A group of students from Pepperdine University recently came to train with the Mission’s running club.

It is more blessed to give than to receive

Volunteering is a powerful thing. It is an act of service to others for no other reason than to provide help and blessings with no expectation for anything in return. Yet, when we volunteer, we often find that we receive more than we give.

This message was reinforced recently by a group of volunteers who conduct an annual surf camp for the residents of our Life Recovery Program. Last Sunday I saw John, the organizer of the camp, and thanked him for being such a blessing to our residents. His reply was one I have heard before but bears repeating “the blessing we get from working with your residents is far greater than what we give to them. They are so excited, so attentive, so into what we are teaching that it energizes us and each year we leave blessed and wanting to do more.”

Of course this isn’t a new idea. Many years ago Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” At Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County, we have many opportunities to volunteer, to share your time, talents and energy to be a blessing to those seeking a new start in life. By volunteering you can truly make a real and lasting difference.

Blessings,

Michael Darden
Director, RMA Ventura County