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.”

On the first morning of Day Camp 2021, Pastor John pulled into the church parking lot and there sat Jacque and his mother – one hour early. “No one is here?” Jacque shouted. “That is because you are an hour early,” replied Pastor John warmly. His mother needed to get to work, so Pastor John allowed Jacque to stay in the office until day camp started. “He came right up to my face – 8 inches away,” Pastor John smiled. 

“In Poland, we are part of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession, but it is simpler to say, ‘I am Lutheran.’ People know what you mean when you say that,” shared Kornelia. “I really didn’t allow myself to have expectations about coming to Newberry because even up until the last day it didn’t feel real. I arrived in the US at 11 pm and I was still thinking it wasn’t real.” 

In the beginning, Hershberger said she had a lot of struggles finding work. She came with no English or transferrable skills. But through the support of her caseworker and volunteers, she signed up for English classes and determined that she was interested in working at a hospital. “She wanted to do work that allowed her to give back,” Hershberger said. “She wanted to help others.”