4 MONTHS AGO • 2 MIN READ

February LIFE2CBUS Newsletter (ICE Emergency Info)

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LIFE2CBUS

Hey Reader,

January may have been cold, but this community stayed warm and active. As we look ahead into February, we’re stepping into heavier work—work that requires courage, prayer, and a deep love for our neighbors, especially those at risk. Here's a look at what’s behind us and what’s calling us forward.

January Recap

January brought movement and consistency. Here’s a snapshot of what your support made possible:

👕 240 lbs of clothing distributed

🧴 330 hygiene items shared

👟 15 pairs of shoes given

🧥 17 winter coats provided

🛒 8 grocery boxes packed and delivered to neighbors in need

Every item mattered. Every delivery told someone, “You are not forgotten.”

February News

This month, our mission sharpens as we prepare to care for immigrant families under threat from ICE activity here in Columbus. We’re praying—boldly—that what happened in Minnesota doesn’t repeat here. But if it does, we’ll be ready to respond with love, protection, and practical support.

Here’s what we’re focusing on right now:


1️⃣ Food Delivery for Hidden Families

We’re shifting much of our food pantry work to serve immigrant neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes. We’re partnering with trusted groups like Riverview International Center and Our Helpers to identify and support these families.

🚗 Want to help deliver?
Delivery slots are:

  • Mondays or Tuesdays at 10:30am
  • Thursdays anytime after 2:00pm

If you’re available, email aaron@life2cbus.org with:

  • Your name
  • Preferred delivery time
  • Frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.)

2️⃣ Emergency Child Care Preparedness

ICE raids can separate families, leaving children stranded with no safe plan. We’re partnering with Central Ohio Rapid Response Network (CORRN) and others to create legal, fast-response options.

Here’s how you can help:

  • 🏠 Be willing to host a child for 12–48 hours in the event of a family separation.
  • 🧡 Consider stepping into longer-term foster care. We know it’s a big ask—pray about it. We’ll walk with you and may be able to fast-track the process through our partners.

This plan is evolving and changing quickly. We’ll keep you updated as things develop. Please reach out to me aaron@life2cbus.org if you'd like to stay in the loop.


3️⃣ Advocate & Share Truth

Use your voice and platforms. 📱 Post facts. Challenge fear. Don’t let silence be your stance.

We’ll be sponsoring trainings and events in the coming weeks. Please show up, share them, and invite others.


4️⃣ Most Importantly… Pray 🙏

We are a praying people. Our energy alone isn’t enough. We need God’s Spirit to guide, sustain, and empower this work.

Here’s the prayer we’re standing on this month:

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

The Supply Shelf (Donation Needs Corner) 🔧

Here’s what we’re currently low on—and what would make a real difference for our neighbors this month:

  • 🥫 Shelf Stable Food for our Pantry
  • 🧦 Men’s and women’s socks + underwear
  • 👕 New or gently used men’s clothing
  • 🧺 Washer + Dryer (functional and clean)

Drop off on Sundays or reach out to coordinate a time to give.

February Service Opportunities:

“A church that does not join the poor, in order to speak out from the side of the poor against the injustices committed against them, is not the true church of Jesus Christ” - Oscar Romero

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out via email: Aaron@LIFE2Cbus.org

Aaron Ellington

Minister

LIFE Vineyard Church

"It's all Love."

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PS. Don't have time to volunteer, but want to help? Donate here by selecting Fund: LIFE2cbus!

LIFE2CBUS