when you volunteer at Gateway, you will never just merely paint or merely mulch, but everything should be full of new meaning and purpose which brings about healing to the children.

If I come and volunteer, what will I do? This question seems like it would be straightforward, but as the volunteer coordinator this summer for Gateway Woods I found this to be the most difficult question. It is the question I received back from most people who I asked to come and volunteer, but it always felt like it was a loaded question. Behind asking what they will do, they are really asking will I be doing anything worthwhile? Or even is it worth me coming out? So, I could answer the question with physical activities like painting and landscaping, but those answers do not actually answer the real motive behind the question. And herein lies the problem with volunteer coordinators, what is the purpose for volunteering here? There is not a straightforward answer to this question, and it is this question that has haunted me all summer. Here are a few thoughts that I had after thinking it over all summer.

1. Maybe your purpose is not about the work you get done. Just like typical Americans we are geared towards efficiency, but sometimes getting the work done is not the greatest good that could have been done. Think about it, if Jesus cared about the amount of work and efficiency, why did he die in his 30s? Also, it is good to remember that Gateway Woods stays open and gets work done even when volunteers are not there, so do not take your volunteer work too seriously. With this being said though, the work that gets done by volunteers is very much appreciated. It was amazing to watch God send the right volunteers at the right time. If you feel called to volunteer somewhere, it might just be that your talents are needed at that time.
2. Volunteering is not just for young people. Since young people cannot always give much money, giving their time is the alternative. The younger and more inexperienced the volunteers the harder the job is for the coordinator. This summer I was able to get volunteers from their teens into their 70s, and the older ones brought me much relief and did some of the best quality work. Also, often those who have raised children can have more beneficial conversations with the residents and staff at Gateway.
3. Lastly, always keep the mission in mind. Christ gave us the mission to disciple the nations. Gateway Woods joins in this mission by honoring and obeying God by providing help and healing to troubled children and families who then may bless others. As Christians we are never to do any minimal task with no purpose, but we are supposed do all things as if we are working for God. In the same way, when you volunteer at Gateway, you will never just merely paint or merely mulch, but everything should be full of new meaning and purpose which brings about healing to the children.

So, if you missed volunteering this summer at Gateway, pencil it in for next summer. Come and see Christ’s work in action. Come and put a face with your prayers and with your giving, and let us put a face to our gratitude.