“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25
We are called to volunteer. To serve and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Are you willing to serve? Is God calling you to serve in a specific area of need? Maybe that dead end job is just that…a dead end. Maybe it’s time to ask God where He wants you to be. Many ministries, non-profits, and organizations stem from or are founded upon time volunteering within a specific area of need. A key point to remember is ‘time spent volunteering is never wasted.’
I used to run a homeless shelter where we always encouraged people to volunteer who had no idea where else to start. Finding 
a job with little means seemed overwhelming to most of them. Volunteering helped them to develop routine and give them purpose to help them begin their journey. Serving others provided them with a hands on viable way that they could directly give back. It introduced them to people in their community that often led to other doors of opportunity opening for them. But, more importantly, volunteering helps us in the discovery of our passions and how the desires of our hearts – when it comes to serving others – can bring Glory to God. I had one particular gentleman I worked with who loved to read and share what he read with others. After some encouragement, he went and volunteered at the local library. The library was so impressed with his service that they ended up hiring him as soon as a position was open. He really felt he had found the foundation for what seemed to be a calling in his life. To this day he gets paid to help others who have the very same passion as him.
Many non profits and charities rely on their volunteerism for their very existence. Whether you are job searching or are currently employed at a job with little fulfillment, you may want to consider doing some volunteering. Think of a problem in society that is dear to your heart that you would like to be a part of solving. Find a charity that works at bringing solution in that area and contact them to see about volunteering. If you are not sure where to start, Elevation Church is hosting what they refer 
to as “Love Week” this month. They do this each year over the summer and it is such a blessing to participate in. They show up in force to tackle numerous community projects together and it is very inspiring. Another benefit that Love Week with Elevation brings is it offers a “sample platter” for “trying out” volunteerism at different charities. You might even find your place is serving through volunteerism at Elevation. This event can help you connect to your community and narrow down or pin point your interests. And time spent volunteering is never wasted. You will have an opportunity to be greatly impacting the lives of others directly. It takes a “village to raise a family”, and non profits need willing people to pull off their missions each and every single day. If you participate in Love Week, once it is over, you can think about committing some more of your time to helping the charity out that you feel is pulling on your heart the most.
Discovering our passions and talents, and operating in them, is vital to our quality of life. We are created for a purpose and God 
wants us to know what that purpose is. He wants us to have personal fulfillment and for us to help others find it as well. You never know, by volunteering, you might find a problem in society that no one else in your community seems to be active in tackling. You may just discover that you were created by God to get out there and be a part of solving a problem directly (with His help) yourself. Ask yourself a question. What problem in society breaks your heart? The answer to this question is the problem you are called to help bring much needed healing to. It’s is a clue to what the Lord is calling you to do.
Each ministry effort needs support from loving individuals that share the same vision or passion. Here at Audra Waters Ministries, Inc. we are looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping to bring salvation, healing, and wholeness in Christ to the entire family and unity to the body of Christ as a whole. If lack of the “right kind of support” in the community breaks your heart, if you believe throwing money at social concerns is good but only gets us so far, we may have the perfect volunteer opportunity (you can do from the comfort of your own home) waiting for you. Please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.
For more information on Elevation Church or to sign up for Elevation Melbourne’s Love Week, see the following link:
Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?
If you would like to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please pray the following prayer:
"God, I believe in you and your son Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to save me. Today, I invite Jesus into my heart to stay. I make you Lord over my life. Make me new. Wash me, Lord, and cleanse me. In Jesus Name, Amen"
If you have just prayed that prayer, we want to celebrate your new victory with you. Please contact us at prayers@awministries.org so we can welcome you into the kingdom. We don't want you to have to walk alone and we have some resources we would like the opportunity to share with you.
