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.
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.
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.
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.
