Hopeline
June 2019
Changing Hearts, Changing Lives
Promote life, strengthen families, and offer hope through God’s love.
Life and Family Services has been in the business to “promote life, strengthen families, and offer hope through God’s love” for 33 years in Noble County. There are many teen moms, women, men, and families that are in need of not only the services we offer, but the hope that God provides.
But when we ask the question, “What is God’s will for this ministry?” there are a variety of answers.
We could focus the answer on programs and ideas – and talk about ways to be more effective in each.
Or, we could look at numbers. We have seen over 350 clients in each of the last two years. So, we might consider how many clients we should see, or establish other metrics which determine “success” with a client.
Both of those answers are important in their own way, yet there is a more vital starting point. When I consider what God wants for this ministry, the first place we must search is the heart.
I believe He wants us to have open hearts that listen for His voice. Second, I believe He wants us to be faithful. These are the starting points from which every other metric should be determined.
This ministry has been a part of the Noble County community for as long as it has because of those who have been faithful, opened their hearts to his voice and invested in our work here.
An investment in this ministry does three things:
- It provides encouragement – Your investment in Life and Family Services encourages the entire team serving here each day. Your gift tells us, “We believe in all of you,” and it means so much, even on those tough days when trials come our way.
- It creates teamwork – I’m reminded that we – you, me, and all of us – are a team. We are truly in this endeavor together. Only with you, our doors are open. Only with you, those who need us are reached and served.
- It enables us to carry out the mission – Our mission is an extraordinary one. We realize that we may be the only “Jesus” that our clients ever see. We are about turning our culture upside down; creating one where life is celebrated, strong families are built and where the love of Christ permeates our community. Your investment in this work takes us one step closer to fulfilling this mission – together.
So please know your prayers for this ministry – for those we mentor and those who are the mentors, are appreciated. Your donations of clothing, diapers and wipes are important for those who come seeking those items. Also, your financial gifts keep our doors open so we can share the hope that God provides to help those seeking answers for the challenges they face.
In Christ,
Debbie Derby, Executive Director
Meet Chelsea!
Hi, I’m Chelsea and I am a client advocate here at Life and Family Services. I have a bachelors in social work and have worked in pregnancy resource centers on and off for last 10 years. I have been married to my best friend Marc for almost 12 years and have two children, Holden (8), Hadley (5). Most days when I’m not working you can find me spending time with my family. We love to play outside, watch movies and go to Disney! I moved to Kendallville 2 years ago to help start a church with my husband. He is the pastor at Pine Hills Kendallville. We love our church and are so happy to be a part of the Kendallville community! I also have my own photography business, Chelsea Lauren Photography. I specialize in family portraits.
A Note from Deanna
It has been a busy couple of months for Life and Family Services. We would like to thank everyone that supported us during the Porkburger Sale or the Fairy, Gnome, and Troll Festival.
It has been fun seeing everyone while raising support funds for Life and Family Services.
Baby Bottle Campaign is currently happening in the Noble County communities. We have more than 1,200 bottles out to be filled with coins, bills and checks. These funds raised directly impact our clients. It allows us to mentor, offer pregnancy and parenting education. It helps us purchase the material items needed to create a healthy environment for our clients young children. It even pays the utilities for our office. Oh, you didn’t receive a baby bottl? Well, no problem! Just log onto our website and click on DONATE NOW. www.lfsfamilies.org Thank you for your generosity!!
Coming up next will be our Twinkle of Hope dinner event on August 24th, 2019. Mark your calendars for dinner, dancing, silent and live auction! We have some other things in the works that you won’t want to miss (hint: it’s all about giving back). So request your seat reservation today!! Tickets are $50 per person. We are accepting live and silent auction donations at this time.
The Apple Dumpling making begins in August. Dough mixing will be Thursday, August 1 at St John’s Lutheran Church and Dough rolling will be August 5, 6, and 7 at Bethel Christian Baptist. Assembly of the Apple Dumplings will be Sunday, September 22, at Crosspointe Church. Mark your calendars and let us know you can help prepare these for the Apple Festival on October 5 & 6!!
If you have any questions, please call or text me at 260-347-5720.
Deanna
Contact Us
Email: drodenbeck@lfsfamilies.org
Website: www.lfsfamilies.org
Location: 201 South Park Avenue, Kendallville, IN, United States
Phone: (260) 347-5720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAndFamilyServices/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @life_familyserv