A Neighbor’s Story

My testimony is about how Love In the Name Of Christ (Love INC) partners with various churches and organizations in the community to help and bless our neighbors in need.

I did not foresee myself being in the situation I have experienced over the past 14 years. I worked hard and had dreams for my later years in life. Those hopes and dreams were shattered. 

Throughout my 14+ year marriage, I experienced emotional, verbal, and financial abuse, and in January 2023 after a “non-criminal” domestic violence incident where I called 911, I feared I might be injured. I continued to live in that situation for a while due to finances and other responsibilities. Over the last two and a half years of that marriage, I lived in daily fear, avoiding contact.

I attended a church in early Spring of 2023 and found flyers posted in the women’s restroom about various types of abuse and where I could go for help. It was then I realized I was possibly experiencing abuse.

Next day, I called Abuse and Recovery Ministries & Services (ARMS). ARMS is the lead ministry organization in faith-based and narcissistic abuse recovery for women and men affected by many types of abuse.

I was connected with a team member at ARMS and I shared my story. She listened intently, asked questions, and educated me about Domestic Violence and the various types of abuse. For the first time, I felt validated that what I was experiencing was not okay and I was not going crazy.  

That team member shared about Her Journey, a 15-week faith-based class. This class starts with abuse education and then focuses on recovery and healing from the abuse.  

Soon after that phone call, I started taking the class in person. The class education and ministry has been life-changing for me – knowing God loves me unconditionally and I don’t deserve to be abused and disrespected as I had been the past 14 years.  

At 2:45 a.m., on July 18, 2023 after a confrontation with my abuser, I left the house right away. Since I was not working, my options for finding a residence were limited. The best choice was an Extended Stay Hotel. According to the State of Oregon’s definition of homelessness, I was now considered homeless. How quickly circumstances can change your life!

When my ARMs instructor learned I was staying at a hotel and needed some kitchen items, she referred me to Love INC. 

I called Love INC and left a message for someone to call me back about potential help they might be able to provide.  My call was returned on the next day Love INC was open. I shared my story briefly with the receptionist, who collected more information, then asked if she could pray for me before we hung up. I said “Yes!”

A Love INC volunteer called to follow up. She was a good listener, caring and empathetic, asking me numerous questions – she really wanted to know more about me and what my true needs were. She prayed with me during our conversation.

The volunteer let me know that another volunteer would call to schedule pick-up times for the needed items from various partnering churches.

Before I hung up with the volunteer, she asked if I would be interested in some life-skills classes. The classes are free to attend. I said, “Yes!” Later, I realized this was another service provided to neighbors: Restoring Hope classes.

After Love INC verified I was in need by contacting the reference I provided, the other volunteer called me.  She was very kind and non-judgmental.  As we were talking about my situation, she realized I could use more than some kitchen items. I felt like somebody really cared and wanted to help me. We went through the several Gap Ministries provided by Love INC and decided what I needed and could use at the hotel.  

The volunteer scheduled a couple of appointments for home items as well as hygiene and cleaning supplies at Hillsboro churches.

I went to the Hillsboro First Baptist Church and Harvest Community Church to pick up the items. At both churches I was warmly greeted, chatted with the volunteers and was provided the items. 

At Harvest, I shared my biggest need at the time – finding a new divorce attorney because my former divorce attorney and I had mutually agreed to end the business relationship. The church volunteer was able to provide me with the name and phone number of an attorney who attends that church.  At each appointment, the volunteers prayed with me.

The Family Law attorney referral was very helpful. The attorney listened, made suggestions for self-representation strategy and helped with documents, preparing me for my hearing. I felt prepared if the need arose for me to represent myself, but God did provide me with an attorney who was able to represent me in that court hearing and for the remaining of the divorce case. At the end of the case, I was able to have exclusive use of the home and moved back in. I am blessed with God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Restoring Hope volunteers followed up with me about the upcoming 12-week class, Faith and Finances, starting in the Spring of 2023. I was able to attend the class and interacted with the instructor and other attendees. I am an introvert and did not speak as often in class as others; I felt accepted as I am and made some friends.  

The class was invaluable to me as I was facing financial problems due to the long and difficult divorce.  The class provided good information and skills to get my finances in order.  I still use those skills today to assist me in my finances.

Currently I am taking the 12-week class, Affirming Potential. God’s timing is always perfect; this class meets my needs where I am right now on my healing journey. 

After my hope and dreams were shattered a few years back, I did not think I could have new goals or dreams.  The class lessons are structured to look at your past and present for a short while to start working the “dream tool” to discover what your potential goals or dreams could be as well as ensuring you are following God’s plan for your life.

I had not dreamed for a few years and I am hopeful this curriculum will help me to start thinking about what passions, strengths, and goals I may have and ensure I am following God’s will for my life. 

As part of stepping out of self-isolation, I felt led to volunteer somewhere to give back to the community and help others.  I thought of Love INC since they have given so much love and support to me during this past year. 

I attended the volunteer information meeting with Jolene. I realized I can help support the organization with data entry of information into the new database they implemented earlier this year.  I signed up! It is such a wonderful experience; helping Hillsboro neighbors and working alongside other volunteers, all In Christ’s name.

I am so grateful for all of  what Love INC encompasses with their care and support for our Hillsboro neighbors. God has blessed me through Love INC’s ministry, and I want to “pay it forward” to help others in need.  Thank you to all who are involved in this organization, whether it is volunteering, donating items to the various Gap Ministries, time, personal resources, and prayers. 

This neighbor is so appreciative of your help; more than I can ever express in words.  

I want to leave you with this verse from God’s word …