A HEART FOR STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
by Doug Isch, LSM President
The Bible says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). This verse motivates two key distinctives of Loving Shepherd Ministries: sustainability and stewardship. We seek to model these virtues in every aspect of our programs. Whether it’s instilling a strong work ethic in the children we serve in Haiti or helping single moms launch their own businesses in Ethiopia or starting a local business to support our USA programs, stewardship and sustainability are crucial as we serve vulnerable children who were once hopeless.
As Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” When something is “established,” it is not fleeting or temporary. By God’s grace, our Christ-centered programs are making a sustainable impact in the lives of hundreds of children and families in Haiti, Ethiopia and the U.S.
We are extremely thankful for your support as we seek to model sustainability and stewardship that will impact many generations to come – all for God’s glory!
“When something is ‘established,’ it is not fleeting or temporary. Stewardship & sustainability are crucial as we serve vulnerable kids.”
HAITI : DEVELOPING A WORK ETHIC
At LSM Tech – LSM’s education hub – our focus goes far beyond academics. Students also focus on biblical training, sharing the Gospel, and learning vocational skills in order to develop a strong work ethic. Each student is required to have a campus job. Some raise their own livestock. These young “campus entrepreneurs” can open a savings account for their future, while also learning the importance of real-life skills. Our goal is for them to successfully enter the workforce either at an LSM business or in their own community. Our LSM Tech Director described a current student, “Marc has developed an outstanding work ethic and skills for various responsibilities on campus. He was recently promoted to work in our campus maintenance department. He’s becoming a leader with a bright future!”
USA: A BUSINESS THAT BLESSES
LSM launched BrickHouse Pups in 2022 to support our USA Programs. The vision is for profits from the business to provide supplemental funding for our work with local foster and adoptive families, which includes free Christian counseling, adoption resources, and our Respite Home. But we have also discovered that puppies have a ministry of their own!
A BrickHouse Pups customer recently shared how her Westie puppy brings comfort to the patients at her therapy practice. “He has truly been the biggest blessing as he provides emotional care for my clients by providing a consistent unconditional love that a lot them do not get to experience. They truly look forward to therapy because they get to be with him!” We are thankful for the joy and companionship our puppies bring to many people and for the vision of BrickHouse Pups!
ETHIOPIA: SACRIFICING FOR THE CAUSE
Ethiopia is a country facing many difficulties. There has been significant civil unrest and economic inflation in the past few years, which have only compounded the challenges for those living in poverty. In fact, the cost of living has increased by 25% in the past year. But our staff remains diligent to fulfill LSM’s mission in Ethiopia. In fact, to continue helping our current families and to expand our work to other highly vulnerable single-mother families, our ministry leaders have made significant personal financial sacrifices because they are adamant that ministry impact is most important. Many times they have put the needs of their staff and beneficiary families ahead of their own. We are humbled by such a strong example of sacrificial leadership!
LSM FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
LSM considers the stewardship of donations to be a privilege, and we strive for the highest level of financial integrity. We are an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and our financial statements are independently audited annually. ECFA recognizes us as a responsible steward who meets high standards of integrity for financial accountability, transparency, stewardship of charitable gifts and fundraising standards.
LSM has once again earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest, most respected evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator objectively analyzes thousands of nonprofits on their financial health and accountability. This 4-star designation, the highest rating possible, means we exceed industry standards. Less than 1 in 4 nonprofits in the U.S. receive the 4-star rating.
PRAY FOR LSM
Pray for HAITI as our children and LSM Tech students develop a strong work ethic that will bless their futures and be an example to others.
Pray for our FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM IN ETHIOPIA as our passionate and dedicated staff continue to serve and empower single mothers and their children.
Pray for our USA PROGRAM as we equip foster & adoptive parents and their children.
GIVE FINANCIALLY
YOUR PARTNERSHIP helps us empower and equip families as they transform the lives of vulnerable children. We can’t do this without you. Will you join us?
TO GIVE: Donate online at: loving-shepherd.org/give (Please select Fall 2024 Newsletter in the “What Prompted My Donation” dropdown.)