It is with an incredibly sad heart that we bid farewell to our faithful volunteer, Dick Zietse. After recently being diagnosed with a debilitating lung disease, Dick is no longer able to serve in the ministry of Love In the Name of Christ.
For over 10 years Dick has served in our donation receiving area, greeting donors, helping them unload their vehicle, and transporting donations around the Love INC campus. Dick has led our medical equipment loan ministry as a representative of Fairway CRC, cleaning and transporting medical equipment as needed to keep inventory available to meet the needs of the community. He has always been willing to lend a hand in loading up wheelchairs, hospital beds or walkers for those who signed them out of our program.
On any given day you may have seen Dick moving donations from the warehouse across the parking lot to the Resale Team at Love’s Treasures. It never mattered what the weather was like, rain, snow or sleet, nothing could keep Dick from delivering items. Whenever and wherever he serves, Dick is happy to flash a broad smile and a warm welcome to anyone he meets. Every organization should have a volunteer with the heart of Dick Zietse.
During his tenure with us at Love INC, Dick has made many friends across the Love INC campus. Jason DeJongh, operations manager at Love INC, has worked with Dick for over the last 10 years. “Dick Zietse has been a faithful volunteer at Love In the Name of Christ for many years. His dedicated service has been such a blessing to us at Love INC. His relationships with the people he encountered have been a blessing to anyone who knows him. He is always joking around and cheering up those around him. Thank you, Dick, for giving of yourself for the kingdom of God!!”
Lisa Mathews, Executive Director of Love INC upon learning of Dick’s last day reflected on Dick and his service, “A community is as strong as its most passionate members. Love In the Name of Christ is a force for redemption because of volunteers like Dick who faithfully serve shoulder to shoulder with the team as we serve together in community! I’m grateful for Dick!”
We often boast about the character of our volunteers at Love INC, we know they are the backbone of our organization. April is National Volunteer Month when we recognize the contribution of those who volunteer. Dick Zietse exemplifies a faithful volunteer.
The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
We are better for having served alongside Dick for these past 10 years. He leaves an indelible mark on our ministry and a blessing for those of us who have been privileged to call him a friend.
Dick’s wife, Evie, also serves in the prep area of Love’s Treasures. Together the two of them have faithfully served this community from behind the scenes. We will be holding them both close in prayer as they journey the next chapter of their lives together.