Joe Besenjak
 Executive Director
 Love INC Lake County Southwest

September 2011

Dear Friends,

What a joy it to be able to say, Happy Birthday, Love INC Lake County Southwest!

We opened our clearinghouse in Wauconda on September 7th, 2010. A whole year ago! Of course, a part of me says, "A year...already? Where did the time go?" And another part says, "It's only been a year? But so much has happened!"

I'm truly thankful that God has a much better handle on timing than I do. No matter how impatient I may have been in the last year, about so many things, God's timing rules! No matter how you look at it, God has done a lot with His humble servants at Love INC Lake County Southwest in just a year's time. Here are just a few highlights of year 1:

• • More than 850 calls from people in need came in to the clearinghouse
• • Over 500 needs among local individuals and families have been met
• • 5000+ hours have been logged by amazing volunteers from our partner churches
• • Approximately 400 pieces of furniture and appliances have been donated, then given to people in need
• • Our roster of partner churches has grown from 6 to 17
• • The list of Lake County agencies we work with has grown exponentially
• • People have been served physically, emotionally and spiritually
• • Rides have been given, prayers have been prayed, school supplies delivered, a birthday party was given, a handicap ramp was built
• • Churches are working together to accomplish things they could not have done working alone
• • God has shown up over, and over, and over...He is always faithful to our ministry and those we serve
• • The list of things God has done through Love INC Lake County SW in just a single year could go on for page after page!

One of the biggest blessings to us has been the opportunity to work with and learn from the veteran Love INC affiliate in Lake County, that now serves primarily the northeast quadrant of the county. Their Executive Director (Spark Ball) and their Clearinghouse Coordinator (Jacqui Franclemont), as well as the rest of their team have all been amazing friends to us.

But what comes most clearly to mind when I reflect on our sister Love INC affiliate in Zion is the fact that they've been serving Lake County for some 18 years. Wow! And I'm excited about 1 year! One thing that has been constantly on my mind as I have humbly led our affiliate in the last year, is the feeling that we're building for the future; that God has a long-term plan for His work through this ministry. So, I don't know where we will all be in 17 years (when this affiliate is the same age as the Zion Love INC). I can't imagine how many volumes God's achievements will fill by then. But what I do know is that He will still be in charge, He will still be leading His people, shining a light at their feet, caring about their needs, and mobilizing His Church to serve them, in the Name of Christ!

Thanks to all who have supported us so faithfully in order to bring Love INC Lake County Southwest here, to our first birthday!

Blessings,

Joe Besenjak, Executive Director