This week is National Volunteer Week.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to serve your community and make a difference in the lives of those around you.  Jesus did a lot of volunteering, but He called it ministry.  Have you ever tried it?  It’s quite rewarding and just makes you feel good.

Many local organizations and social agencies could not do their work without the support of hundreds of volunteers.  In Fremont alone there are many choices; everything from delivering papers at the hospital to sorting clothes for our local Share and Care.  Share and Care is an organization that provides clothing and household items for just one dollar a bag.  They get mountains of donations, all of which must be sorted, sized, and deemed ready for future use.

We have a food pantry, a soup kitchen, and a homeless shelter all that need volunteers.  We have many church groups that use volunteers to do community service projects.  The Humane Society is a fun place to volunteer, if you like cute furry things.  What better way to spend a day than snuggling with a kitten or play catch with an abandoned dog?

I volunteer my time doing all kinds of things at the homeless shelter.  I have scrapbooked their history since the beginning.  I have served on the Board of Directors. I have made homemade jam for them and put up sweet corn in the freezer when they got a large donation.  I have cooked meals for the residents and served as an after hours staff volunteer.  Every little bit helps.

I recently ran into a young man at Walmart who looked familiar.  I couldn’t place him, but he remembered me.  He said, “Aren’t you the lady from the shelter who had me come in out of the cold and gave a hot meal?  I remember that the office was closed for the weekend, but you told me to come back on Monday.  Then you found out I hadn’t eaten in 2 days and you marched me right into the kitchen.”

“Even though I couldn’t stay there, you sent me on my way with extra fruit , snacks, and bottled water.  I will never forget your kindness.”  Now that made me feel good!

The Bible tells us that if we give even a drink of water to a stranger, it is as if we have given it to Jesus.  Each time we reach out a helping hand, God sees it and credits it to our account of loving Jesus.  That alone should make you want to become a volunteer.