“Neighbor” forms a strategic aspect of LifePoint’s Impact vision. Jesus provided a true understanding of what it means to love God when he stated that Christians love our neighbor as we love self. The way we love other people reveals our true love for God. Another question was posed to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered by sharing a parable that shows us the real meaning of “neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37). “Neighbor” includes anyone around us in need, whether living next door or that we come across in the city. “Neighbor” as a strategy means that we love our city by loving people. God receives glory when His people love our neighbors the way He has loved us. LifePoint strives to love our neighbor(s) well as an expression of our love and obedience unto God.
LifePoint implements several practices that enable us to love our neighbor and glorify God. First, we cultivate a culture of doing good works in all of life so others can see them and glorify God. We train our people to look upon all others with compassion, as Jesus looked upon the masses (Matt 9:36). Compassion fights selfishness and enables Christians to stand ready to minister in Jesus’ name at all times and in all places to all people.
Second, we hold that God’s people seek the welfare of the city and pray for it. Christians labor and serve to see the city prosper, that God might bless them as well (Jer 29:7). In every way and every day, Christians live to bless the place where they live. God does use prosperity to point people to Him and to provide for his people. Christians live to labor for the prosperity of their city so others can be blessed.
Third, Jesus explains how in the final judgment he will look upon his children as those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned. When asked how he knew they ministered to him, he replied, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt 25:35-40). The “least of these” in the world hold the greatest concern in the eyes of Jesus. Jesus is close to the broken-hearted, the impoverished, the suffering, abused, neglected and scorned. Jesus cares about all suffering, heartache and pain in this world, and he leads His people to care and minister to them as well. LifePoint strives to pursue the “least of these” in this world that we might minister and serve in Jesus’ name to bring hope and healing.
Special Causes
Special causes provide focused ministry to demonstrate God’s love and mercy in specific areas and issues where God has led LifePoint to give particular emphasis.
Orphan Care through adoption and foster care.
Adoption is highly celebrated and a normal part of gospel culture at LifePoint. Many of our people have adopted both internationally and domestically. We regularly minister to families at all different stages in the adoption process. LifePoint strives to cultivate a culture of adoption through regular celebration, conversation, and ministry.
Foster Care is highly celebrated and a normal part of gospel culture at LifePoint. A number of our people have been trained and serve as foster parents. LifePoint considers showing compassion toward and ministering to the special needs of foster children a high honor and a distinct gospel ministry.
Abortion
Abortion presents one of the greatest, historical atrocities against humanity known to man. The numbers of helpless lives killed and destroyed through abortion annually remains staggering. LifePoint strives to confront and abolish abortion by offering a hopeful alternative against the societal lies that rationalize it. We value every life and want to see the baby’s life saved. We love people and want to minister to women who find their lives caught in crisis situations that lead to abortion. We oppose abortion. We love people and want to provide help and hope.
Poverty
Christian County holds a wide socio-economic diversity. A number of factors influence this reality, including fast growth over the last three decades and a shift from a predominantly rural to a growing urban context. Hunger affects 1 in 5 families in Christian County. Hundreds of families each month depend on help for food, clothes and basic life necessities. LifePoint strives to remember the poor (Gal 2:10) with an eagerness to serve those in need.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking presents a growing threat in Southwest Missouri. Human Trafficking is defined as a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Several cultural factors contribute to trafficking, including high levels of poverty, single parent households, a history of abuse and neglect, drug use and tourism. This list describes the region very accurately. Data shows that Southwest Missouri represents a prime context for human trafficking to thrive. LifePoint strives to provide hope and help to any enslaved in human trafficking.
Partner Organization
LifePoint partners with local organizations to serve the community and strengthen Christian ministries throughout our region. Partner organizations provide opportunity to address special causes and larger issues beyond what can be done individually. LifePoint gladly supports and partners with the following organizations.
Pregnancy Care Center http://www.417choices.com/
The Springfield Pregnancy Care Center exists to help women know and understand all their pregnancy options. Services are free, confidential, and professional.
Least of These, Inc http://leastofthesefoodpantry.org/
Least of These slogan is “Feeding people, Changing lives”. Now serving over 800 families a month in Christian County, their services continue to expand. Services include food, hygiene items not available with food stamps, clothing, training classes and much more.
NightLight http://www.nightlightinternational.com/
NightLight is an international organization compelled by love to reach out, rescue, and restore, all those who are negatively impacted by sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. NighLight Branson launched in Fall 2012 and is addressing the issue of commercial sexual exploitation specifically in the Tri-Lakes area, which includes the cities of Branson, Ozark, and Springfield, Missouri.