to church that weekend to thank God for all He’s done.

Larry still needs a lot of prayer.  But God is working in His life and we will continue to walk alongside him.

YOUR generous donations allow these kinds of relationships to flourish. Lives transform because of your investment in Love INC.