That Little “Lift”

by Katelin Jones, Educational Ministries Director

“Are you two scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush?”

“Oh, no! Don’t worry; we’re using old rags,” Leslie answered from the floor.

I was amazed. These volunteers were certainly going the extra mile… or two.

Last Saturday Emmaus hosted a volunteer group from Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park. Twelve church members came to Emmaus on Saturday morning to help us clean our drop-in center, organize our food pantry, and systematize our clothing room. They came with willing hearts and ready hands, and they were a tremendous help!

I am continually impressed with people who just seem to “get” service. Groups that walk into our Ministry Center and throw themselves into a work project are such a gift. They may never get to see the men picking out and trying on the clothing they spent hours folding and hanging up. They won’t see the joy on our staff’s faces when they come in on Monday to a sparkling clean kitchen. But they don’t need to see those things to understand how important their service is. They get it. They understand that a little support of our staff goes a very long way—not just because of the tangible help, but because of the encouragement and “lift” these gifts of service provide.

In the past few months I have been humbled to watch groups come in to paint, clean, organize, cook, install carpet, stamp mail, and fold clothes. All of the staff and men of Emmaus would like to offer our thanks to the many groups that have served with us:

Thank you for your generous spirits! Thank you for your willingness to get dirty and work hard! Thank you for your work for Christ!