God always finds a way - Why Jeff volunteers with us
What are three important ways you can be involved in our ministry? Pray, Give, and Volunteer. Today we’re highlighting volunteering. We need volunteers on a regular basis. That is what helps us serve our community.
Recently we had an afternoon basketball camp for the kids on our block. What a great way to keep engaging the youth. It was run by Jeff Long who has been a regular volunteer with us since March 2022 and is in charge of our Community Outreach here at Greenhouse Project.
Jeff said he “started volunteering at the Greenhouse project because I needed to find a way to keep structure in my life, have a mentor that could pour into me, and an outlet to serve the Lord.”
At our basketball camp we had 11 boys show up for the afternoon program. They were able to learn some basic skills, drills, and play a pickup game together.
Before it started Jeff said “I want to just introduce the game, and more importantly being able to dribble. If they want to play at a highschool level, they’re going to need to be good dribblers with their left hand and their right hand. But at the end of the day I want to have fun. I want these kids to have a really good time, to be respectful of each other, and to learn to love the game.”
Dribbling isn’t as exciting as making a basket so why focus on that? It is the foundation of the game. The skills the boys learned at this camp can also be applied in regular life. They need to be consistent especially in the “not-as-fun” parts of life. They need to work hard at school and learn how to take personal responsibility for their actions.
These kids need safe and productive things to do to fill their time. And while they are playing a pickup game they are learning important life skills like teamwork, getting along with others, discipline and hard work. Nothing comes easy and if they want to be successful they need to work hard at their game.
We need great role models for them and Jeff is this kind of role model.
Volunteers are not just “bodies” who show up to serve us. They are also role models for the children in this area. Not everyone on the block has someone positive to look up to. When people come, teach them, and even just talk to them it shows the kids that someone cares. God can show His love to them through you. Just one afternoon can make a difference.
Jeff said, “People who want to give and find the Lord calling them to give there will be a way to make that work. God always finds a way to use your talents and by serving the community here you are really serving the Lord.”
He also wants to “encourage other people that need an outlet or feel the Lord tugging on them to find a way they can contribute here at the Greenhouse Project because there are multiple layers of service that you can be involved in. And I just think it’s super rewarding to be able to give back and to serve the Lord.”
You don’t have to sign your whole schedule away to volunteer with us. Jeff can attest to the fact that “The flexibility here is tremendous. So that you don’t necessarily need to be here every day, you don’t necessarily need to be on a super set schedule.”
Whatever your gifts, talents, or schedule might be. God can use you to impact others through Greenhouse Project.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered with us over the years, whether it was one time or regularly. God has used your time and effort to bless us and the community of Chester and we are grateful.
Do you think God is calling you to serve with us? If you are interested in volunteering we would love to have you! There are so many ways you can be involved and the needs here in Chester are great. Please click on the button below to find out more.