You Are Prepared: Serving God with Your Gifts

​If you cannot speak like angels,
If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus;
You can say he died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked
With the judgment’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children
To the Savior’s waiting arms.
 
Let none hear you idly saying,
"There is nothing I can do,"
While the multitudes are dying
And the master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly;
Let his work your pleasure be.
Answer quickly when he calls you,
"Here am I. Send me, send me!"
 (CW 573)
​
There seems to be this belief that if you are not a pastor or teacher, you are not qualified to share the gospel. You do not have the same level of training, and besides, you would probably make a mistake. You simply are not equipped.
 
This, of course, is entirely untrue. God has prepared you. He has given you the gifts to serve Him and work in His kingdom. You do not have to speak like angels or preach like Paul. You simply have to be yourself and use the unique gifts God has given you.
 
Our volunteers are evidence that God equips His believers, and uses individual gifts and abilities to accomplish His purpose. Two of our volunteers, Jean MacKain and Vicki Randant, were kind enough to share their experiences and explain how God has used them to serve.
 
Explain your position at WELS Lutherans for Life
Jean: I am a receptionist for our pregnancy clinic. My role includes greeting clients, answering the phone, managing paperwork, and other tasks as needed. I also work in the Baby Boutique, sorting donations and organizing inventory.
Vicki: I am an advocate. In this position, I talk with clients and give them information regarding their options. I work to understand their situation and provide them with support.

What is your favorite part of volunteering?
Jean: Meeting our clients. I enjoy welcoming them to our clinic and talking with them. Each client has a unique situation, and I love finding how we can best serve them.
Vicki: Sharing Jesus with our clients. Spiritual support is the most important thing we can provide.

How has the organization progressed since you started?
Jean: I started volunteering eleven years ago, and there has been a lot of progression. We doubled in size, started offering parenting classes, and added ultrasounds. God has truly blessed us.
Vicki: Well, I have certainly seen a lot of growth! I have been volunteering since the beginning, back in 1982. Our first location was in a second floor suite. Clients would have to go down two flights of stairs to give their specimen! I am thankful our current location has provided adequate space and the opportunity to grow our services. Now, we provide so much more for our clients. Expanding our services has really allowed us to serve more people, and that has been great!

How would you encourage those interested in volunteering?
Jean: Do not be afraid! You will receive training and there will always be someone to help you! If you do not have the answer, there will be someone who does! Additionally, we have something for everyone! Whatever your gifts may be, we have a place for you here!
Vicki: Give it a try! We will be here to support you, and God will be with you the whole time! He will work through you and bless your time here!
 
There is a place for you at WELS Lutherans for Life! Consider how you can use your God-given gifts to serve His kingdom!