Tri-County Love INC Managing Your Money celebration held
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 11:14 AM PST
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| Members of the Tri-County Love INC Managing Your Money class. |
Ontario — Twelve families spent the past eight weeks at Ontario Nazarene Church learning biblical principles of managing their money through Tri-County Love INC, a Christian ministry network of 30 churches who serve local families in need.
Through this class families reduced their unsecured debt by $4,000, saved $2,000 and paid off six bills/credit cards to a $0 balance.
To assist them in this debt reduction, “Gap Ministries,” which are goods and services (auto oil changes, food, furniture, gas, meat, haircuts, personal hygiene items, etc.) are utilized from area churches and Christian volunteers.
For example, New Plymouth Nazarene did 17 oil changes, Calvary Chapel, Ontario, and its host of volunteers, delivered 40 boxes of food and 450 pounds of meat, Bethany Presbyterian delivered 20 personal hygiene bags and children’s coats and Christian Life Fellowship assisted with clothing. In all, 176 referrals were made to12 churches/hundreds of volunteers for these goods and services totalling a value of $6,400.
“I am honored to be a part of this class and learn how to better manage not only my money but make better decisions in every part of my life. My marriage is stronger, I didn’t lose my house and my children are also learning along with us. I am now much happier,” one participant said. Participants were matched with budget mentors who kept them accountable as they offered encouragement and support. Pastor Bill Williams, Sunrise Christian Church, presented each participant with a new Bible at the celebration.
“Thank you to the entire team of leaders, mentors, volunteers, churches with gap ministries, children’s volunteers and donors,” Kim Wilson, Love INC executive director, said. “Our community responded to the needs of the people, and it made a difference in their lives. This Christ-centered program frees people from the tyranny of bondage and gives them hope. The lasting difference is Christ. That’s why the program works.”
