Our Approach

Jesus received the gift of the poor, blessed the faith of the marginalized, identified with the predicament of the forgotten… and changed the world through them! What LLM does is unique to many organizations because we have limited our work to serve fewer, but in a more holistic fashion. In doing so, we rely on those transformed through our ministry to become the next generation of leaders to further that transformation. This calls us to a disciplined and committed approach, one that we believe is closely aligned to Christ’s model of ministry and discipleship.

Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty, thereby ending unhealthy dependencies and fostering an interdependent community where all give as they receive. We believe a relational and spiritual approach to ministry ensures successful and lasting change.

Read about our guiding principles and holistic approach (in eight life-domains) below.

Our Guiding Principles

Is it Spiritual? We believe that no lasting change can occur without a significant heart change that comes through a life-changing encounter with God.

Is it Relational? We believe that a community is not just a geographic area, but a collection of healthy, deep relationships where all can give as they receive as well as live, play, work and worship together.

Is it Holistic? Just as the challenges of poverty and addiction are complex, so are the people who are combating these challenges. Because of this, we endeavor to serve people body, soul and spirit rather than relying on “simple fixes."

Does it motivate people from Get to Give? We believe that the most effective change is initiated and achieved by local people, thus we endeavor to develop indigenous leaders, building on their personal assets and God-given abilities.

Domains/Service Areas

Basic Health & Safety considers the individual or family’s capacity for healthy functioning in the community. The domain covers a wide range of life skills: stable, well-maintained place of residence; access to and understanding of healthcare; hygiene and nutrition; awareness of available social assistance programs; and feeling safe.

Community Involvement & Citizenship considers the individual or family’s capacity for interacting with neighbors; policymakers and stakeholders; and the community-at-large in healthy and ethical ways that promote the general well-being and dignity of self and others.

Educational Success & Advancement considers the individual or family's’s academic ability and success; basic study skills and understanding of learning; and the ability and value to obtain continuing education. This area focuses on age appropriate academic ability and success; study skills; and a value of life-long learning.

Employment considers employment history (such as job performance, absenteeism, unstable work record, having been fired, inability to earn sufficient salary to live on, having difficulty with co-workers and/or superiors), soft skills, hard skills (vocational), employment status and retention, and work ethic.

Financial Management considers the individual’s/family’s understanding of budgeting and money management skills, relationship to financial institutions, credit history, and comprehension of long-term savings/investments.

Recovery considers problems, if any, with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and with any prior treatment programs. It includes details concerning the substance abuse, the extent to which alcohol or other drugs interfered with pro-social experiences (such as marital/family relations, employment, and social situations), and information about prior substance abuse treatment programming. This area also focuses on establishing/maintaining support networks and understanding the nature of addiction.

Relationship Skills considers family relationships (including relationships with parents and siblings), absence of parents, history of family abuse, marital/dating history, dependents, parenting skills, and involvement in child abuse. In addition, this domain focuses on the characteristics and qualities of interactions with others, particularly peer group(s).

Spiritual Maturity considers the role of faith and spirituality in the individual or family’s life, spiritual history, personal growth, positive self-esteem and appropriate self-image, interaction with faith community, personal responsibility, and the demonstration of godly behavior. This area focuses on personal faith, spiritual growth, and positive self-esteem and attitudes.