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  • Writer's pictureMegan Rhea

Volunteer Spotlight: Lynn

Lynn wears many hats for Outreach. Learn about her roles and what motivates her to serve the youth at Outreach.

 

How would you describe Outreach to someone new?

It is the most amazing place to work. You can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and we see miracles happen every day. The sense of love is so thick you could cut it with a knife. It has become a family to me.

Lynn spent a lot of time in 2019 working in the Food Pantry.

What inspires you to be involved with us?

Seeing young people grow, becoming more responsible and are willing to be vulnerable and see the healing that takes place. To help them through the struggles that they face daily. And to be supportive of them when they have made wrong decisions.


What is your "why" for volunteering?

The Lord has blessed me with many gifts and being a child of God, I can’t help but share and pass on what the Lord has done for me.

Lynn teaches and guides youth to make pizza in the kitchen

If you were a superhero, what would you be and why?

I don’t believe in superheroes. God is the one that effects changes, He is the one that uses my experiences to touch the lives of others. I have been called an angel, but it was all God’s doing. I like to think that I am a good servant of the Lord.


What is a memorable moment about your work with us?

Singing with everyone at the Candlelight Vigil. And the prayers, the prayer team when we used to meet on Monday mornings.


What is something you have learned while volunteering with us that has helped you in your life?

That I have a loving family there. I didn’t have one growing up. I am so blessed by all of you.

After bringing in several arts and crafts supplies, Lynn sits with youth to express herself creatively

What values and/or lessons would you pass along to someone?

I am constantly asking the Lord to keep me humble – it is so easy to start putting things into categories, and then labeling. Each and every youth that comes through that door is unique. And our responses to him or her have to be unique to fit into their world. And we have to be willing to do the tough kind of love.


What has surprised you the most about volunteering with us?

The way we all work together it is a God thing. – So powerful and amazing. We trust each other.


When you are not volunteering, what are some of your hobbies or commitments?

I make greeting cards, I lead Bible Studies. I teach classes such as Boundaries, Anger resolution, communicating during conflict so that people have the chance to heal, the pain, the shame, and the anger that resides in our souls. I write I have a published book, Weaving the Fabric of Life, that tells how God preserved me through the violence, abuse, and neglect of my life. I draw and paint, I do different crafts projects. I sing in the choir at my church. I belong to the United Methodist Women of Old Bethel United Methodist Church. I am responsible for the publicity of UMW events, the organization of the rummage sale, and on the committee for the Annual Christmas Bazaar. And I am swimming at the YMCA. – love to swim. And of course, I love to cook and entertain guests. I have helped organize retreats for youth, singles and married couples. I am going back to school to become a Certified Lay Minister. And I counsel anyone the Lord brings to me (I have a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling and Counselor Education.) And lastly, I am a prayer warrior for the Lord, my God and Savior.

During drop-in hours, Lynn stops to take a break with staff and longtime friend and volunteer, Linda

What do you do to avoid burnout?

I have someone that I can vent to. They can see my faulty thinking and set me on the right track again. I am constantly evaluating myself. There is so much baggage that I have carried around for years that will adversely affect the way I interact with people. With in the last 4 years, I have been learning to get rid of the baggage. The baggage will tear you down, make you depressed, and sooooo tired.


The Lord makes me take time for myself (this is hard to do at times). And the fellowship of those around me (taking time to play)- you just feel the joy – it will bowl you over.


Taking a retreat or time out if I am not trusting in the Lord. That is the biggest threat to being burnt out. We try to do things on our own and don’t allow God into the equation. We give in to the fear that there isn’t enough time to do things God’s way so we do ours. When we do things our way, it is like that baggage it tears you down, make you depressed, and feel exhausted. I pray that we all will trust in the Lord to guide us daily, hourly, and minute by minute.

 

Get involved by checking out our individual and group volunteer opportunities!

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