Stories from the Field

We were given the opportunity to interview a few of our volunteers about their hearts for serving at Summit Missions. Below, you will read just some of their responses. We hope you are inspired as you read.

How did you learn about Summit Missions and How long have you volunteered at SMI?

Jay (volunteer for 3 years): Years ago, I was attending Westhill Baptist and we did ‘First Saturday’ projects…and we came here on a Saturday and worked sorting clothes. That was seven or eight years ago. A few years ago, Eric, from Maranatha, kept inviting me back to Summit.

Jerry (volunteer for 19 years): Well, Lena (wife) kind of introduced me to it because she started volunteering probably back in the beginning on Swartz Road…I was still working every day. When I retired, I decided to come with her.

Lena (volunteer for almost 30 years): A friend, named Mary, told me about this group 'Summit Missions'...and they were going through different things to send to impoverished people, and that struck my heart because I grew up impoverished.

Why did you decide to volunteer or what motivates you to volunteer?

Jay: Having experienced what Summit Missions does encouraged me, and I wanted to be a part of it.

Jerry: I enjoy the fellowship and I enjoy getting the reports of the end result of what we do here…seeing the videos [of the Eastern Europe ministry] is fascinating and very rewarding and encouraging…I enjoy working with the guys who are like-minded, and being here and doing what we do.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at  Summit Missions?

Jay: “The people I work with. We have a lot of fun. You become part of a family, doing something together for God’s glory.”

Lena: Concentrating on what’s going to become of these products and the people who need them…and being with the people. Esley and Chris have always been very precious to me. I love being around them. And Amber, of course!

Has volunteering changed the way you see others living in different countries or the importance of international missions and the global church?

Jay: It’s made me more thankful that I live where I live…It showed me how people are so needy in other countries, not only for material things, but also for the knowledge of God.

Lena: Before I got involved in Summit Missions, there was very little concern about other places compared to what I have now. Now it’s personal. We know some of these people. They’ve been here…You don’t just hear on the news about something, it’s in my life now.

What would you want to tell someone who might be considering volunteering at Summit Missions? 

Jay: Come and you will feel like you are part of a family, and you will come back.

Jerry: Come and be a part of something that matters…this matters! It’s emotional for me to see the hardships that are going on that are foreign to us as Americans. To see that we can have an outreach that matters…

Lena: We need to be involved! If we are able, let’s be there!

Join the Summit community! We value our volunteers and welcome your donated items.

Want to make a difference in the lives of others? Check out ways you, your group, church, or business can serve, and get the full list of items we receive.