The Benefits of Serving
Every summer numerous college students come to Gateway Woods to help volunteer. Whether it is for a week or a few months, these volunteers display a Godly attitude by giving up part of their summer to serve others.
Towards the end of June, I had the opportunity to talk with the current volunteers and asked them a few questions about their experiences at Gateway Woods so far. When asked how they learned about the opportunities here, they mentioned the Auction and from volunteers and employees. They have already completed quite a few projects ranging from small cleaning tasks to removing wallpaper and painting an office. The volunteers are always eager to get the job done! Volunteer Coordinator Joel Stickling (Peoria) said, "As a volunteer program, we like to approach our work with servant hearts to ease the burden of the Houseparents and other staff at Gateway Woods."
Volunteering at Gateway Woods provides a unique experience for all those who help. The volunteers enjoy the Christ-centered atmosphere combined with the opportunity to serve in their own backyard. Gateway Woods provides an amazing opportunity for anyone seeking to work at a Christ-honoring organization. Angela Knobloch (Peoria) said "Gateway Woods shows a real sense of community. Volunteers are also blessed to be able to eat lunch and supper at the houses on campus, which allows time to build friendships with both the Houseparents and the residents. For anyone not from the Leo area, the opportunity to experience the nearby Amish culture adds to a memorable experience."
Even if you have a busy summer, it would be a tremendous blessing to spend a few days here. When asked to give advice for those who might serve in the future, the volunteers had plenty to say. Seth Hodel (Roanoke) spoke for the whole group when he said not to have certain expectations when serving and to be ready to do whatever is needed. The volunteers have discovered that the residents always notice their good attitudes while serving. The result of your service during your time at Gateway Woods might not always be seen, but you can be assured that everyone and everything done makes a difference. The volunteers summed up what every potential volunteer should do when considering serving at Gateway Woods when they said, "Just do it."
- Aaron Roecker, PR Intern
Modeling Christ's Example By Serving
I have always seen Gateway Woods as a place of opportunity. Opportunities for the children there to learn about Christ and change their life, for the staff to teach and mentor the children, and for volunteers to show Christ to the children in their daily walk. Last summer I served as an education intern at Gateway Woods School. I am thankful to be serving as the Volunteer Coordinator this year and look forward to working with volunteers from all over the Midwest and beyond.
If you are age 19 or older, please consider taking the opportunity to serve at Gateway Woods during the summer months. Every year those who give of themselves and work around campus have richly blessed Gateway Woods. I am excited to see what this summer holds! No matter the length of time you are able to come out, I would urge you to pray about getting involved with this ministry and the children that make Gateway Woods so special.
- Joel Sticking, 2010 Summer Volunteer Coordinator
Please fill out a Volunteer Application and Volunteer Reference Form or contact Joel on his cell at (309) 397-8309 with any questions you may have.
A Mission Right Here In The States
Each summer, Gateway Woods is blessed by the many volunteers who come and serve. Recently we were blessed with some long-term volunteers: David Prevo, Amy Hohulin, and Bethany Witzig. All three had volunteered at Gateway Woods the previous year and couldn't wait to come back!
At the end of the summer, Tim Sauder (Advancement Director) conducted an interview with these three volunteers. They were blessed by their experience and they share that blessing with you through this video.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40
Volunteering at Gateway Woods offers the opportunity to work hands-on for an outreach ministry to troubled children and their families. Some duties volunteers could be expected to perform include: maintenance, helping with childcare, assisting with campus projects, tutoring, and assisting foster parents.
By willingly spending time as a volunteer, you demonstrate to these young people that that someone cares enough to get involved. It's a chance to live the testimony of God's love to the residents and build life-long relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Perhaps most importantly, God will use your experience volunteering to reveal Himself to you in a deeper way.
"Gateway Woods has always been an encouragement to me. With all of the problems that face our youth today, Gateway stands out in my mind as a beacon of hope."
- Justin Wiegand, former Volunteer Coordinator
"The opportunity that God has provided for me to come and serve at Gateway Woods has challenged and humbled me in many ways. It is rewarding to everyone, and when you give you will receive the blessing back."
- Bethany Witzig
"I learned to have a more eternal perspective about the kids. Now when I see troubled adults I think, ‘If only they had been to a place like Gateway, they probably would have turned out much differently."
- Amy Hohulin
“I learned to live what I believe. When you volunteer at Gateway, you are a role model to the kids and have to live like you should.”
- David Prevo
If you are interested in volunteering at Gateway Woods, please fill out our volunteer application and our volunteer reference form (see below for forms). Whether it's for a week in the summer, a day in the fall, or once a month, your service is appreciated. Your time is our treasure!
