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Published 12:00am Saturday, February 11, 2006The job description for our volunteer positions includes a list of what Agape will provide new volunteers. This section could also be called the benefits of volunteering at Agape. Several of the items talk about training, opportunities to learn more whether through monthly in-services, or reading articles at the Center or opportunities to attend out of town trainings. Volunteers have said that this kind of training has helped them in their personal lives when they have been confronted with unplanned pregnancy or possible sexual activity of their children, relatives or friends. They have told me how they weren’t left speechless when confront with these situations but rather were able to reach out to the loved one with love and practical help. Examples of this kind of opportunity for training are the two in-services that we plan to attend in March. The first is to go as a group from Agape to a banquet sponsored by First Choice Clinic in Fargo. At the banquet we will have the privilege of hearing Michael Reagan, the youngest son of Ronald Reagan. His columns often appear on the editorial page of the Daily Journal. The second is an all day training called God’s Design for Life, Love and Legacy which also taking place in Fargo. Volunteers are given similar opportunities once a year or every other year. Agape typically pays for half of the cost and we usually car pool from Fergus Falls. Another ingredient for friendship that Agape provides is the opportunity to pray with other Agape volunteers and staff. We don’t just pray for needs of the Center but share burdens and remember each others personal concerns. Sometimes we take turns crying on each others’ shoulders. This goes with another item listed that Agape provides, the opportunity to form lasting friendships with mature Christian women. I have seen volunteers who have become friends through the Center start Bible studies together, have lunch dates, exchange favorite recipes and help each other wall paper their bathrooms etc. There are two Bible verses that are pertinent to volunteer work at Agape: 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.&8221; And Ephesians 2:10, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.&8221; We believe all people are called to be ministers not just the professionally trained and paid. Because of this belief we train and encourage lay people to use their gifts at Agape. Some of our volunteers are gifted to work one on one with clients while others feel more led to answer phones and keep the office running smoothly. We value a variety of gifting and trust that God can use all types of people as long as they are truly seeking to serve him. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Agape come to the coffee and testimony hour at Agape on Monday Feb. 20, 9 to10 a.m. For more information call 218-450-4673 or 736-6050 or stop in at 126 E. Lincoln Ave. Paula Quam is the director of Agape Caring Pregnancy Center.
