Just outside of downtown Huntsville, the historic Lincoln Mill community once stood as an area overwhelmed by poverty and hopelessness. In 2002, Mark Stearns was called to bring the light of Christ into the darkness after getting a first-hand look into the devastating conditions that families were living in just minutes away from the most affluent parts of town. He felt that it was unreasonable that there could be such a gap in living conditions in such a close proximity, so he began to take steps to close that gap and offer hope to the families who so desperately needed a lifeline. Soon thousands joined him, laying the foundation for what is now Lincoln Village Ministry.
At its core, Lincoln Village Ministry exists to help people experience redemption and restoration through a transforming relationship with Christ. Its work is holistic, touching every part of life from education, to housing, to financial literacy and family support. Lincoln Academy and Little Linc provide year-round opportunities for growth, serving children from preschool through high school in an environment where they are nourished, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are in Christ.
Beyond the classroom, Lincoln Village has worked to restore the physical community by acquiring and renovating homes, offering families a safe and affordable place to live. Families who once struggled to survive are now thriving, supported not only with practical resources, such as a comfortable home to be proud of, but also with the spiritual foundation needed for lasting change.
What began as a vision to transform one struggling neighborhood has become a proven model for renewal. Lincoln Village Ministry now looks to the future with the hope of replicating this approach in other parts of Huntsville and beyond, carrying forward the belief that entire communities can be redeemed and restored through the love of Jesus.
As you walk through the halls of Lincoln Village, there is no denying that contagious spirit of love and acceptance. You hear story after story of families who have found their way and are excelling in life thanks to the limitless support that the ministry has given them. "From the moment I stepped into the ministry, I felt hope begin to return," says resident Tora Goines.
Before she came to Lincoln Village, life was a constant uphill climb for Tora. As a single mother of three young children, she was doing her best to keep her family afloat; living in a small, rundown apartment with mold, working tirelessly to provide while carrying the weight of doing it all alone. She had no support from her children's father, and for a long time, she battled depression and the pain of a broken relationship filled with mental abuse. She recalls, "It often felt like I was surviving, not living, and I longed for a safe place to raise my children and a community to stand beside me."
Lincoln Village Ministries became that place. Living in this community and walking alongside the incredible women of Lincoln Village has not only given her stability, but also the tools to grow spiritually, emotionally, and as a mother. "I feel closer to God, more present with my children, and stronger in my sense of purpose," Tora explains.
Mark Stearns, the staff, and every person at Lincoln Village who has poured into Tora and her family, have changed the trajectory of their lives. "I am deeply grateful, Tora says."Your kindness, guidance, and encouragement have changed my outlook." She goes on to say "Lincoln Village has not only given me a home but has given me hope in what Huntsville has to offer women like me...women who just need a little extra support to keep moving forward. "Because of this ministry, I am becoming a better version of myself, and for that, my children and I will be forever thankful," Tora says.
Tora and other residents are part of the Evolve Program, which is unique because the plans, goals and successes are defined by the resident. One of the most important goals of the Evolve program outside of establishing a solid foundation for financial responsibility is to help individuals recognize and develop healthy relationships. These relationships start with their Creator, God and then extend to people in their lives. A combination of a relationship model with their neighborhood coordinator, their community, volunteers, and professional mental health counselors help residents understand the importance of mutually edifying relationships.
Families often enter Lincoln housing nearly homeless, burdened by debt, with low-income jobs, and with little or no hope. By contrast, they typically exit Lincoln housing free of debt, with better paying jobs, higher credit ratings, and are able to purchase or rent their own living space free of charitable or government assistance. The real transformation is on the inside. Most residents leave Lincoln with a new found sense of purpose and confidence.