Christmas Ministry Spotlight: For Life Ministries
Tell us about your non profit.
Scott and LeAnn Newsom established For Life Ministries as a 501c non-profit organization in 2011. The foundation of the ministry, however, began much earlier, as the Lord laid it upon their hearts to show Christ’s love to the orphaned, the oppressed, single mothers, and others deemed outcasts by society. The heart of the ministry focuses on serving others as we ourselves would want to be served. For Life Ministries is centered around two main programs: Love One Madison County and Love One Haiti. These two programs, combined with all who come to walk alongside the organization, live out the heartbeat of the ministry, which is to Love, Know, and Serve. For Life Ministries seeks to meet the individuals we are blessed to serve where they are and show them God’s love and grace. Our overall mission is to follow Jesus’ model… by relationally investing in “one” person at a time and empowering others to do the same.
What motivates you to do what you do?
At For Life Ministries, we seek to follow the commands Christ gave to each of us in the book of Mark: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and to Love your neighbor as yourself.” It is these commands and our desire to build our relationship with Christ and empowering others to do the same, that provide a level of “motivation in all we do.” Without His grace and love nothing would be possible. It is beyond words and measure to see how His love shines across the city and the world.
What is one verse that has been significant to your ministry, and why?
One verse that has been very significant to For Life Ministries and is a foundation for the ministry is Matthew 7:12, which reads “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” The Bible lays out exactly how we should care for one another, whether child, widow, orphan, brother or sister, enemy, or oneself. The relationships that are built through the Love One programs begin by taking the time to invest in the life of another not simply by giving things, but by giving of one’s self in the way Jesus did. This means treating someone how you would want to be treated, walking alongside that person with a mindset of: What would I want to happen in that situation? How would I want someone to approach me?
What is one of your most memorable God moments in this city?
Our Love One Madison County program, which currently helps support over 150 families in Madison County, is the seed from which For Life Ministries has grown. As He blesses us with an opportunity to help serve new individuals with the support of our ministry partners, that number continues to grow, and the relationships deepen, both within the sponsorship itself and, more importantly, with Christ through prayer. Three times a year, For Life Ministries’ Love One program hosts its “Beloved” events where families in the program come together to receive a special meal. Parents and children engage in activities, and, most importantly, receive the Gospel. In the midst of the day, among the 100+ people who may attend the event, He calls on One. In the silence of the call to accept Christ, with hands raised, He enters into the heart of the brother or sister who has prayed to receive Him into their lives, at that moment and forever. Those memories are the moments that are etched and will not be forgotten, as they are eternal.
How can we help you and the people you serve this Christmas season?
First and foremost, For Life Ministries is in need of prayer. Prayer for discernment in all decisions made. That the decisions may be pleasing to the Lord and in constant alignment with His will. We pray that He will find favor in all that is done. There is a need for individuals who have a heart for making a difference in the life of another. Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of areas. As we hear His call and follow His direction, we answer in a number of ways, some of which do require financial support to fulfill. For Life Ministries is a not for profit organization and funded solely through the generosity of its supporters. We are in need of support to ensure sustainability by helping to offset daily operating costs. We cannot grow in isolation and assistance in spreading the word about our mission is a daily need. Our Love One families are in need of prayer, not only in this holiday season, but on each day of their walk; pray that they find comfort in His embrace and find strength to live out His call. In darkness, that His light shines bright in their days. We can serve in the community and do our part to make a difference in the life of another. Together we can make a difference.
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