I volunteer at our local food cupboard, partly because my mother taught me from a very young age to give back by being a volunteer and partly because I love being Jesus’ hands and feet to others. I find that wherever in life I have volunteered I have been treated differently and better than if I had been an employee at the same place. People sincerely appreciate those of us who give of our time and talent when we could be doing something else that might be more enjoyable – perhaps like sitting on the beach on a sunny day.
Some days that happens. You sign up to work and that morning opens up as if it might be the best beach day ever, and yet our volunteers never call in with frivolous excuses. I find that people who commit to being volunteers take their jobs very seriously. They know others are depending on them to be where they said they would be, and they make every effort to fulfill that promise in good weather or bad.
How refreshing it is in this day to know that there are still a lot of human souls who are willing to show up and give of their very valuable time for the sake of other human souls. They give selflessly of the talents the Lord has given them and they (and I) find great joy in those efforts.
Where would most of our churches be today if we had to hire all the positions that our wonderful volunteers fill? I cannot even imagine. In our small church we have volunteer elders and deacons, secretaries, bookkeepers (three different people), Sunday school teachers, ushers, those who care for the sick, women’s study programs, luncheons, dinners, Vacation Bible School, etc. It is never-ending, and that is just one organization.
It has been my experience that those who volunteer in one group are usually volunteering at other places as well. There is something God has put into our hearts and souls that is sweetly fulfilled by serving others. I think of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples and what a sincere special service He performed because He was teaching them while He was serving them.
That is usually what I aim for in my volunteer service – to do unto others as Jesus Himself would. To smile when I see a new or familiar face, to seek to interact with those I serve, and to introduce them to Jesus – even if without words. This is why I volunteer. It is not the same reason for everyone. People volunteer for a variety of motives, but many times it is when they take notice of a need that should be answered and realize that with some small effort they themselves might be the solution.
Of course we have the occasional recreational volunteers, those who help for big events in our county or towns such as the annual polar bear plunges or the Iron Man event. But if you could actually see the programs and the people that the many churches in our area provide for others week in and week out, I am sure you would be amazed by the sheer number of volunteer hours that make our world here in Cape May County so much better.
Consider the numerous food cupboards, clothes closets, organizations such as The Branches, Family Promise and similar programs set up to help those in need. The people who volunteer hours and hours to our youth through AWANA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, kids after-school programs and many sports groups. Jesus’ love is shining all around us in Cape May County if you take the time to quietly watch His many soldiers bending their knees to wait on others.
Our God is so gracious, and when we feel we are blessed beyond measure we want to freely give back. We can give nothing to God, as He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills,” but we can certainly share the love He has given us with others.
With that in mind, if you are not a volunteer yet with any organization, please know that volunteers are needed and wanted in almost every venue. If you love the arts, contact Cape May MAC; if animals, contact the zoo or local animal shelter. Pick what you love to do and share the love that God has given you with others. Oh, and of course do not forget your church. Some of that volunteering is outright fun – think of Vacation Bible School with outdoor games and activities, and it is usually limited to a one-week-each-year commitment.
This summer, and throughout the year, give a little or a lot of yourself. The reward is outstanding!
Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
