Missions
# Volunteering at the Houston City Warming Centre
The Houston City Warming Centre serves as a refuge for the less fortunate, particularly during periods of extreme weather. It was here that our church decided to extend its service to the community, by volunteering through the American Red Cross.
Our volunteer project involved an array of activities designed to ease the burden of those who sought shelter at the centre. We were assigned tasks based on our abilities and comfort zones, ensuring that everyone was able to contribute effectively. Some of us cooked and served meals, others organized clothing donations and hygiene kits, while a few even offered professional services such as medical and legal assistance. We also engaged with the guests at the center, listening to their stories and offering them comfort and companionship.
The centre was a hub of activity during our service, with volunteers bustling about, engaging with guests, and ensuring all the tasks were completed efficiently. Despite the demanding nature of the work, the atmosphere was charged with positivity and compassion. The smiles on the faces of the guests as they received their meals, the gratitude in their eyes as they were handed a warm blanket, and the relief in their sighs as they received medical attention – they all served as a constant reminder of why we were there.
Our efforts didn’t stop at the physical necessities. Recognizing that many of the guests were grappling with mental and emotional hardship, we organized therapeutic activities such as art and music therapy, group counseling, and meditation sessions. These activities provided a much-needed respite from their daily struggles and offered them avenues for self-expression and healing.
In volunteering at the Houston City Warming Centre, we were not just providing essential services to those in need. We were also demonstrating the teachings of our church – to love, serve, and care for our fellow human beings. This act of community service was indeed a profound embodiment of our faith and a testament to the power of voluntary service
