Around Crosspoint, our volunteers truly are at the heart of what we do.  Without our volunteers, God-glorifying, life-changing ministry just wouldn’t happen.  So why do our volunteers serve?  Why do they join Jesus in His invitation to be a part of a mission that is greater than themselves?

Here is one testimony from Joel and Rebekah Zehr who serve as teachers in SonChasers…

Joel…

Rebekah and I both have a strong calling to work with children of all ages and that was the initial appeal for working in Son Chasers.  We are both career teachers and see the gifts in each other that allow us to thrive in this area.  I have always enjoyed working with children of all ages and watching them learn something new continually excites me. When I get to hear the kids share about how they helped someone at school, or beam with pride over knowing their memory verse, or make a new friend when someone new joins our class, I am reminded of how my own faith should be more like that of a young child.  Although these young boys and girls have fears (things like alligators and hot lava top their lists), they have no fear when it comes to showing love to others and unabashedly singing praises on Sunday mornings. I want to retain as much as possible of the excitement and unyielding passion that they exhibit.  These young kids are a constant reminder that I should love others without fear and shout at the top of my lungs that Christ has saved me and that I am a new creation in him. 

 

Rebekah…

My time in Son Chasers started as a worship volunteer.  I love singing and saw the opportunity as a way to help the kids see singing as a way to worship God.  I get excited about singing and moving to songs; especially when they are quoting scriptures.  Kids pick up on songs and this is a great way to help them learn their Bible verses.  I then decided to help my husband, who was already serving as a teacher in the 5’s and K’s classroom.  Honestly it took a little persuading.  Why would I want to teach again on a Sunday when that’s what I do five days a week?!  However, I realized that not only was that the gift that God had given to me, but it was also a ton of fun!  I remember subbing in schools for kindergarten classes and writing notes to the teacher saying God bless you because I could never teach kindergarteners!  However, their curiosity and eagerness to learn keeps me coming back and enjoying the time I spend with them.  They love reading the Bible, acting out Bible stories, shouting and whispering the Bible verses, and talking about how to show Jesus’ love to others.  All it takes is a little prep work during the week (reading the lesson which gives me another opportunity to read my Bible), a smile, and the willingness to talk about God to help the kids learn more.  Even on those mornings when we have a guest speaker or baby dedications that make the service go a little long, we find there are plenty of activities for us to do with the kids!  In the process of serving, I found that I have learned so much as well.  If you feel God tugging you to serve in this area, I would strongly encourage you to listen.  Serving in Son Chasers has been a huge blessing to me.  It’s amazing to watch the kids grow in their relationship with God!

As a parent, serving in Son Chasers also has many benefits.  Currently we have our five year old son, Asher, in our class.  It’s a great way for us to bond and deepen our relationships with God together.  We know what lessons are taught in large group and are then able to ask Asher questions right away and throughout the week.  We know the songs to sing with him and how to help him remember his Bible verse.  He loves that we are his teachers and we enjoy that time with him.  He’ll move onto first grade soon and we’ll miss having him in our class, but we will still have the connection of hearing the same lesson taught and knowing how to help him apply it to his daily life.