A Chance To Reconnect

One-Year Volunteer, Sarah, read CAP Founder Rev. Beiting’s autobiography and reconnected with her service. This is her reflection.

 

I definitely felt the call to serve as Rev.Beiting mentions in his book. As he was called in many chapters of his life, I too have felt called to serve. I also have found much more gain in the giving process, be it giving of my time, funds, or gifts. And therein lies the key. Though I know that serving in any program can still be a gift, I am learning the importance of using my strengths, skills, and passions to serve more wholeheartedly. 

 

I am oftentimes reminded of my gift of vulnerability, or more-so willingness to share openly. Sometimes our participants or co-volunteers need to know that they are not alone when they don’t feel like they have much to give. I haven’t felt like I’ve had much to give lately. Rev. Beiting set up CAP with this in mind. He gave participants a chance to take part in whatever help they were receiving, be it through helping with the renovations on their homes, serving a few hours in one of the other programs, or blessing the crew with a hot cup of coffee or a homemade meal. We all have something to give. Beiting empowered the people around him to give and serve as they could. I feel honored to work for an organization founded on such principles of generosity, independence, and empowerment. 

 

Rev. Beiting quotes a participant in one of his stories, and this statement is what I connected to the most, “When it comes down to it, God isn’t going to look at the deed you did, as much as He will at what was in your heart when you did it.” I've found myself looking inwardly at my motivations for serving. I don’t want to feel obligated because there’s a need. Honestly, there is need everywhere. I want to serve because I want to, and I feel like I have something to offer. 

 

Throughout his book Rev. Beiting mentions obstacles that show up through the journey (loneliness, insecurities, doubt, perseverance, conflict, etc) but it is the love of God, the people of Appalachia, and service that kept him keeping on. And that is what I am striving for. I am making many mistakes, but I hope while serving with this incredible organization that I can adopt some of the qualities of its founder: a heart for service, a heart for these people, and a spirit of giving. COVID has given me many reasons to feel disconnected from the world around me, but service is giving me a chance to reconnect, and give back. I am grateful for that.