Created for Good Breakfast Recap

A Morning of Worship, Love Stories, Generosity, and Shared Purpose

On Tuesday, April 28, Love INC of Metro Tampa gathered churches, volunteers, donors, ministry leaders, and community partners at The Portico for our Created for Good Breakfast — a morning centered on the truth of Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

Created for Good was more than a fundraising breakfast. It was a visible reminder that God is still restoring lives, renewing hope, and mobilizing His people to serve neighbors with dignity, compassion, and love in the Name of Christ.

The morning opened with worship that helped set the tone for reflection, gratitude, and mission. We are grateful to Brittany Morrison, who led “Holy Forever,” and Abby Ebersole from Hyde Park United Methodist Church, who shared “Prayer of St. Francis.” Their ministry reminded us that the work of Love INC is deeply spiritual before it is ever logistical.

Throughout the morning, guests heard how Love INC continues helping churches move from compassion to coordinated action. Through the Help Center, REACH Transformational Ministries, Resource Navigation, Gap Ministries, and church partnerships, Love INC is creating pathways for neighbors to be seen, supported, equipped, and encouraged.

One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was hearing from Lavaunjah “Lava”, whose story reflects the heart of transformational ministry. Lava’s journey through REACH and the Freedom Fund Challenge reminded attendees that Love Stories are not simply moments of assistance — they are stories of perseverance, relationship, spiritual growth, and restored dignity.

Thad Bereday, Love INC Board Chair, guided a powerful on-stage conversation with Lava, allowing guests to hear firsthand how relationship-based support can help neighbors take meaningful steps forward. Her story gave the room a clear picture of what becomes possible when churches, volunteers, donors, and community partners walk alongside neighbors over time.

The morning also included the presentation of The Venerable Dr. Kathleen Moore Volunteer Service Award, introduced by Evan Smith, Director of Philanthropy Services at AdventHealth. This special moment gave Love INC the opportunity to honor faithful volunteer service and celebrate the kind of steady, Christ-centered commitment that makes ministry possible.

Love INC Executive Director Chalette Davis, along with Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks, helped cast vision for the work ahead and invited attendees to invest in the mission. Their message was clear: Love INC is not simply asking people to give to an organization. We are inviting churches, donors, and friends to help write more Love Stories across Tampa Bay.

As of May 8, the Created for Good Breakfast has generated:

• $71,857.80 in funds raised
• $5,383.06 in pledges and new recurring donations
• $77,240.86 total committed toward Love INC’s mission

These gifts help Love INC continue mobilizing churches, equipping volunteers, supporting neighbors, and expanding pathways of practical and transformational care.

One of the most visible moments of the morning was the unveiling and blessing of the new Love on Wheels van. For many in the room, this was more than seeing a vehicle for the first time — it was seeing a ministry vision take shape.

The van stood as a tangible reminder that Love INC’s mission continues beyond the breakfast, beyond the building, and into the lives of neighbors who need practical support, transportation, and care. Through Love on Wheels, donated furniture, mobility equipment, household items, and even REACH participants can be moved with greater consistency, dignity, and purpose.

The morning closed with a special blessing led by Fr. Andrew Lazo, who prayed that the Holy Spirit would be upon all who travel in the van and that the van would be used for God’s purpose. That moment captured the heart of Love on Wheels: moving resources, removing barriers, and sharing love in the Name of Christ.

Created for Good reminded us that we are not simply raising funds. We are raising vision. We are strengthening a movement. We are inviting the Church to live into the good works God has already prepared.

Thank you to every church, donor, volunteer, table host, sponsor, worship leader, speaker, and community friend who helped make Created for Good possible. Together, we are helping write more Love Stories in the Name of Christ.