Volunteers help from an overflow of joy

After attending a Women's Missionary Union leadership meeting where Tara Dew was the guest speaker, I was inspired to pick up her book, Overflowing Joy. In it, she writes, "Jesus wants us to have a joy so full that we cannot keep it to ourselves." That line struck a chord deep in my heart. I couldn't help but think of the phrase I often use to close my emails: Joyfully serving Him.

That phrase isn't just a signoff—it's a reflection of how I feel every day. I'm filled with joy and deep gratitude for my salvation, for all the Lord has done in my life and the life of my family, and for the incredible privilege of serving in this ministry. This kind of joy isn't meant to be hidden. Just like the truth of the Gospel, it's meant to overflow and be shared freely with others.

My prayer is that out of this overflow, Christ would be magnified—and that others would come to know the true joy that comes only through Him.

Over the past year, more than 2,200 volunteers have poured their time, talents, and love into serving the children, adults, and families in the care of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. They raked leaves, cleaned windows, chopped wood, washed clothes, and sorted food. But their impact went far beyond tasks—lives were touched. Because they showed up, residents and clients knew they were seen, heard, and valued. They knew they mattered.

This spring, Friends of Children has been a beautiful example of how you continue to show up and serve. Many of you didn't just Do Good – you also Brought Goods or contributed nonperishable items through Food Roundup or the Amazon wish list. Whether through your time, talents, or treasures, your investment makes a lasting difference.

These gifts are vital as BCH continues its mission of sharing hope and changing lives through the love of Jesus. From young children to seasoned adults, volunteers of all ages were a tremendous blessing. Not only did they meet real needs, but they also got to witness the heart of this ministry up close.

Now, we're excited to introduce a new opportunity to serve: BCH Prayer Partners. Starting this month, we're inviting faithful prayer warriors to join us in lifting up this ministry. We believe in the power of prayer—and we know it changes things. As a Prayer Partner, you'll receive regular updates with specific ways to intercede for our children, staff, and ongoing needs.

If you feel called to stand in the gap through prayer, we'd love for you to sign up for our Prayer Partner email list at www.bchfamily.org/prayer.

Let's continue joyfully serving Him—overflowing with the kind of joy that points others to the hope we have in Christ.

Written by  Kristyn Butts, BCH Director of Volunteer Engagement