First Church is a church on a holistic mission. The Bible says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Our God keeps our whole being, and our church seeks to do likewise.

In their insightful book, When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert argue that when North American churches provide material resources and evangelism to the poor, they can unknowingly and inadvertently cause a harmful cycle that reinforces a sense of inferiority and lack of self-esteem. In order to help without hurting, they write that the first step is to determine whether those in need require relief, rehabilitation, or development. They define relief as “the urgent and temporary provision of emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering from a natural or man-made crisis” where “the receiver is largely incapable of helping himself at that time.” 1

In cooperation with First Missions partner Love INC, First Church has sought to help provide relief during these unprecedented times brought about by COVID-19. Many local industries have been hard-hit, resulting in many of our neighbors facing difficult times. Through your contributions to the Save Our Home Fund, we have been able to help individuals and families vetted by Love INC with relief assistance by paying their mortgage, rent, or utility bills. In addition, one of our First Church staff members meets and prays with each person.

One of our neighbors wrote in a thank you card, “It’s organizations like Love INC and First Church that give people hope.” Another wrote, “During these uncertain times, God once again shows He is with us.” One of our neighbors prayed for Love INC, First Church, and the wider body of Christ when he met with our staff. Another was not a believer, but through this experience encountered a loving and gracious God she had never heard of before. These are just some of the heartfelt testimonies we have heard, made possible by your sacrificial giving. Thank you for your generosity.

1 Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… and Yourself, Moody Publishers, 2009, 2014 (2nd edition)

by Pastor Su Kim