Serving without an agenda
On a hill in a small town in East Texas is a beautiful red brick church. You probably wouldn’t see it when driving by, but you might notice the steeple stretching high into the sky or see the cars parked outside on any given Sunday.
You might know the worshippers inside because you met them at the care clinic a few miles down the road, served them on a Friday night at the football concession stand, or even greeted them as they entered the dental office.
Yes, it’s a small town but it has a big heart and a church community that teaches its members to serve with hearts full of gratitude. One of my favorite authors, Bob Goff, says it best, “When people realize there’s no agenda other than friendship and better understanding, it changes things.”
We long for community, friendship, and to feel valued. Volunteers continue to do this for our families, not just within the walls of churches within our community, but more importantly in businesses, organizations, schools and in our neighborhoods.
We relate with, recognize and long to develop relationships with these individuals because they inspire us and encourage us to remember that “no agenda” is needed, but a heart that is committed to understand and be a friend.
I pray your heart is encouraged and inspired by these words written by Paul in Colossians.
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7
As we continue to volunteer and serve with hope, may we be reminded to build our lives with God’s truths and his community, and that he chose us to fulfill his good works with his people.
Written by Reagan Maldonado, Buckner volunteer engagement coordinator for East Texas. April is National Volunteer Month and Buckner is so grateful for the many volunteers who give of their time to serve vulnerable children, families and seniors.
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