Here are just a few of the stories and testimonies from people who have been inspired or personally touched by the love of someone in our church family.

“I have a great, selfless example of love! Our bathroom tub had a huge crack in it. After attempting to fix it (key word "attempting") we realized we needed a new tub. We priced it out to the tune of $3,500! Around this time, a fellow church member, Randy, Bailey, and his friend John, asked if they can help fix it. Eventually, we gratefully said "are you sure?" They said "yes". A few weeks later, we not only had a new tub, but a beautifully new tiled bathroom – flooring, paint, and all. Talk about love! They were the hands of Jesus for sure!”

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“There is a dear couple in one of my classes. With them I see love in action. The wife loads up a cart full of painting supplies for two artists and pushes it into class. She unloads and they paint side by side. Very different styles! He has some physical restrictions and tries more quickly than she. When he looks tired, she checks with him, asks him to sit down, and then, methodically, packs up their combined supplies and takes them to the parking lot (some distance away, often two trips). Only a painter can appreciate how truly loving this is! And I see it happen week after week.”

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“This week my one year old was diagnosed with epilepsy and my two month old had bronchitis. A small group from Saddleback came to our house, prayed with us, cleaned our entire house, brought flowers, candles, and groceries, and left index cards all over the house with Scriptures on them. It was such an immense showing of love, support, comfort, and encouragement. God used them to bless us tremendously in such a discouraging time.”

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“I have a good friend in my neighborhood that has been having medical problems. One day, as I was about to travel to L.A. to take my dad to the doctor, my friend called and needed me to take her to the doctor later that day. Since I couldn't do it, my good friend, Debbie, spent the day with her. She also brought over a complete meal for her and her family. Debbie has a servant's heart and will drop anything to help a friend (or animal!) in need.”

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“Dee has stepped up to aid me and my family a few times now. Most memorably, when my brother died she and her family showed up at the funeral, which was held so far away that I hadn't even invited them. She also got her family members and friends to send a card with a check that helped out immeasurably. When my father recently passed, again she was there with kind, supporting words. She's been an example of what love truly is.”

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“When my dad turned a room in our house into his home office, I didn’t think much of it. I’m a college student and noticed him at home more when I got home from school. My brother is in elementary school and I noticed that my dad picked him up from school a couple days a week. One day my dad put all the puzzle pieces together for me and said he is working from home a couple days a week so he can throw the ball around with my brother in the backyard and talk with me about classes before we all sit down for dinner. It made me realize the home-office isn’t just an extra room with a computer, it’s actually a key to becoming an awesome dad.”

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“My story is of my wife's love for our three children. I recently destroyed our marriage by having an affair, and then proceeded to lie about the extent of the affair for over a year. God finally intervened and I told the truth. My sin and destruction of our marriage covenant crushed my wife. Nevertheless, my wife has shown sacrificial love for our children and agreed to work on restoring our marriage. I am seeking help for my issues through Celebrate Recovery and individual counseling. I am amazed by my wife's love for the kids. In supporting my recovery, my wife is showing love for me, especially when I do not deserve her love. The 40 Days of Love and The Relationship Principles of Jesus have come at a perfect time for us to (hopefully) restore our marriage.”

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Members of a small group jumped into action when a family was in a severe car accident. Expressions of love were made through support, prayers, gift cards for food and gas, and helping with immediate bills. Plans are underway to help support this family long-term as the man will need weeks to heal, perhaps even losing use of his hand. The body of Christ must show love to others – this is the most important witness of all. Being a part of helping this family has caused others at my work to want to come to church.

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A few years ago I had a difficult pregnancy and had to lay on my left side for 10 weeks and was only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom next to my bed. My loving neighbor who we had recently met (Sue) came to the hospital, prayed for me and my unborn child and when I returned home to bed rest for 10 weeks, every single day she brought me homemade meals, fresh flowers, watched movies with me, taught me how to make jewelry and chatted about life, God and the joys of motherhood. She helped my husband deal with taking care of our 9 year old without the help of his wife. Sue and her husband, Richard, were sent from Heaven and I could not have made it 10 weeks alone in my bed without her love and kind deeds.

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My daughter brought 3 friends that don't go to saddleback to "the 3" last night at the refinery and they told her it was the best night ever. One of those friends and her mother came tonight 6:30 pm service! How cool is that?

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Dick is an usher on Sunday evenings. I had the opportunity to witness how he cares for her with ultimate love and patience. He serves as a living example for me of what it means to live a life of love. He is always eager to serve or just share a smile with all those he meets. Loving God and others is his ultimate goal and one that now seems achievable because of Dick's example.

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The donut man in Mammoth parking lot always makes it a point to welcome, smile and greet people getting on a shuttle. He serves and loves the members every Sunday without glory or recognition.

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Jeann took time to listen to me and is helping me to strengthen my faith, feel valued and seek help and forgiveness. She's helping to open my heart to Jesus.