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BY: Hugh Gilmore
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I volunteered for the first time at the OHUMC Freeze Shelter two weeks ago. There was an expressed need, and it seemed reasonable to sign up.
Within minutes of arriving Monday morning for the day shift, it was apparent that one of the overnight guests was experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Vicki was already leading a team of volunteers in calming, supporting, and caring for the individual until paramedics arrived. Assisted by one of the Constables, they facilitated transport to an appropriate emergency facility to receive the necessary professional help. “You are compassionate problem solvers”, I later told Vicki.
Tasks were varied over the next few hours—helping guests find warm clothes generously donated, setting up additional cots, cleaning up, serving lunch—whatever some of the veteran volunteers suggested be done. I rode shotgun for Adam, who drove the van to Sunrise Church on Manchaca to pick up six more individuals who would become our guests at OHUMC. If you’ve never seen or know much about Sunrise Church, it’s an extraordinary place and experience. Although a somewhat complex and multi-faceted operation, the mission is fairly simple. It’s people helping people.
Our guests—I think our capacity reached almost three dozen—were quite diverse. But the common attitude and response was gratitude, regardless of the small acts of kindness we offered. Every ladle of chicken soup I served, was followed by “Thank you, Sir.”
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I volunteered.
But what I experienced was many things:
It was enlightening.
It was inspiring.
It was humbling.
It was a blessing.
Welcome to our new blog series exploring the spiritual impact of service! We often discover God's presence in unexpected ways while serving our neighbors. We invite you to join us on this journey of faith and service as we share stories of transformation and discover the profound ways God moves through our acts of compassion.
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