Rockstar Volunteers
by Carla Flores, Kids Ministry Director
I can’t believe it has already been six months since I began my new role as Children’s Ministry Director! I remember the excitement of the first day of Kids Adelante and Leaders in Training, the nervousness as I met all the volunteers, and the happiness of getting to meet all of the kids. I couldn’t have done it without the help of a wonderful team of volunteers. Their dedication, hard work, and love for my community filled my heart.
Being my first time in this role, I needed guidance and some very special, experienced volunteers stepped up to help. I’d like to share a little more about them and just how awesome they are!
I first met Michael Pollock when I was 15 years old. Believe it or not, he was volunteering back then too! Michael has always been the type of guy to be himself no matter what. I remember coming to Teens Adelante for the first time and Michael was in charge of the music for the night. If you know Michael, you know he loves to rock! We were all jamming out and it instantly made me feel welcome. Currently, Michael serves in Youth Club and Leaders in Training. He is also a substitute volunteer for Kids Adelante. The impact that Michael has had on my life is immeasurable. Thanks for always being an amazing friend Michael and an even amazing-er volunteer!
Julie Strohmeier is someone who enjoys helping others and empowering them to do what they love. As an apprentice, I met Julie while taking pictures for LIT. She motivated me to continue learning more about photography and even put me in contact with her husband, Karl, who is a photographer. He helped answer my questions as I began learning more about photography. Today, Julie continues to serve in LIT. The students love having her around and learning from her. This trimester, Julie helped me get a hang of what LIT was all about and begin building relationships with our kids. Thank you, Julie!
Brad Gregory is overall a rockstar volunteer! He has been volunteering at Mission Adelante for over 12 years now. He loves teaching our kids about Jesus, the Gospel, and everything it calls us to do. Brad is someone who I can always count on for help in any situation that arises. Earlier this trimester, I had mentioned that we needed a newer TV for the room our oldest kids used. He quickly got in contact with Heartland Community Church, and they were able to donate a flat screen TV for our classroom. But, it didn't end there, he set up the tv for us and even installed a Google Chromecast. It was such a blessing! Thank you Brad, for your thoughtfulness and your overflowing love for our community.
A big thank you as well to all of our volunteers for Kids Adelante and Leaders in Training. Each one of you is special in your own way and I am thankful God has called you to serve our community. I couldn't have done this past trimester without you!
Photos from LIT’s trip to Splitlog Coffee