Jane McKern, Board Member

This website is the history of TLOT ministry from year 2003 to 2016. If you want to follow latest news of the ministry go to the link below.

Jane was born in 1956 to teenage parents who struggled most of their lives to just make “ends meet”. She remembers in her early years, her family lived in her grandparent’s home. Her grandfather was a coal miner who came home at night covered in black soot and often sat in the kitchen while her grandmother dressed the blisters on his shins that were caused by working close to the heat in the mine. Her grandmother also worked at a bakery to help support their family of 5 children. Her dad was the oldest son, and so, when they lived under their roof, she also lived with 3 aunts and an uncle who were in their teenage years. There was a lot going on in that house. She remembers one time when her aunt was married that her grandpa brought home a live goose that was butchered on the river bank and then roasted for the wedding. Her Grandma set up long boards on sawhorses in the living room for tables. The wedding was quite festive. Her grandfather was a heavy drinker during those years (later he overcame the drinking and things were different). Her grandmother was a strong woman who prayed for their family all the time. Life was turbulent, but she enjoyed her childhood in spite of the turmoil and lack of finances for anything extravagant. She remembers her childhood as being a good one. Jane was married when she was 17 years old to her “first” love, Pat. They have been married now for over 40 years. They also enjoy working in ministry together at Toledo Foursquare Church where they are involved in a Christ centered recovery program, “Celebrate Recovery”, and also help with a Restoration Ministry. The hand of God drew Jane into relationship with Him about 15 years ago. At that time, she was struggling with depression and anxiety and He caused some neighbors to invite her to a Bible study in their home. That was an end and a new beginning.

She had believed in God her whole life, but she didn’t know Him personally. As she studied the Scripture and fellowshipped with others who were doing the same, God started revealing Himself to her in His Son, Jesus Christ. After beginning this new relationship with God, He drew her to Toledo Foursquare Church and she realized the very first time that this would be her “Home” Church. She has learned a lot through the ministry of God’s Word, which the pastor adheres to. During those first several years at Toledo Foursquare Church the pastor preached on the estimate that it costs about $25 each for a new soul to enter into the Kingdom of God. Jane took that to heart, she was interested in saving souls, so she increased her giving as she could, which wasn’t a lot, because she didn’t have much of an income at the time. However, God kept speaking to her when Rich and Sherrel Richmond gave a presentation on “The Least of These” during a Sunday service and she began to give to The Least of These to fulfill the Scripture: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27) God spoke to her heart that He would provide. She just needed to give what He provided. So, she began what she called “Pennies from Heaven.” If she saw a coin on the ground, she would pick it up, put it in a jar and save for the month. That would be what she would give to The Least of These each month. God provided it all. Jane began giving a very small amount at first, but God has provided a means whereby she has been able to increase her giving over the years. She believes God’s heart is with The Least of These, and His Spirit is supporting them to fulfill His purpose in Ukraine. Recently, Jane was invited to help with the ministry by becoming a Board member and by overseeing the financial reconciliation process. She is excited about what God is doing in the lives of the orphans and others in Ukraine. Once, while praying for The Least of These, the Lord brought her to the Scripture in Zechariah 4:6b that says: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts”. Jane believes God was saying to her that His Spirit is all powerful and will carry out the purposes of God even when we are weak. His Spirit has the power to change lives. Jane says she is blessed to be able to give of her time and other resources, as God leads, to be part of His plan for The Least of These. Thank You and God Bless Jane McKern