Loaves and Fishes

February 2023

About a year ago, we were asked, by a local family, for Love Inc’s list of needs. We answered, “mattresses and storage.” That simple question led to the free use of a large building at 1215 Commercial Street and partnerships with Mystery Thrift and We Care. Mystery Thrift donates 15% of their sales to Love Inc each month. We Care, a deeply discounted clothing thrift store, was in need of a new lease and leadership.

News recently came that 200 mattresses were ready to be donated. We set to work figuring out how to store them and if they would fit in the space. The truck would arrive during business hours within a 4 day window and we would have a couple of hours to unload it into the storage space in the new building. The question was, “How do we plan a work party with no exact time or date?” We set about praying that the truck would arrive on February 20th, a school holiday, and asked a local youth group to unload. News came that the truck would arrive at 11 AM on the 20th. Then the week before, news came that the truck would not arrive until 4 PM. The youth group graciously agreed to come later. On the morning of the 20th, the truck driver called to say he would be there at 7 PM. The youth were not able to reschedule, so the search for enough volunteers to unload began. Kellie texted everyone in her phone who might possibly be available. The goal was 15 people. Over the course of the day, various people responded yes or no, but it looked like at least 10 would show up. By mid afternoon, the time for arrival had been delayed to 8 PM. The texts went out again changing the time. At that point, it was apparent that only God could make this work and we tried to set our stress aside and rely purely on faith. In the late afternoon, Kellie got a text from a college group of 15 kids that they would be there at 8:00. Relief washed over her.

At 8:00 PM, people started pouring into the building and the truck driver called again to say he’d be there closer to 9. Forty five people showed up to unload that truck. During the wait, an impromptu worship and prayer time began. Voices lifted in praise could be heard up and down the alley in the dark of downtown Bellingham.

At 9:15, we heard the roar of the semi engine and everyone poured out into the street to welcome him. Not only were there mattresses on that truck, but there were 320, most of which were shrink wrapped and in boxes. Our worries about them all fitting, staying dry and being delivered were all solved.

People began referencing the loaves and fishes. We needed 15 people and God sent 45. We hoped for 200 mattresses and God sent 320. We worried how we would keep them in good condition and God wrapped them in plastic. We worried how we would deliver them and God sent them compressed in boxes.

The number of requests for mattresses in our county is high, and we are excited to help the church meet the need.

What’s Happening Now

Dear friends of Whatcom Love Inc,

Allow me to introduce myself.  I’m Kellie Schmidt, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Interim Volunteer Executive Director.  Some internal changes have occurred in recent weeks, but the programs are still active in a stable and consistent way.  Our main focus continues to be Jesus.  Loving others how He loved, serving others how He served, and providing for others how He provided, are our models as we care for one another.   Here’s some information about our ministry opportunities and staff.

The Jesus Taxi is running regularly.  Multiple times per month, small groups of volunteers go on mini-mission trips to pray, serve and connect relationally with Neighbors in Need.  Visit whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi to learn more about this ministry and how you, your small group, or your church can get involved.

The Call Center has grown to over 200 calls per month from Neighbors in Need looking for assistance with bills, material needs, Christmas gifts, and prayer.  Volunteers can participate by returning phone calls.  Visit whatcomloveinc.org/phone-and-office-ministry to learn more.

The NNN (Neighbor Needs Notice) is a list of community needs that is updated weekly. To receive the email or view the NNN, please visit whatcomloveinc.org/nnn.  Fill out the box at the bottom to subscribe.

The Ride Share Network is a program under construction. Neighbors in Need reach out to the call center for rides to appointments or to run errands.  Pairs of volunteers can sign up to fill the ride needs.  Visit whatcomloveinc.org/ride-help-network for more information.

Our two amazing staff, Oskar and Alexia, along with many volunteers are working to partner with Whatcom County churches to participate in local ministry.  Our mission, to “Help the Church Help,” is foremost in our minds as we partner with local believers to serve, pray and connect with Neighbors in Need.  Feel free to reach out to any of us with your questions, comments, or needs.

In Christ,

Kellie Schmidt, on behalf of the Whatcom Love Inc Board

 

Kellie has been in serving Jesus with local non-profits since 1992, including The Inn University Ministries, Bellingham Christian School, Northwest Baptist Church, The Community Toy Store, and Skookum Kids.  She has volunteered with or supported many other local ministries, most of which focus on youth. She and her husband have been foster parents since 2014.  She owns a small business with her daughter, participates with her husband in his job at a pastor support organization, and enjoys sailing, gardening, and playing with their granddaughter. 

May 2022 Pulse

Whatcom Love INC Pulse 

Print Edition

May, 2022


When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, 

and threw himself into the sea. – John 21:7


What a joy it is, and a privilege, to share in this ministry of reconciliation – when we ourselves were the ones who needed to be reconciled to God first and foremost! May the Lord enrich your celebrations of his death and resurrection this Eastertide as we serve him together, even as we worship him in our different traditions and communities.

New Initiative: The Ride Help Network

Many people think that what we do with the Jesus Taxi is give rides to neighbors in need. What we actually do is connect local believers to local mission! But giving rides to neighbors in need is a worthy cause as well — and a great opportunity to make Jesus connections! — so it’s something we’re working on picking up in our offerings. We had our first advisory team meeting on May 2nd to try to determine if we could run the program, and how we would get it started. We’re still looking for folks who might like to drive, folks who might like to advise, and folks who might like to advocate with their congregations to drum up support for the program and new volunteers. 


Can you help? Let us know by sending an email to nathaniel@whatcomloveinc.org


Jesus At Work

In April, the Jesus Taxi was able to deploy about 29 volunteers representing 4 different churches to pray in the living rooms of 10 different neighbors in need across our community. Thant’s more than 300 Jesus-focused volunteer hours mobilized in our community this month!

This is your ministry! Your support through your prayers, donations, and volunteer hours makes it all possible. To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website (whatcomloveinc.org) or reach out to Nathaniel (nathaniel@whatcomlinc.org)

Every Blessing in the Mighty Name of Jesus! 

Nathaniel+

Executive Director

Whatcom Love INC


April 2022 Pulse

Whatcom Love INC Pulse 

Print Edition

April, 2022


All these things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us 

the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Cor 5:18  


What a joy it is, and a privilege, to share in this ministry of reconciliation – when we ourselves were the ones who needed to be reconciled to God first and foremost! May the Lord enrich your celebrations of his death and resurrection this Eastertide as we serve him together, even as we worship him in our different traditions and communities.

Jesus is on the Move through Whatcom Love INC!

In March, the Jesus Taxi was able to deploy more than 53 volunteers representing 6 different churches to pray in the living rooms of 38 different neighbors in need across our community. That’s more than 300 volunteer hours mobilized in our community in just one month! Moreover, in two cases we know of, relationships forged by the Jesus Taxi have made it possible for our neighbors to find a ride and get connected to a new church community. Thanks be to God! Get involved today by visiting whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi


Pardon our dust …

Besides the rapid and everywhere expansion of the Jesus Taxi, Whatcom Love INC is getting a new look! We’re in the middle of updating our website, branding, and mailing list systems. Let us know if you’re having problems accessing information from us … or if there is anything we can do better! We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve God and his Church in our community in the work that we do every day, and we want to learn and grow in doing that ministry better.

This is your ministry! Your support through your prayers, donations, and volunteer hours makes it all possible. To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website (whatcomloveinc.org) or reach out to Nathaniel (nathaniel@whatcomlinc.org)

Every Blessing in the Mighty Name of Jesus! 

Nathaniel+

Executive Director

Whatcom Love INC

Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

– Heb 13:20-21


March 2022 Pulse

Whatcom Love INC Pulse 

March, 2022


The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor … Isaiah 61:1 

At the beginning of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus famously adopted this verse from the Prophet Isaiah as his personal mission statement, and thence infused it into the DNA of his Church. It’s a joy for us at Love INC to live into that mission, going out in the power of the Spirit to bring good news for our neighbors, and to BE good news for them! 


Jesus Taxi: Field Report 

Over just the month of February, we were able to mobilize [over 40] volunteers across 4 churches to serve [more than 30] neighbors in need. Together, that’s more than 120 volunteer hours, dozens of imaginations catalyzed for local missions, and hundreds of new Jesus connections in our community! Learn more and get involved at whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi.


Jesus Shows Up!

We are consistently amazed at how Jesus shows up in our feeble efforts to serve him together … and when he does, he shapes all of us, together! Here’s a reflection from a YWAM staffer on the formative impact of the Jesus Taxi program on the students that volunteer: 


Thanks for doing what you do!  I’m so so glad we are partnering with you! You are discipling the students so well in how to reach out to vulnerable people, how to set boundaries, how to be brave, how to be careful with our hearts and not take on burdens that we need to give to the Lord, how to be respectful and responsible during outreach. How to be humble and teachable as a leader… Man! There is just so much! So glad you said yes to Jesus to do this. I know your modeling and guidance will deeply mark our students’ future ministry. We are so grateful for you and the way you carry your piece so well!


This is your ministry! Your support through your prayers, donations, and volunteer hours makes it all possible. To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website (whatcomloveinc.org) or reach out to Nathaniel (nathaniel@whatcomlinc.org)

Every Blessing in the Mighty Name of Jesus! 

Nathaniel+

Executive Director

Whatcom Love INC


Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news! Rom 10:11

February 2022 Pulse

Whatcom Love INC Pulse 

February, 2022

[The people] were astonished at [Jesus’s] teaching, because his word possessed authority. Luke 4:32

We are continually astonished at the work of Jesus in and through our small efforts at Love INC. As one volunteer recently reflected, it’s like the Jesus Taxi is harnessing the power of the mission trip in small doses to bring the transforming love of Jesus both to those who serve, and to those who are served! 

But there’s more!

Matching Campaign: God Provides! 

Over 30 donors participated to raise $14,220, plus the $12,000 matching gift, for a total of $26,220. We are FILLED with gratitude for our generous community who supports our mission to help the local Church serve its neighbors.  Thank you to all who prayed and participated. You made a difference!


Jesus Taxi Mission Teams

We will soon be commissioning our first congregation-based Jesus Taxi Mission Teams into the local mission field. These teams represent a joint effort between partner churches and Jesus Taxi Dispatch.  Through a structured, short-term, small group commitment, these teams will heighten the impact of the Jesus Taxi experience on volunteers and congregations. If your church is interested in getting involved, contact Oskar at oskar@whatcomloveinc.org. And of course, you can still volunteer as an individual by filling out the form at whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi.

This is your ministry! Your support through your prayers, donations, and volunteer hours makes it all possible. To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website (whatcomloveinc.org) or reach out to Nathaniel (nathaniel@whatcomlinc.org)

Every Blessing in the Mighty Name of Jesus! 

Nathaniel+

Executive Director

Whatcom Love INC


You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  1 Cor 12:27

January 2022 Pulse

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

 

These are trying times, but the start of a new year is an opportunity to fix our eyes on Jesus and let him restore our hope. As we begin 2022 at Whatcom Love INC, we are grateful to God and our partners all across the Church in Whatcom County! The name of Jesus is going forth as we work together to connect neighbors across our community in his name.

We are celebrating that over 2021, God used our little operation to pray with more than 1,200 neighbors over the phone, and mobilize more than 150 volunteers to minister the presence of Jesus in our community. Follow us on Facebook to see pictures of our work in action! Over 2022, we are hoping to expand the work of the Jesus Taxi, growing together with our neighbors, volunteers, and church partners. If you want to volunteer through the Jesus Taxi, check it out at whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi, or see some of the other ways you can support the ministry at whatcomloveinc.org/help-us.

We have a matching opportunity going on now, so if you give before Jan 24, your gift is doubled!You can also shop at Mystery Thrift in Ferndale, which is donating 10% of January proceeds to Love INC!

This is your ministry! Your support through your prayers, donations, and volunteer hours makes it all possible. To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website (whatcomloveinc.org) or reach out to Nathaniel (nathaniel@whatcomlinc.org)

Every Blessing in the Mighty Name of Jesus! 

Nathaniel+

Executive Director

Whatcom Love INC

 


To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Cor 12:7

November 2021 Pulse

November 1, 2021 – Whatcom Love INC Pulse

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Thankful – We are thankful to God for our Jesus Taxi volunteers. We’ve been running about sixteen volunteers in four vehicles weekly. We’ve started scheduling January! Please join us. It’s valuable, prayerful service of immediate impact. You can sign up at http://whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi 

Neighbor Needs Notice – Have you seen our NNN?  whatcomloveinc.org/nnn

Fundraiser – November 12 is our fundraiser: 7:00pm at Bellingham Covenant Church. We invite you to enjoy some delicious dessert while we share some of what God has done this year. We plan to have some volunteers and pastors each take a few minutes to share their Love INC story, and we will release our new video.

Help with Phone Calls – In addition to organizing the Jesus Taxi and providing a monthly lunch for mercy workers, our two staff receive calls from 80 to 120 neighbors in need each month. If God is calling you to volunteer with us, we could use some help with the phones! (email oskar@whatcomloveinc.org if interested)

Praise God! – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:3-4).


The Rev. Nathaniel Kidd, PhD

Director

 


Oskar Norlander

Relationship Coordinator 

October 2021

October 1, 2021 – Whatcom Love INC Pulse

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

 

God Provides The Jesus Taxi has 10 new volunteers, and two more have signed up for orientation next week. We’re thankful. This next month, we expect to go out and visit almost forty neighbors-in-need. Please join us. It’s fun, prayerful fellowship and service. You can sign up at http://whatcomloveinc.org/jesustaxi 

Neighbor Needs Notice – Have you seen our NNN (Neighbor Needs Notice)? whatcomloveinc.org/nnn

 

Help with Phone Calls – In addition to organizing the Jesus Taxi and providing a monthly lunch for mercy workers, our two staff receive calls from 80 to 120 neighbors in need each month. If God is calling you to volunteer with us, we could use some help with the phones! (email oskar@whatcomloveinc.org if interested)


Save the Date – November 12 – Our annual fundraiser will be a dessert at Bellingham Covenant Church (7pm). We look forward to sharing our story. God has been at work with Love INC. whatcomloveinc.org/fundraiser

Jesus Loves Us – He loves us!

 


The Rev. Nathaniel Kidd, PhD

Director

 


Oskar Norlander

Relationship Coordinator