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Over and over I read how life changing it is for our volunteers to be
totally dependent upon God for strength, guidance and wisdom. Comments
such as this one from Julie who served in Japan, “My experience in
Japan has brought me to a deeper understanding of the Bible and the role
of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in my life ... my walk with Jesus has
been awesome.” And this one from Carina, (her story is on page 21)
“While in Argentina, I experienced a change in attitude toward life.
The experience helped me to refocus and simplify my life. I realized that
I work not only for money, but more importantly, for a higher purpose—to
preach the love of Christ through my actions.”
These are lesson’s that only our heavenly Parent can teach. How rewarding
it is, after 18 years with our child, to see our Father take over and
teach such lessons. Unmistakable evidence that He is with them when we’re
not.
The volunteer is not the only one who benefits from their time in the
field. A whole new world is open to their family, friends and home church.
Those of us who for various reasons cannot go out into the field to volunteer,
get to do so through those we know who took the opportunity to go.
Take the story of Ramey who is serving at the Siufaga school in Samoa.
Her mother tells not only of Ramey’s experiences but also of the
benefits to those at home who have gained through her service.
“Ramey has endured the high humidity, swarms of bugs, uninvited critters
in her house, rashes, boredom, cultural differences, and facing a roomful
of 22 non-English-speaking first and second graders unprepared, but has
loved every minute of her time there...Believe me when I say that her
fulfilling the call to Samoa was the answer to our prayers...Because Ramey
has gone to Samoa, the financial need of the school has been brought to
the attention of many. I believe the San Francisco Samoan church is actively
participating in a mission project of raising funds to purchase a van
so that children from farther areas may attend the school. My brother’s
school had a week of ‘Discover Samoa’ in which the children
learned about Samoa and participated in a fund raiser to provide classroom
supplies for the school. Ramey plans to video tape the presentation of
supplies to her class to send back to my brother’s school along with
small gifts of lava-lavas and shell leis. My cousin in Illinois has started
a pen-pal program between children from her class and children from the
Siufaga school. Ramey’s former pathfinder club here has collected
classroom supplies as well to send to Ramey for her class as their mission
project.”
So, ask me if I would encourage my daughters to volunteer somewhere far
away (or close), learn who they are and what purpose God has in mind for
them? My answer—a resounding YES!
By: Donna Dix
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