09.05.2011

Why Busy People Volunteer

I asked several of our volunteers to fill out a short survey for me. I wanted to know why they do it. Why do they come here every week and minister to someone they never would have even met had it not been for CWJC? Why do they volunteer when they have a hundred other legitimate claims to their time?

Their answers blew me away.

“I am especially thrilled to watch a student progress from first-day insecurity to confidence leading up to their taking an exam. I know God placed me at the right place at the right time.” –Jill Clendening, GED Tutor

“Volunteering is a type of saving grace for me. It reminds me that God’s plans for me are always much bigger than my selfish desires.” –Rebecca Kennedy, ESL Teacher

“Volunteering gives to others directly. I can see my effect on the women’s lives as they “get” a concept or when something I say connects with their life.” –Jennifer Kendall, GED Tutor

They spoke of a passion to give back, born out of a sense of love and gratitude to God. They mentioned that it became important for them to do something hands-on.

Would they recommend it to others?

“Taking the time will bless you. It will change you. God will honor the time! Treat it like a work out, break time, lunch time once a week, trip to Target or Starbucks. It is so worth it to work it into your schedule. Sometimes when I’m in the thick of work, I have that twinge of thought, ‘I really don’t have time to go today.’ But I go. I’m obedient to my calling and then I walk out so thankful, so full, so blessed to be a small part of God’s work!” –Kris Seidenkranz, Bible Teacher

How do they do it?

“I let my co-workers know that on the nights I teach, I’m getting out the door on time because my commitment is to the women of CWJC.”-Rebecca Kennedy

“I share my volunteer night with a close friend. We enjoy our time together & have dinner beforehand. This gives us time to catch up with each other………it also keeps us accountable.”–Jennifer Kendall

“Right now I try to work it into the day so it doesn’t affect the evenings with my kids.” –Kris Seidenkranz

Basically, I learned that no volunteer is an island.  It is the classic story of tag team ministry. No act of love is small or unimportant. It’s what makes ministry possible. Otherwise, the long hours at work, the hungry kids at night and other urgencies would always be considered more important than volunteering. Thanks to all the quiet heroes who make what we do possible.