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.

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.