Local affiliate receives a visit from national director of new affiliates

Contributed photo
Board members and Executive Director of Love INC of Greater East Otter Tail County pose with Rev. Daniel Walker, National Director of New Affiliates for Love in the Name of Christ. Front row: Board members Sue Delaney, Vida Steuber and Lisa Peterson. Back row: Rev. Daniel Walker, Ruther Anderson, Mari Elliot, Michael Bochman and Executive Director Emily Ripley.

By Lisa Peterson

Special to the Dispatch

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12 were busy days for the Executive Director and board members of Love In the Name of Christ of Greater East Otter Tail County.  Love INC National Director of New Affiliates, Rev. Daniel Walker was in Perham to complete a two-day assessment/evaluation of the new affiliate, as it completed its first year of operation.  

The evaluation included a tour of the Love INC Connection Center (235 W. Main Street, Suite A), interviews with the Executive Director, Love INC volunteers, and Board Chair Michael Bochman. Tuesday evening, Rev. Walker observed the Love INC monthly board meeting, then provided the board with additional training.

Wednesday’s activities involved two community gatherings which brought together area pastors, representatives of community agencies, and interested individuals. A morning event was held at Battle Lake Alliance Church, and a lunch hour event was held in Perham, at Crosspoint Alliance Church. Both events featured an overview of the Love INC mission and vision, an update on what Love INC has accomplished in the past year, and some love stories which summarized the struggles and victories of some individuals (with their permission) who found help through Love INC.  Rev. Walker, from Love INC National, also spoke to the group, and there was an opportunity to learn about ways to volunteer with Love INC and to ask questions. 

The final hours of the two-day visit from Love INC National involved further training for board members and some final words from Rev. Walker.  He enjoyed his visit to Perham, and he spoke strong words of approval and affirmation for Emily Ripley, Executive Director and the members of the Board of Directors. More details of his evaluation will be coming in the mail, but the overall tone of Rev. Walker’s visit was very positive and encouraging.  

Anyone interested in learning more about Love In the Name of Christ of Greater East Otter Tail County or about volunteering or seeking help can contact the Connection Center at 218-423-LOVE (5683) or www.loveinceot.org