Building Skills for Life

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.”

Romans 12:6-7 (NIV)

When we read in Scripture that we are to share what we have with those in need, oftentimes we think about material resources such as food, clothing, and finances. But another valuable resource we can give is the gift of knowledge. When people share their skills, experience, and abilities, so that others can learn how to improve their situation, these gifts can be passed down from generation to generation.

Sometimes a person’s challenges are a result of never having had the opportunity to learn essential skills that others simply take for granted, such as how to manage money, interview for a job, or set appropriate boundaries for their children. Equipping people to problem-solve their challenges can help them create sustainable changes in their lives.

What’s more, some people have never had the opportunity to develop life skills from a Biblical perspective. Understanding how to use one’s abilities in alignment with God’s will and His principles is key to enjoying a fruitful life.

Love INC affiliates across the country offer a variety of skill-building opportunities for people in need through one-on-one teaching and group classes. These educational opportunities provide information and training through hands-on, interactive learning where participants can reflect on what they’ve learned, practice new skills, and applu Biblical principles to their lives. Love INC affiliates are teaching skills such as:

v Money management

v Parenting

v Employment readiness and job skills

v Computer skills

v GED test preparation

v English language education

v Auto maintenance and repair

v Home maintenance repair

v Nutrition and cooking

v Healthy marriage relationships

v Stress or anger management

v Setting boundaries

v Conflict resolution

v Addiction recovery

One of the most common life skills training that Love INC offers is money management. Consider these facts:

Ø Seventy percent of all consumers live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they run out of money before the end of each month

Ø Ninety-two percent of U.S. family disposable income is spent on paying debt.

Ø Between 1989 and 2006, America’s total credit card charges increased from about $69 billion a year to more than $1.8 trillion.

Ø Nearly half of all Americans have less than $10,000 saved for their retirement.

Ø Thirty-seven percent of marital problems derive from financial situations.

from the Love INC National Newsletter - Spring 2009