Amy’s Story: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
A Journey of Faith, Love, and Purpose Through Volunteering
“I hope I touched the lives of the kids at HFY, even if no one remembers me or my name. It was never about me. It was about Jesus.”
How Volunteering at Hope for Youth Transformed My Life
Discovering Faith and Purpose
When I was 24 years old, I joined a Bible study started by a colleague at my office. I had recently become a Christian and didn’t know what to do next. Through some of my friends, I was invited to volunteer with Hope for Youth (HFY) at an Outreach event.
Overcoming Fears to Connect with Youth
Even though I felt intimidated about being around teens, God put something on my heart to return to HFY and volunteer on my own. Each time I went, I felt nervous that I wouldn’t have anything to offer the kids or know what I was doing. I was a new Christian with a lot of “junk” in my life. How could I be an example?
Growing up, I came from a stable, middle-class background, with all my material needs met. These kids were facing challenges that I had never imagined, like wondering if there would be food in the fridge or worrying about their safety on the way to school. Yet, these kids were resilient in ways I had never seen before.
Finding My Role at HFY
Despite my insecurities, I trusted God to help me find my place. I participated in programs like Jesus N the Hood and Friday Night Refresh. I ran a small group for amazing girls who I’d pick up from their homes so they could attend HFY events. We had beach days, played games, and even attended Christian rap concerts together.
I often drove the 40-mile drive back to Richmond, TX, in tears, overwhelmed by the stories my girls shared in small group. I didn’t understand how God could allow them to go through such hardships. In these moments, I’d pray, and God would remind me: “Be still and know that I am God… Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
The Impact of HFY on Houston’s Youth
HFY was truly a refuge where these kids could experience God’s love. They could come to feel safe, valued, and loved, while learning things they might not have had the chance to learn otherwise. “God brought me and other volunteers to HFY to be His hands and heart, providing support where it was most needed”.
A Life-Changing Moment
One night, a girl I gave a ride from her foster home shared her story of abuse. It hit me so hard that I knew I had to become better prepared to help. Though it wasn’t immediate, that moment changed my path, putting in my heart the conviction that I would do something different.
Due to work demands, I eventually had to leave HFY. But later, God led me to quit my corporate job and pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He prepared me to bring hope and encouragement to those in need. All of this began with my experiences at HFY, where I first learned how to serve as a child of God, saying, “Father, I can’t do this. But You can! Show me how.”
The Mission of HFY Lives On
God gave HFY to the youth of Houston so that they could experience His love through volunteers, even those who feel unprepared or anxious. The value of serving others and the growth God offers in these moments are unparalleled.
I hope I touched the lives of those kids, even if no one remembers my name. It was never about me—it was always about Jesus. Meeting Him in moments like Friday Night Refresh, and during summer camp, was the greatest gift we could give to the kids. As Jeremy Camp’s song says, “I need the world to see that it’s Christ in me.”
God knows each child who comes to HFY and every volunteer who steps forward to serve. He knows what He’s doing when He brings us together. All we have to do is say, “It’s all you, Lord. Just show me how to show them You”.
“God gave Hope For Youth to the kids of Houston, so that they might see his love through the volunteers.”
Be Part of Something Bigger!
Volunteer with Hope for Youth!
Just like Amy, you can step up and make a lasting impact in the lives of Houston’s resilient youth. At HFY, every volunteer plays a crucial role in helping children overcome their challenges and experience God’s love.