Stories from the Field

Why Volunteer?
Thursday, June 1, 2023 by Amber Schafer

 

Meet Myah!

I was inspired to begin volunteering with Summit Missions when I was assigned a service project for my Global Politics class at school.  To complete the assignment, we were required to engage in a political activity and “think globally,” but “act locally.”  During the time I spent brainstorming ideas, I felt that I wanted to use this opportunity to become involved in the community and commit to formally serving others on a regular basis.  Summit Missions was recommended to me by a staff member from the Chapel in Green.  It seemed not only to work perfectly for my project, but also provided a space where I could volunteer every week.  Being a senior in high school, I have a busy schedule, but the staff there are accommodating and flexible.  The jobs I have completed are not overwhelming (consisting of things such as sorting clothes, folding newsletters, and counting supplies).  The workspace is comfortable, and it’s lovely to talk with all of the staff members.  It is not uncommon that I stop to grab a coffee to drink while I work.  However, I have been graciously offered coffee and snacks numerous times by staff members.  I typically listen to music or a podcast while I work, which never fails to make the time fly.  For all of these reasons, to any student seeking to fulfill the dreaded service hour requirements for school, or any person looking to serve in general, I would highly recommend getting involved with Summit Missions.  

Volunteering has done a lot more for me than helping me meet my project requirements.  In the time I have spent there, I have become a more grateful individual and have truly understood the value of giving to others.  I remember being told a few months ago that there was a great need for winter gear because of the drastic weather conditions in certain countries.  I have been blessed enough to have never had to worry about whether I will be warm enough in the wintertime, something that I take for granted.  I cannot imagine not having a proper winter coat or a warm house to live in.  I know the conflict between  Russia and Ukraine has led to many people becoming displaced across various countries in Eastern Europe; each time I think about someone struggling, it of course saddens me, but also gives me a great deal of gratitude for the things that I have.  In meeting the staff at Summit Missions, seeing the facility, and being personally engaged in the organization, my appreciation for nonprofit organizations and the people who run them has increased immensely.  Volunteering has become a routine part of my life now, and I do not plan to change that, even as I leave for college this upcoming August.  At the end of the day, we’re all equally human and there is so much value in giving anything we can offer to those in need, even if it's just an hour of sorting clothes per week.  Though I began volunteering for academic purposes, I continue volunteering because I have learned the beauty and impact of giving my time and have genuinely enjoyed myself while doing so. 

 

Meet Dan!

I moved to the Green, Ohio, area two years ago and began attending Maranatha Bible Church.  Since I'm retired, my days were long, and my activities were limited.  I began to pray that the Lord would provide me opportunities to serve Him.  A friend from church suggested Summit Missions.  So I thought I would investigate how I could serve the Lord there.  I stopped to check it out, and the rest is history.

 I am really thankful for the opportunity to serve at SMI in whatever capacity the Lord provides.  At present, I serve by making sure the other volunteers have a continual supply of clothing to sort and fold.  I also collect the folded clothing and place them in the baling boxes.  When they are full, the items are made into bales for shipping.

 Volunteering has opened my eyes to the abundance we have in the U.S. and the very real needs throughout the world.  It is a blessing to be a small but important portion of the way God provides for the needs for so many.

I am thankful to serve at Summit Missions for the reasons previously mentioned, but in addition to those reasons, I am also blessed to serve alongside brothers and sisters in Christ.  They keep me challenged in my relationship with the Lord and encouraged in keeping the faith.  It also gives me a wonderful place to socialize in the company with people who have a Biblical worldview.  I would encourage anyone who has time on their hands to come and join in the fun.

 

Come volunteer!

 

 

 

 

Share This Blog:



Previous Posts

Maria: A Ukrainian Refugee Finds Peace
Amber Schafer

12/19/2024

Give Thanks Together
David Windham

11/25/2024

Yulia: I am Grateful for the Path I’m Going Through
Amber Schafer

11/14/2024

Nadezhda: Thank You for Your Support at this Difficult Time!
Amber Schafer

11/14/2024

Because of the Tutoring Karina Has Received, She Has Sharpened-Up Her Studies
Amber Schafer

11/14/2024

Many Young People are Dedicating Themselves to the Service of the Lord!
Amber Schafer

11/14/2024

Tatyana: We are Not Alone in Our Weakness
Amber Schafer

11/11/2024

Julia: A Mother Grateful for God’s Goodness in Hopelessness
Amber Schafer

11/6/2024

Laura: I’m Grateful for the Adults and Mentors at the Feeding and Tutoring Program
Amber Schafer

10/30/2024

Practical Help a Conduit for Spiritual Hope
Amber Schafer

9/16/2024

Preaching the Gospel and Providing Support
Amber Schafer

9/4/2024

Childlike Faith
Amber Schafer

8/21/2024

Faithful Servant
Amber Schafer

8/15/2024

Going for the Goal
Amber Schafer

8/15/2024

A Ukrainian Church Plant Provides Practical Help and Spiritual Hope
Amber Schafer

7/1/2024

Natasha: I Like Everything About Bible Club!
Amber Schafer

7/1/2024

Ministry on the Frontlines of War
Amber Schafer

6/24/2024

Sports: Building Meaningful Relationships and Sharing About Jesus
Amber Schafer

6/3/2024

Reaching Ukrainian Youth with God’s Word
Amber Schafer

5/23/2024

Your Support Prepares Leaders for the Growth of Churches in Ukraine
Amber Schafer

5/23/2024

Dasha: I Liked Hearing About God at Bible Club!
Amber Schafer

5/23/2024

Volunteers Make a Difference Serving at Our Warehouse in Ohio
Amber Schafer

5/23/2024

Three Prayers
David Windham

5/20/2024

Anastasia: Adventure Camps Helped Prepare Me for the Future
Amber Schafer

5/9/2024

Finding Encouragement and Support at Help the Children International
Amber Schafer

5/2/2024

Belief Through Curiosity in the Local Church
Amber Schafer

4/30/2024

Ministry on the Sports Field
Amber Schafer

4/11/2024

Providing a Place of Safety
Amber Schafer

3/19/2024

An Opportunity to Hear the Good News of Jesus
Amber Schafer

3/12/2024

Making an Eternal Impact in the Lives of Hundreds of Young People
Amber Schafer

3/6/2024

Hope Amid Destruction
Amber Schafer

2/29/2024

Teaching, Instructing, and Talking About God
Amber Schafer

2/29/2024

Ministry and Growth During War
Amber Schafer

2/28/2024

See the Smiles You Brought to Kids in Ukraine!
Amber Schafer

2/8/2024

Painting Joy for Ukrainian Refugees
Amber Schafer

2/1/2024

Nelya’s Story: Lord, Have Mercy on Me!
Amber Schafer

1/15/2024

Room for Dreams and Desires to Develop for Her Future
Amber Schafer

1/11/2024

Adventure Camps Bring Spiritual Development
Amber Schafer

1/11/2024

A Gift You Can Share
Amber Schafer

12/11/2023

Snapshot From the Church Network in Ukraine: Helping Those Who Have Left Occupied Territories
Amber Schafer

12/6/2023

Sharing the Bread of Life
Amber Schafer

11/29/2023

I Want Them to Come to Bible Club Because They Do Not Know a Lot About Jesus
Amber Schafer

11/29/2023

After Adventure Camp, I Began to Think More About Life and the Future
Amber Schafer

11/29/2023

Church Growth During War in Ukraine
Amber Schafer

11/21/2023

I Have Learned A Lot About God
Amber Schafer

11/21/2023

Bible Clubs: Building Long-Term, Promising Relationships with Children and Parents
Amber Schafer

11/8/2023

Larisa’s Story
Amber Schafer

10/23/2023

A Place of Safety and Growth
Amber Schafer

10/23/2023

Halyna’s Story
Amber Schafer

10/23/2023

Smiles are on the way to Ukraine!
Amber Schafer

10/12/2023

Snapshot From the Church Network in Ukraine: Growing Young Faith
Amber Schafer

9/6/2023

Bible Clubs are Making an Impact at New Village Churches
Amber Schafer

8/28/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Fervent in Spirit and Serving the Lord in Ukraine
Amber Schafer

8/28/2023

Showing Teens in Moldova and Transnistria the Path to God
Amber Schafer

8/28/2023

Flooding in Kherson Compounds the Devastation of War
Amber Schafer

8/17/2023

Your Support Allows Us to Nurture Children
Amber Schafer

8/17/2023

Help the Children Agricultural Project: Giving At-Risk Families Food Security
Amber Schafer

8/15/2023

Last Hope
Amber Schafer

8/11/2023

Bring Help and Smiles to Ukrainian Children
Amber Schafer

8/1/2023

Skepticism Erased
Amber Schafer

8/1/2023

Natalia's Story: Attention Drawn to God Through Difficult Circumstances
Amber Schafer

7/25/2023

Greater Sports Camp for the Gospel
Amber Schafer

7/17/2023

Simplicity and Faithfulness
Amber Schafer

7/12/2023

Mila Finds Meaning in Life
Amber Schafer

6/26/2023

Help the Children: My Second Home
Amber Schafer

6/26/2023

Bringing Refugees Back to the Path of Hope
Amber Schafer

6/20/2023

Developing Young Leaders Through Bible Clubs
Amber Schafer

6/15/2023

God Changes Character
Amber Schafer

6/8/2023

Character Development Through Adventure Camp
Amber Schafer

6/1/2023

Why Volunteer?
Amber Schafer

6/1/2023

Ukraine War Update
Amber Schafer

6/1/2023

Karina’s Family Finds Help and Friendship at a Church in Ukraine
Amber Schafer

5/30/2023

Summer Break = Time for Bible Clubs
Amber Schafer

5/30/2023

The Russian Invasion: A Catalyst for Drawing People Into a Restored and Redeemed Relationship with
Amber Schafer

5/24/2023

A Different Life Picture is Taking Shape Through the Children of the Street Program
Amber Schafer

5/23/2023

Simple Things Bring About Great Change for Displaced Ukrainians
Amber Schafer

5/16/2023

Not Your Average Dream Come True!
Amber Schafer

5/11/2023

Like the Sun Shining in My Heart
Amber Schafer

5/8/2023

Inside Church Without Walls
Amber Schafer

4/25/2023

Vika Finds Hope Through Church Without Walls
Amber Schafer

3/30/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Strength to Serve
Amber Schafer

3/20/2023

Lida's Story
Amber Schafer

3/15/2023

A Review of Ministry in 2022
Amber Schafer

3/7/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Lord is Touching the Hearts of People
Amber Schafer

3/6/2023

The Significant Influence of Mentoring
Amber Schafer

3/2/2023

A Nebraska Grandmother Helps Bring Joy to Ukrainian Refugee Children
Amber Schafer

3/1/2023

Elena Finds Hope in an Unfamiliar Place
Amber Schafer

2/22/2023

God Changes Hearts
Amber Schafer

2/20/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Salt and Light
Amber Schafer

2/16/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Thank you for your continued remembrance and support
Amber Schafer

2/9/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: We Sincerely Thank You for the Opportunity to Serve
Amber Schafer

2/2/2023

The Joy of Seeing
Amber Schafer

1/31/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Precious Contributions
Amber Schafer

1/17/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: God is touching many lives through your help!
Amber Schafer

1/5/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Darker it is, the Greater the Need for Light.
Amber Schafer

1/4/2023

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: When We Care for God's Kingdom, He Cares for Us
Amber Schafer

12/19/2022

Jesus Was a Refugee Too
Amber Schafer

12/19/2022

Loving and Helping Ukrainian Refugees this Christmas
Amber Schafer

12/15/2022

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Lord is Working Miracles
Amber Schafer

12/14/2022

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: You Helped Us Expand Our Boundaries
Amber Schafer

12/13/2022

Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Maintaining Relationships
Amber Schafer

12/6/2022

Snapshot from the Church Network in Ukraine: Sharing Spiritual and Physical Food
Amber Schafer

11/29/2022

Snapshot from the Church Network in Ukraine: Thank You for Your Encouragement!
Amber Schafer

11/28/2022

She Saw it as a Miracle!
Amber Schafer

11/10/2022

Backpacks for Refugee Children
Amber Schafer

11/8/2022

Olga: A Refugee Sharing Faith
Amber Schafer

11/3/2022

Attention, Care and Love
Amber Schafer

10/27/2022

Serving and Helping Together
Amber Schafer

10/19/2022

Zinaida and Ruslan: At First They Were Skeptical
Amber Schafer

10/5/2022

Tanya: A Ukrainian Refugee Finds Support Through the Local Church
Amber Schafer

9/22/2022

Andrey: A Refugee Boy’s First Step on the Path of Spiritual Awakening
Amber Schafer

9/22/2022

Thank You for Responding to the Needs of Ukrainians
Amber Schafer

9/14/2022

Zhanna: She Did Not Want to Hear Anything About the Church
Amber Schafer

9/14/2022

A Refugee Family Thanks Our Partner in Transnistria
Amber Schafer

9/14/2022

Tanya: Serving God by Working with Children
Amber Schafer

9/1/2022

Olga: This Program is the Best Way to Tell Children About Jesus
Amber Schafer

8/11/2022

Alla: This Church Has Become Like Family to Us
Amber Schafer

8/10/2022

Varya: Serving Children with a Heart Full of Love
Amber Schafer

8/4/2022

Olena: This Is My Story!
Amber Schafer

7/27/2022

Your Support Helped Refugee, Zlata, Receive a Food Package!
Amber Schafer

7/12/2022

Katya's Family Receives Shelter and Support from Help The Children
Amber Schafer

7/7/2022

Reaching the Hearts of Children and Refugees
Amber Schafer

6/28/2022

Seeking Hope and Security
Amber Schafer

6/22/2022

Refugees Receive Care and Support
Amber Schafer

6/7/2022

Refugees Experience the Care of the Local Church
Amber Schafer

5/31/2022

Your Care Makes a Difference in Wartime
Amber Schafer

5/19/2022

Fear to Faith
Amber Schafer

5/13/2022

A Seed Planted
Amber Schafer

5/2/2022

Opening Arms to Help Hurting Neighbors from Ukraine
Amber Schafer

4/26/2022

Practical Help to Refugees of War
Amber Schafer

4/12/2022

Refuge from War is Found at Churches in Ukraine
Amber Schafer

4/4/2022

Helping Refugees from Ukraine Through the Help The Children Charity
Amber Schafer

3/31/2022

Transnistrian Partners Serve Like “The Good Samaritan”
Amber Schafer

3/30/2022

The Ukrainian Church is Serving in a Time of War
Amber Schafer

3/28/2022

Maybe There is a God!
Amber Schafer

3/17/2022

Help the Children is Providing Women and Children a Haven from the War
Amber Schafer

3/11/2022

Simple Blankets, Big Impact
Amber Schafer

2/24/2022

1,737 Children Hear About Jesus Through Bible Clubs
Amber Schafer

2/7/2022

Extreme Activities and Camping Make an Eternal Impact in the Lives of Teens
Amber Schafer

1/24/2022

Larisa's Family Is Helped Through The Local Church
Amber Schafer

12/14/2021

Reaching Neighborhood Youth Through Sports
Amber Schafer

12/14/2021

Family Food Pack Update
SMI Staff

10/5/2021

Vlad Gets Help Navigating Life
Amber Schafer

8/4/2021

Thanks from Children of the Street
SMI Staff

8/3/2021

A Relationship Leads to Discipleship
Amber Schafer

8/1/2021

“The Foundation of My Life Was Laid” Through Bible Clubs
Amber Schafer

6/1/2021

2020 in Retrospect
Esley Patsch, Founder

4/1/2021