When Ben Foley asked me to write about what drew me to ServeNow, I blanked at first. Truly, what drew me to ServeNow? Was it the people that I could help? Or was it the diversity of the people their help benefited? In all honesty, it is the fact that working with ServeNow helps me to take the focus off of myself and put it on someone else; someone who may not have a voice strong enough to help themselves.
ServeNow is as big as the world, and it provides me the strength and power to step off my own porch and onto another countries’ soil. If you had asked me ten years ago, five years ago, even three years ago, I never would have thought that I would go on a “missions trip.” But now, a little over two years after I got saved, I feel called to go to Ukraine; a place where there is serious unrest. There is war. There is poverty. There is human trafficking. A place I feel led to go by God. A place that God has opened the door for me to experience something bigger than myself. Because isn’t that what it’s all about? Isn’t following Christ, putting yourself second and his will first, what being a true Christian is all about? And if it’s not, then I would recommend examining your walk with him.
Everyday in my line of work, I am forced to put others’ needs ahead of my own, but not in a Chris- like manner. I have been working in the auto industry on and off for almost ten years now. An industry that, on a daily basis, does things to “just make customers happy”. It doesn’t necessarily focus on doing the right thing. That’s not to say that everything we do is deceptive, but yes, there are thousands of times where we bend the rules in the interest of making people happy. The difference in following Christ and following the ways of the world is that Jesus’ goal is to bring joy to our lives, not just fleeting happiness based on what someone else can do for us or give us. Christ wants to show us a different way of living. He wants to provide us with a joy that is immeasurable.
I believe that my journey to accepting Jesus Christ has led me to meeting Ben, who was my pastor for several months while he still lived here in New Jersey. Through knowing him, doors were opened for me to opportunities with ServeNow that I never thought possible. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would volunteer my time or energy to a Christ- centered organization. I was a person who was too busy for God. A person who brushed off the idea of Jesus Christ, because it just seemed crazy. However, I knew, deep down in my soul, that I longed for something greater than myself, yet I had no idea what it was. Now, I can honestly say that having a relationship with Jesus Christ has saved my life. His presence has changed my heart, my mind and my soul. His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness are what now drive me to help others. ServeNow has become a part of me and will equip me to be a voice for others; to let them know that Jesus not only exists, but that he loves each and every one of us.
My prayer is that you search your heart…not just for what you want in your life, but for what God wants for your life. His plan for mine, and for yours, is so much greater than any that we could come up with on own!
***Not everyone may personally have a lot of financial resources to give, but If you are interested in making a difference through your time and talents like Rebecca, check out our Ambassador program or consider going on a ServeNow mission trip!
