They plan, promote, and pray. They invite others, open their homes, and facilitate groups. They strategize, organize, and synergize. They communicate by sharing their stories, completing forms, or making follow-up phone calls. They laugh together, cry together, and do life together.
“They” are the approximately 15,000 women who serve God through Stonecroft.
With all their time spent in immeasurable ways, a question arises: Why?
Stonecroft recently asked our volunteer Facebook friends, “What are your favorite things about being a Stonecroft volunteer?” Their responses fell roughly into four categories. Some summary points and excerpts from their answers follow:
1. Sharing Jesus Christ with others
Nearly 3,000 women began a relationship with Jesus Christ last year through the efforts of Stonecroft volunteers.
“The joy of sharing Jesus Christ with some of the most wonderful women I have had the privilege of meeting.” – Marge Monahan
“The joy opens the door to the Gospel! The love of Jesus is contagious!” – Billie Cash
“It is like a McDonald’s experience vs. a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse’s. He (Jesus) is the absolute best! Why settle for less? (It’s) such fun to help others know Him.” – Elaine Crowell
“I love sharing my faith experience with others, especially when I witness someone receiving Christ.” – Beatrice Ingersoll
“Inviting others to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior!” – Guadalupe Casillas
“The best is when someone tells you they relate and want to know more. I plant seeds, sometimes I water seeds others have planted. I keep praying more people will come to know the Jesus I know and love.” – Jean Malcom
2. Investing my gifts and talents
Stonecroft volunteers use their talents to carry out their various roles. They develop leadership skills and improve their abilities to share the Gospel. Some of these women are skilled trainers and train others so they, too, can effectively reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“God freely gave me all of the skills and talents I possess. Being a Stonecroft volunteer allows me to give them back to God to grow His kingdom.” – Sharon Grunwald
“I have been able to put my gifts and talents to work through speaking and music. … I’ve been given leadership roles in our group.” – Katrina Dunkin
“I think my favorite thing is seeing women realize that they can do whatever God calls them to do. He will equip them. Stonecroft with its resources and the encouragement of each other helps women help each other to fulfill God’s plan.” – Georgia Basko
3. Enjoying teamwork and mentorship
When a woman becomes a Stonecroft volunteer, she commits to be a part of something much bigger than herself. She wants to see lives transformed. It takes a team of women to invest their efforts to see their community changed. As new volunteers get involved, seasoned teammates mentor them to be effective leaders and vibrant Christ-followers.
“I love being part of a team that puts together a beautiful gathering for beautiful women.” –Sherri Bell
“The camaraderie with other volunteers, common goals and like-mindedness. (We’re) here to serve the Savior and not ourselves.” – Judy Scharfenberg
“My favorite is the love and connections I have made with the most beautiful, godly women/mentors I have ever known.” – Katrina
“I love connecting with my family of volunteers on the front line for the Outreach Meeting. I thoroughly enjoy the awesome Bible studies we offer so people can study the Word of God for themselves.” – Robin Reese
“I love the fellowship and support of my fellow sisters on our team. When we get together it is a very safe and secure place to pray together and lift each other up without judgment.” – Susan Carver
“Love the relationships this ministry allows us to encounter. It is an honor to serve with like-minded women who are called by God.” – Lynette Elton
“I love working beside the best volunteers (of) any organization. They love Jesus and have a passion to see Jesus become real in the lives of those they serve.” – Joyce Stryker
4. Finding friendship
These women develop deep friendships as they get to know others. They find others who believe in the same things, hold to the same values, and grasp the same vision to share Christ in their community. As they feel welcome and wanted as part of the Stonecroft community, our volunteers build their circles of friends.
“I appreciate that this ministry welcomes all women from all walks of life. … you know you are needed, wanted, and appreciated.” – Robin
“Other than the spiritual growth, I love the lifelong Christian friends made through Stonecroft.” – Susan Elsner
“Being surrounded by women of God who accept you for who you are … a priceless daughter of the Most High God!” – Carol Ratcliffe
“Meeting women who are life friends.” – Beth Ward
Some volunteers described their experiences as “joy.” Yes, our volunteers experience joy in their service through Stonecroft. And as God brings more volunteers through new avenues of outreach, we expect this joy to swell and explode.
As joy builds through our volunteers, may it continue to sparkle and sprinkle down like confetti.
Robyne Baker
Writer and Editor
Volunteer Appreciation Week