This Christmas, Willow’s Volunteer Central served more than 4,000 volunteers. Serving in various capacities, from directing traffic to serving lattes in Dr. B’s, volunteers helped create a welcoming experience for every guest who came to one of the 12 Christmas Eve services. The goal of Volunteer Central was to give back to the volunteers who poured hundreds of hours into serving our guests, many of whom walked through Willow’s doors for the first time.
To express appreciation to these dedicated volunteers, Harvest prepared wonderful meals, served buffet style, and we were able to provide caricature art and free chair massages. (Over the weekend, the artist created 50 caricatures and four massage therapists provided more than 100 massages.) Perhaps more importantly, we were given the opportunity to pray with the volunteers prior to each service.
The serving highlight was an 11-year-old girl who served in Promiseland at 11 of the 12 services. Her heart for serving was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her and she reminded us of the joy that comes when you serve using your God-given gifts!