Hear From the Volunteers
Three Cheers for Volunteers!
As we wrap up the 2022-2023 school year, we took an evening to celebrate those who make our clubs possible - our volunteers! We hosted a lovely event at OpenDoor Coffee in Genoa, complete with delicious coffee, treats, and time spent together. It was such an honor to celebrate the 19 men and women who have invested so much into the Neighbors’ House students this year!
During this event, we asked our volunteers to share about some of their favorite Kids Club moments and memories. The stories had us laughing and the feedback had our wheels turning with ideas for the future. We hope you enjoy reading some of what our volunteers had to share!
what is a memory or story that encouraged you this year?
“I am continually impressed at how the kids are very attentive and listen intently during devotions and the story. They are really into it!”
“When we do the devotion and the kids get involved, and share what they know about God and how and what they pray for.”
”Having kids read The Book With No Pictures and finding it so hilarious.”
“With the devotions this year, it was asked who Jesus was, and a student said “Jesus was God”. This is not part of their faith, so that was encouraging!”
is there a certain student that left an imprint on your heart, or that you felt you impacted?
“Helping a young lady with her homework has helped remind me to be patient, and I hope I have helped her see the importance of slowing down and thinking through the math word problems to figure out what is being asked.“
“There are two little girls that really impacted me because they started coming late in the year, and I watched them make friends with others, which just really touched my heart. Also, in the summer, there were two Spanish-speaking girls, and they felt very included when I attempted speaking with them, since they seemed isolated from the other kids.”
“Yes, a little boy who seemed detached, but one day I sought him out and “got personal” asking him questions about himself. Next week, he felt more a part of the group.”
in what ways did you see or feel God working this school year?
“Charise (the Gideon Court Resource Center Manager) has been the hands and feet of Jesus at the Gideon Court campus - she is a God-sent blessing!”
“Since we started to do the devotional, the older students ask if they can take turns reading. It has given us the opportunity to discuss who God/Jesus is.”
“The kids listen and are quick to share. They are fun to be with and enjoy being with us too. I feel that they have definitely grown in their understanding of prayer.”
“The week before the program started in August, God convicted me to make some changes in my life, or this would not be a fruitful serving opportunity for me. I made the changes and serving brings so much joy!”
“Through the way that our students respond to all of our amazing volunteers. Hearing all the kids laughter and seeing their smiles every time they walk into the program.”
what motivated you to continue showing up to serve, week after week?
“I love the kids! I can be used by God to help them experience His love and truth.”
“I love how we are given the opportunities to build relationships with students from all backgrounds.”
“The kids really love being there - big smiles - running in - participating with enthusiasm.”
is there a prayer you have for the students you met this year, as they go forward?
“My prayer is that the Gideon Court students would know they are loved by God.”
“That the seeds planted (especially on prayer and a relationship with God) will take root and produce fruit. My prayer is that they will have a deep, personal relationship with God.”
“That God would continue to a do a work in the hearts and lives of our students, as well as their parents/families".”
“For the families with different faiths, that they would seek to find out more about the Jesus we love and who loves them so.”