After learning the structure could be repaired the congregation embarked on a capital campaign to pay for the repairs. Combined with this, the SC LMM gave them a 0% interest loan. “They took a major load off of us as a new congregation,” Pastor Josh said with gratitude. “To know that we were going to be able to get the money and it wouldn’t cost us more than we needed for the actual repairs was a clear sign of God’s abundance. In a congregation where people would say they were giving as much as they could, giving has doubled between the annual fund and the capital campaign. The motivation to see this project through comes from seeing the generosity of the Lutheran Men. They not only gave us the loan, but they are one of our supporters as a mission start. Knowing that LMM is in our corner enables us to do what we are doing outside the sanctuary to support the community.” 

Lord of Life worked with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund to finance their first unit. After getting the design they realized that working with a straight commercial lender was problematic. “They aren’t used to working with churches,” Pastor Jon shared. “They are heavily slanted toward a business model. We can make revenue projections but not guarantees.”

“Please do not let Kim call me," they would say. There is a plumbing company in town that to this day, will not do work on Kim’s home because of how she treated them. It got to the point that Kim tried to kill herself with pills and alcohol. To her surprise, she woke up the next day.