Volunteering couple uses teachings of Jesus as guidebook

Published 6:49 am Tuesday, March 21, 2023

They use the teachings of Jesus as a guidebook. “Jesus gave all of what He had with the purest of motives; to show the love of The Father to those around Him,” Allison explained. “That is all we
want to do.”

To achieve this, the pair is active in their community, with volunteerism being a vital part of their lives. “It encompasses most of what we do.”

Allison defines volunteerism as giving your time and talents to benefit others without the expectation of receiving something in return. “It’s taking action in your community to change the area around you for the better, whether that be big or small.”

Through volunteering, they are able to embody the actions and teachings of Jesus. “He was on a mission for the world and those around Him… by doing selfless acts in the community, we are displaying an image of Jesus in hopes that the community can see Jesus.”

She said that they strive to be like Jesus so that they can better expose Southwest Louisiana to his message. “In SWLA there is an overwhelming sense of community and if we can impact each community for Jesus, we have fulfilled our purpose.”

She and her husband have worked with the youth at the Rosepine Campus for a little over a year, but they have served at the church since they were teenagers.

“I have grown up in this church since my dad is the campus pastor,” said Allison. “Serving and volunteering is a part of who we are.”

Time at the campus and with their congregation feels like home. “Church is a community, a sense of belonging, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the four walls of the building. It’s who we are.”

She said that for one’s development – personal and spiritual –  it is “important to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

The couple and the NextGen team – the church’s youth initiative – are striving to get church youth involved in the community. Recently, Allison and Billy led their youth group in a community volunteer project. On Saturday, March 11, the group painted over graffiti on a wall at the DeRidder Skate Park, priming the wall in preparation for a mural that the city is planning to paint.

The team also picked up trash along the bank at West Park.

To ensure that the future is secure, it is important to instill younger generations with altruism. “Stewardship is important when talking about cultivating a culture of responsibility in our future generations,” Allsion explained.

There are plans for more projects with the city of DeRidder later this year. “This was the first outreach of the year that we have done with hopes of future ones to come.”

For anyone who wants to begin volunteering, but doesn’t know where to start, Allison recommends joining a local church and getting involved with their good works. “That’s where it all starts. We serve God by serving others,” she said. “Go into volunteering with a pure heart of selflessness.”

“There are amazing people to meet along the way who all have different stories and having that foundation of The Lord is important in changing the lives of those around you.”