There’s nothing more powerful than churches working together as the body of Christ. This year, we watched this truth come alive in countless ways through the stories, partnerships, and people who embody the heartbeat of Love INC Lake County.

Each year, we connect over 80 churches and volunteers to walk alongside more than 350 families and help meet over 1,000 needs across our community. In 2025, over 550 volunteers shared more than 25,000 hours of time to help provide resources, care for our neighbors, and serve with dignity and compassion.

Churches across denominations serve according to their strengths. Volunteers step into their God-given gifts. And our neighbors experience care that points to lasting hope in Christ.

The result? Transformed lives. Transformed churches. And transformed communities.

As we come to the close of the year, we find ourselves deeply thankful—not only for what God has done, but for the stories that allowed us to witness His faithfulness up close. The energy we felt in the room at our recent fundraiser is the same energy we continue to experience in our partnerships: the deep love of a community reaching out to one another in Christ-centered unity.

Love INC Lake County is committed to the God-sized dream we believe the Lord has placed before us – that by 2034, with Love INC as a catalyst, Lake County churches will live and serve together in UNITY, radically transforming our community with the roaring fire of God’s love. Even now, we can see the Church in Lake County beginning to take steps forward in faith—together.

As we come to the end of 2025, we wanted to share with you the incredible impact that has happened in Lake County as a result of your love, sacrifice, and care for the community. Each of the stories we shared throughout the year is a glimpse of God at work through the local church, faithful volunteers, and committed community partners. Thank you for your part in showing the face of Jesus to our neighbors in Lake County in the last year.

From Despair to Hope: Stories of Transformation

We began the year witnessing the power of restoration. In From Despair to Hope: A Journey of Transformation, we saw what happens when someone is met with compassion, consistency, and the love of Christ at just the right moment. Barb’s story reminded us that transformation rarely happens overnight—but when the Church stays present, hope takes root.

Abundant Hospitality in Action

Next, we met Village Church of Gurnee and learned how, when a church seeks to intentionally weave abundant hospitality throughout every aspect of its ministry, the community can’t help but be drawn in. And in simple acts of humble hospitality, people see the face of Christ and lives are transformed.

A Shared Mission in the Face of a Mental Health Crisis

During Mental Health Awareness month, we had the opportunity to learn from Love INC leadership about why addressing mental health in Lake County is critical toward serving our neighbors holistically. This endeavor is an ongoing initiative that will take the collaboration of faith leaders and Christ followers alike to offer hope, advocacy, and tangible support where it is needed most.

From Planks to Placed: Building with Purpose

When they learned that some families lack standard pieces of furniture–like dressers–the people of Lake County leapt into action. In From Planks to Placed, we followed the journey of handmade dressers built by church volunteers and placed into the homes of families who needed them. It was more than woodworking—it was a picture of dignity restored, one dresser at a time. This effort, undertaken by people from across denominations and church homes, not only served our neighbors, it opened our eyes to the next story–how volunteering through Love INC is bringing about unexpected, deep friendships.

When Service Becomes Friendship

This story was one of the most beautiful surprises of the year! What If Your Next Act of Service Led to Your Next Great Friendship? explored some unexpected, fun and meaningful friendships that have bloomed as a result of people choosing to follow God’s call to serve others in their community through Love INC. As volunteers worked side-by-side, they found not only opportunities to serve, but lasting relationships formed through shared purpose and faith.

A Reminder We’re Part of Something Bigger

We’ve found it’s sometimes easy to forget that we really are part of something far bigger than us, bigger than the minutiae of our daily life. In You’re Part of a Global Story of God’s Faithfulness we were able to see how Love INC affiliates are making an impact for good across the U.S., and even in Kenya! The work you’re a part of right here in Lake County is connected to the greater work of God around the world. Every act of love, every prayer, every volunteer hour is part of His unfolding story…one we can’t know fully this side of Heaven.

Loved Twice Thrift Boutique: More Than a Store

Perhaps no story captured the heart of our ministry quite like Loved Twice Thrift Boutique: More Than a Thrift Store. Through faithful volunteers from our churches and generous donors like you, this space has become a place of belonging, dignity, and provision for our neighbors.

Made Royal for Such a Time as This

We closed the year with Made Royal for a Time Such as This, a story that pointed clearly to identity in Christ, redemption, and the beauty of God’s timing. It served as a powerful reminder that each person we serve—and each person who serves—is deeply known and uniquely called.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Expectation

This year has been a living testimony of what happens when the Church rises together in unity. Through every story, every partnership, and every act of service, we have seen God’s hand at work—often in quiet moments, always with eternal impact.

We are deeply grateful for our partner churches, volunteers, donors, and community who make this work possible. You are the hands and feet of Jesus in Lake County—and these stories are your stories too.

As we step into the year ahead, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and faith for what God will continue to do. The dream is big. The needs are real. And the Church is moving forward—together, In the Name of Christ.

An Invitation for You

If you’re not already part of the Love INC community, or if it’s been a while since you’ve been involved, we encourage you: Don’t be left behind! Join us in serving our neighbors as the hands and feet of Christ, bringing love, dignity, and care to their lives. Opportunities await right here.