Reflections on Serving Love INC

Robert Stewart was first introduced to Love INC at a banquet gathering as a guest of Roger Scott in 2010. After learning more about the mission, he decided to step up and get involved. Robert says, “I saw the need in the community. There were people out there that had nothing at all, not even a chair in their apartment.” Robert volunteered to deliver furniture in DeKalb and Sycamore. He had a pickup truck that he used to gather furniture from people he knew, and then he would deliver it to clients of Love INC. “Providing someone with furniture or a cup of water does more than fill a short-term need,” said Robert. “It gives us the opportunity to show them we care.”  

Robert’s connection to the community began in the 1970’s when he planted a local church in DeKalb. From the beginning, he made efforts to reach out to people in the community to help with both physical and spiritual needs. He continued to serve the community in different capacities throughout the years. From serving as a chaplain with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office to working in the medical field as an EMS paramedic, Robert has spent decades walking alongside people in difficult and traumatic situations. He draws on this experience to help Love INC clients. 

Robert says that clients initially come to Love INC in search of help with a short-term physical need. He says this is much like the story of Jesus and the woman at the well.  The woman came to the well because she needed water, but Jesus offered more than just water. He ministered to her spiritual needs. In the same way, Love INC cares about our client’s greater needs. Sometimes that means showing clients how they are responsible for the decisions they make. Robert says, “It takes a very soft touch. They don’t need to hear a sermon about what they’re doing wrong. But they need to be pointed in the right direction. Sometimes that means connecting them with a church where they can get help with their spiritual needs.” 

Being part of the mission at Love INC has allowed Robert to see people grow, both clients and volunteers. Robert explains, “Even people who simply donate furniture and goods to Love INC have been blessed by it. I would sometimes return to the donors to tell them that I took their furniture to a family who had absolutely nothing in their home.  The donors would often respond with sincere gratitude when they realized the great impact that their gift had on others.”

Robert has had the opportunity to serve at Love INC in different ways   over the years. While he is no longer able to do strenuous work like picking up and delivering furniture, he helps direct the mission by serving on Love INC’s board. The role of the board is critical for the ongoing success of Love INC, and Robert feels that there is a need for additional qualified men and women to serve on the board. “We need people with business and technology experience, to help us move forward.” The board leads the organization forward, driving support from the community and partner churches. “We need new leaders to use their gifts to attract others and to steer progress for the future,” explains Robert. “Love INC may be the channel for you to use your God-given talents.  Helping others and giving people a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name brings glory to God, and that is why we do it.”

“If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42)