Looking Back and Moving Forward

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Looking Back and Moving Forward

Written by Gwen Franke Tuesday, 13 January 2009 10:13

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In 2008

The year was progressing, God was working, the mission field was expanding.

Then:

Hurricane Ike hit Southeast Texas on September 13, 2008
LINC, true to our vision of a City Restored to God through Jesus Christ, stepped forward as a First Responder
Local churches and individuals answered our call for help
Volunteers came from across the country (Baltimore to California!)
People came to LINC for help - for clean-up, food, household items, clothing, home repairs and spiritual needs
Donations flowed in to the LINC Mission Center - we asked and you provided!

LINC quickly became involved with other volunteer organizations through the Greater Houston VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).
Because of the devastation from Ike, the need for toys for the LINC missionary leaders' Christmas toy distribution increased. Thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial and donations from congregations and individuals, they handed out over 2600 toys and gift cards to members of their congregations and communities.
Donors provided everything from Christmas trees to gift cards to furniture and appliances, quilts and space heaters. Many of our clients were blessed to have a much nicer Christmas and a better beginning in 2009.

LINC-Houston now has several wonderful and challenging opportunities ahead. We are committed to our vision for restoration of the city of Houston to the one true God. Our plan to accomplish this includes continued work on homes and lives devastated by the hurricane, maintaining the lines of communication that were opened between our missionary leaders and members of their communities, planting even more mission churches in Houston and welcoming volunteers to assist with all. LINC has become a well-known and respected organization in Houston because everything we have undertaken is done in Christ. The thanks for all that has been accomplished truly goes to Him and Him alone.

How can YOU help?

Monetary Contributions.
- Steven is a new member at Comunidad de Gracia. Today, he applied for admission into the LINC Bible Institute - a preliminary for Seminary admission. He states: "I grew up in a broken home; no father. Me and my so-called 'homeboys' used drugs. Started little amounts of use. As I got older, it increased. One thing led to another. I started to break into houses and doing other bad choices. At 17, I went to prison and still didn't learn my lesson. It's the second time I went I realized that wasn't for me. I give thanks to Edward and Michelle Gil who has helped me for everything. If it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't find God." Michelle is a caseworker at LINC and Edward a Project Manager. Edward also is enrolled in the LINC Bible Institute.

It is people like Edward and Steven who are helped through scholarships provided by donations from people like you. You may mark any financial contribution to be applied to the LINC area of your choice. Please send your check to LINC-Houston, 161 West Road, Houston, TX 77037 or click on the "Give" link and make a contribution online.

Donation of goods. Our caseworkers have identified specific needs for the following items: space heaters, a washer and dryer, a stove, four twin beds (for one family), a bicycle for an adult male, paint. We are also in need of working refrigerators and freezers for our food pantry. If you are thinking of replacing anything, please contact Gwen Franke at 713-426-2451 ext 2013 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out if we have a new home for your still-useful items. You may also choose to prepare meals for our out-of-town volunteers. Most groups are with us for a week or more and would really appreciate a home-cooked meal during their stay.
Sponsor Bibles. Our mission leaders are in need of Bibles - NIV translation, complete Old and New Testament, English and Spanish. The need is ongoing and constant. A donation of $100 will purchase up to 15 Bibles for our ministries. Please call LINC at 713-426-2451 for more information.
Volunteer. LINC will remain active in disaster recovery for at least the duration of 2009. Volunteers will be needed for home repair, office work, food pantry assistance, mission site activities, and much more. We are also in need of host homes and congregations for some of the out of town groups arriving in Houston during Spring and Summer Breaks. Please contact LINC at 713-426-2451 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.