LABORS OF LOVE: WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE TO TRM

SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Many of us have heard of the phrase “labor of love”, but have you ever really looked at the definition? We tend to think of this phrase when we think of the unpaid work that we do out of the goodness of our hearts, or the hobbies we love doing but don’t get paid for, but what does the phrase “labor of love” actually mean? 

The Miriam Webster dictionary defines “labor of love” as: “A labor voluntarily undertaken or performed without consideration of any benefit or reward.”  The Oxford Lexico defines it as: “A task done for pleasure, not reward.” While many people attribute the phrase “labor of love” to writers going back as far as the 1500’s, especially Shakespeare’s comedy “Love’s Labor’s Lost”, did you know the expression actually comes from the Bible? 

In Hebrews 6:10 it says: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 says: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

At TRM we see labors of love happening around us every day. From the labors of our kitchen staff and volunteers as they cook, prepare and serve hot meals and sack lunches to hundreds of TRM guests and community members daily, to the labors of our Distribution Center staff and volunteers as they sort, clean and prepare household items, clothing and food boxes to be given to TRM guests and households in need, to the labors of our Street Reach and MAP teams as they go forth into the community to locate unsheltered individuals and provide them with food, showers and services right where they are, to the labors of our dedicated shelter staff who provide 24/7 care for families and individuals experiencing homelessness, hopelessness and trauma. 

Along with these incredible staff and volunteers, we also see labors of love performed every day behind the scenes by our unsung heroes: The maintenance team who diligently follows protocols to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible, the business office who works tirelessly to keep the administrative side of TRM running smoothly, the education and development teams who work closely with TRM guests to overcome obstacles and obtain employment and safe and permanent housing, and the communications team who reaches out to help educate and foster relationships with TRM supporters and our community. These are just a few of the TRM staff and volunteers that constantly, day in and day out, perform labors of love to meet the needs of all those we are called to serve. 

But as much as our staff and volunteers work to help those in need, our labors would fall short if not for the selfless devotion of those who support TRM in other ways. By donating food, clothing and new items, by praying on our behalf, and by donating your financial resources, your labors of love are the foundation on which TRM is able to rise to meet the daily challenges we face. 

During these times of inflation and economic uncertainties, we recognize how you still go above and beyond to support the mission of TRM. We too are facing the rising costs of providing food, shelter and services for over 150 people each night, and as these expenses continue to rise it’s easy to become overwhelmed with doubt. But although many of you are also facing financial challenges in our earthly economy, we have seen you practice “kingdom economics”: loving God above all and practicing this love by being faithful to share with others what God has shared with you. 

The impact that your generosity continues to make is not just about providing food, shelter and services, it’s also about providing someone with hope, grace, and a second chance in life. For those individuals and families who have been handed the legacy of hunger, poverty and insecurity, your gifts help us create a generational change and make a generational impact in their lives. Even if you are not with us physically, you are making a huge difference by giving your time, prayer and financial resources. That is YOUR labor of love, and it makes all the difference to the work of TRM! Thank you for continuing to support us!