We have a diverse team of volunteers from all races and ethnic backgrounds. In fact, the more diversity we have, the better. Our students and members of staff are spoilt for choice as far as learning and exposure is concerned. They are able to experience taste of diversity right at the comfort of the GHMI premises at completely no cost! Can you imagine having a volunteer introducing a new cuisine or a different form of art? It’s a simultaneous way for volunteers to bond with the fraternity while adding in some liveliness to break the monotony of redundant schedules.
Our former and current volunteers can agree that the stories and adventures they’ve experienced at GHMI are priceless. At first glance, you will think you have more to give to the students and staff than they have to offer you. However, you will quickly change your mindset when you begin to interact with them and realize how rich they are in knowledge and creativity. For most of the students, you will quickly learn that their creativity was nurtured as a survival tactic from their less-privileged backgrounds. Nevertheless, they have an interesting way of creating a silver lining to every cloud.
Listening to others’ stories is always a great opportunity to learn. As volunteers interact with staff and students, they all soon realize that there was a story behind them meeting under such circumstances. Each one learns that there is a common motivation. Our staff also comprises of people that have had their own stories. For example, some were raised as orphans and were driven by the desire to be better foster parents or workers in service to others that have to grow up in similar circumstances; only that they are determined to provide a cushion for those that have come after them. Isn’t that inspirational!
Most importantly, we are conscious of the constant need to moderate the interactions between volunteers and children of GHMI. While we allow the children to gain exposure to people from diverse walks of life, we are keen to ground them on God’s word. There are many times when they will have many questions regarding people they interacted with. It remains our responsibility to help them view all things through the lens of God’s eyes and apply wisdom to the knowledge they have acquired.
Philippians 4:8-9 says “8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Just as Paul was confident that his life had conformed to the image of Christ that he should be a good example to all, we prayer that our volunteers may likewise conform to the image of Christ, so that in all their interactions with GHMI, they will give us the most vital gift; Christ’s image.
In Christ Jesus.
Post-Author is Donna Onjala a Christian Freelance Content Writer