April 2004
Dear Friends,
Greetings! I have expressed to you many many times how lucky I feel to be part of such a wonderful ministry. Every month I try to share something special that is happening at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services or a story of God's love working through this ministry. This month I want to talk about the volunteers who give their time to this ministry. We have many volunteers who spend time in one of our homes or programs or in our central office every week. We also have many groups from area Presbyterian churches that have gone to one of our homes to do a special one-time project. God's love is radiating through these volunteers AND our children see it!
The gifts of time, skill, talent, and love are very important to the children, families, and staff of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. There are many specific volunteer opportunities at each campus, home, or program. Here are some current needs:
- Grounds Keeping and Maintenance:
Austin - general yard clean-up (mowing, trimming, planting)
San Antonio - brush clearing
Waxahachie - painting, and general maintenance
Itasca - general maintenance and construction
Duncanville - provide and install sprinkler system extension - Interpreters: All of our programs need Spanish speaking interpreters. PCHAS receives periodic calls from Spanish speaking only families who are experiencing a crisis. Interpreters are needed to serve as conduits between the family and program directors. Interpreters would make themselves available via telephone and would be used on an "as needed" basis during regular work hours.
- Tutors: Tutors are needed in Waxahachie, Itasca, and Austin. Tutors provide special help with homework and general studies. Tutors are needed in the afternoons and evenings.
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services has a variety of volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact Donna Smith toll free at 1-800-888-1904.
We love to share the story of what God is doing in the lives of hurting children and families through the ministry of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Please contact me toll-free at 1-800-888-1904 and we can arrange a convenient time and date to provide a program for your church, church group, or civic organization. With ordained clergy on staff, we are available to preach/share in worship, as well as provide a minute for mission or a presentation for any size church or church group gathering, i.e. PW groups, men's groups, Sunday school classes, fellowship suppers, Bible studies, etc.
Please keep our children, families, and staff in your prayers!
For the Children,
Lisa L. Bell
Associate Director of Development
P.S. In an effort to save on postage costs, if you have an email address, please send it to me!
A Prayer for Our Volunteers
O God, today, in this fast paced world, bless the volunteer who slows down and deliberately shares freely of your most precious gift... time.
As they tutor, mentor, transport children, help in the office or just "show-up" to do what needs to be done... Lord, remind each volunteer that their love is making a real and lasting difference in the life of a hurting child.
Father, we know you have called each of our volunteers to this place and we are so very grateful to you, for all that they give... their compassion, their smiles, their hugs, their wisdom, their encouragement... their listening ears.
And tonight Lord, when they close their eyes to rest - let each of our volunteers be at peace - for they are shining your light through their service to others.
Amen, Amen
This prayer was published in our First Quarter 2004 Newsletter, but I wanted to share it with you in case you didn't see it. This prayer was written by PCHAS Volunteer Coordinator, Donna Smith.