I spent Monday night meeting with a very dedicated group of volunteers at Maranatha Bible Church.  I visit the congregation upon request which occurs every 3 or 4 months.  Usually the meetings are similar to an orientation, we discuss SAMMinistries past, present and future, hand out Volunteer Application and a few business cards.  This time we discussed the newness of SAMMinistries, the needs at the shelter, and the opportunities for ministry.  Maranatha has a special place in my heart as they are the first group of volunteers that I met when I arrived at SAMMinistries nearly 2 years ago.  My first day I brought a lunchbox filled with tuna and a zealous heart.  I had never worked with the homeless, managed staff, written a newsletter, or kept a job for more than 9 months.  

In fact, my resume was a compliation of personal banking, West Texas oilfield labor, summer camps, and working for Sonic Radio as the self proclaimed "talent."  Sound glamerous?  It was a treat to give out free tator tots every hour on the hour.  My road to SAMMinistries was intentional and surprising.  I applied for a job in Volunteer Services in 2006.  During the interview I was told the position was part time so a graciouslly left deeply embarassed.  In 2007, I received a phone call from SAMMinistries as I left San Antonio for the last time on my way to Arkansas to get a Master's Degree in Family Ministry.  I left with a bit of regret in my heart as I deeply wanted to work for this organization.  In 2008, as I finished my internship, at yet another summer camp, I sent an email to SAMMinistries, they seemed like nice people and I needed someone to edit my resume.  In response to my email requesting that Terry manipulate my varied background into something professional and honoring, I was asked to apply for the position of which I know hold.  The call came the day I drove from Arkansas for the last time with no plans other than to head south.

My heart holds true to this organization and our mission, even as our structures change, our programs develop, and our members come and go.  As we did the first time I met Manuel Walker, Anita Lankford, Willie Broadnax and the rest of the Maranatha Bible Church team, Monday we bowed our heads and prayed.  The prayer was joyfull and firm.  "Thank you Lord for the hard times, we praise you for the good.  Thank you Lord for SAMMinistries we are blessed to serve the folks down there.  Continue to work in all of us as we work to become like your Son. Serving. Loving. Leading. Giving. Washing the feet of your flock."  

We are blessed by God to have volunteers dedicated to ministry; serving, loving, giving, washing the feet of the flock.