Community Service Experience

My Community Service Experience Place of Hope is a distinctive faith-based, state-licensed children's organization in Palm Beach Gardens. Place of Hope provides family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking; transitional housing and support services; foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect throughout our region. Place of Hope sent an email requesting volunteers to decorate bedrooms for some of the children. I was excited to be part of such a great project. From the moment I arrived to the campus, I was energized and excited to decorate
for the kids. There were two of us assigned to the particular room we were working on. This room belonged to two boys. We painted the room a light a blue color, and then moved to our assignment, which was to decorate the room with a kid friendly theme. Pottery Barn donated bedding. We fixed the beds and added throw pillows and stuffed animals on each bed. This is close to home since I have two boys who are eight and five years old. I was happy to provide something as simple as decorating and painting for such precious boys. I left Place of Hope feeling energized and fulfilled because the kids were so happy when they finally saw their room. I encourage anyone to take time to volunteer, it keeps one grounded.
Servanthood and Christian Values I believe that as followers of Christ, we need to serve others.
Servanthood is the instrument that leads us to sharing the love of God with others. I have personally grown spiritually from serving others. My mission is to serve and let the light of Christ shine through me in order to change lives for God’s honor and glory. I value the opportunity and the honor to serve; it is a beautiful feeling to see God working through me as I am changing through the experience. Servanthood is not just volunteering, but also how you conduct yourself with those around you. Servanthood can take place at work and at home by putting others needs first before your own. Christian values are founded in the example that God provided to us through the life of Jesus. He was diligent about service in the time He was here on earth. Jesus deeply cared about the needs of His people. He was very clear about serving when he gave us the greatest commandment. According to the Gospel of Matthew 22:36-40, NIV: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40,
NIV)
Volunteerism and Community Servanthood Lifestyle I have dedicated my life to philanthropy, by working with non-profit organizations in our community.
In my current role at Palm Beach Count Food Bank, I have the opportunity to feed people in need. I would love to continue to volunteer on a regular basis, because it changes me, and me perspective. We tend to think of what is not going right in our lives, but when we are intentional about putting others first, a thankful heart starts to develop. For that reason, I think it is crucial to be selfless and focus on the needs of others. I am not saying to neglect one’s needs of family, but to take time to acknowledge all the blessings the Lord has given to us in order to bless others. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10,
NIV)
Organizations that Interest Me I have a few organizations that I would love to partner with in order to have a local and global impact. Samaritans Purse is one of my favorite organizations since they offer relief when is most needed. “For over 40 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus”, (“About Us,” n.d.). I pray that God provides the opportunity for me to partner with a ministry like Samaritans Purse. One of my desires is to travel to India. While this stage of my life would not be the ideal time to participate in such great missions’ trip, due to the age of my children and finances; I would love to serve in another country in the future. I believe other countries like India are in desperate need to hear of the word of God.