Ruth was a retired Nurse Tech who missed the interaction with people she so much enjoyed, so she began searching for what was next.
She knew she wanted to connect with others where there was a Christian focus to follow Jesus’ call to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so she began exploring Love Your Neighbor.
Knowing there was a need for volunteer drivers, she started there. Her job was to take people to or from medical appointments because they could not get there on their own.
After doing that for several years, she started exploring additional ways to serve.
Utilizing her nursing background, Ruth began helping individuals who stop in to our resale store who need to borrow medical equipment. Many times this can be an overwhelming process to know what’s needed, find the right size, and load to take home. This free loan is available to anyone in our area. (Fun fact: in one week we loaned out 127 pieces of medical equipment!)
When the equipment is returned, Ruth also helps power wash it to get it ready for the next person who has a medical need.
But Ruth didn’t stop there. She also began preparing meals to be served at the weekly Life Skills Program in Grandville on Tuesday nights.
Then, she made the intentional decision to begin walking alongside someone who is participating in the Tuesday Life Skills Program, signing up to be a volunteer peer support. “I chose this area as I thought how best I could become more involved in actually having a relationship with those who find themselves facing difficult circumstances…”
When we asked Ruth how her volunteer experience has transformed her, she shared, “It has given purpose and meaning to my life as I sense the deep gratitude under-resourced neighbors have for the programs and help available. It’s fulfilling and rewarding to see the difference Love Your Neighbor makes in their lives both practically and spiritually.”
“I’ve seen God in the conversations I’ve had with clients I drive (who are always so appreciative of this service) as they share God’s presence in their life stories; through the classes taught in the Life Skills Program; and, as a Peer Support volunteer, giving me opportunities to speak of how God helps us through life struggles, and as I pray with my participant. ..”
“I also see the Spirit of Jesus in other volunteers: they display kindness, encouragement, patience, and gratitude to each other and are all focused on doing their best to do their part in providing services which benefit the under-resourced neighbors in our community.”
We also asked Ruth how Love Your Neighbor has equipped her to ‘love, serve and connect with dignity.’
“I have never glimpsed a critical or judgmental attitude voiced towards those we serve. Rather, everyone is willingly and joyfully thankful for what Love offers and for being able to participate in its ministry, contributing to helping others not only ‘better’ their lives but also connect them to Jesus.”
Ruth described her volunteer role as a “small part of this ministry,” but in reality, volunteers like Ruth are the backbone of this ministry and the reason we can continue building relationships and seeing lives transform right here in our community.
Are you interested in joining us in one of our 30 volunteer areas? We’d love to give you a tour, no strings attached. Email [email protected]
We’ll be sharing 40 stories of transformation leading up to our 40th Celebration Block Party on September 24th. Please join us!