Roland Yoder, Methacton
Yorodo@aol.com
In a few months there could be nine inches of snow on the ground, a temperature of 16 degrees and winter winds whistling against the corners of your house. That is, if one stays in Pennsylvania.
Then there’s Arizona. On the same day, a warm sunshine floods the patch of green grass surrounded by red and white petunias growing at the base of a barrel cactus. At 74 degrees, not the tiniest wisp of wind is tugging at your newspaper as you take that last sip of coffee before heading out for another day of SOOP (Service Opportunities for Older Persons) work.
When we retired in 1999 we wanted to do volunteer work. The idea of a warmer climate in winter appealed to us. But the difference between Pennsylvania’s and Arizona’s winter weather is one of the least reasons why we go to Arizona.
Once in Phoenix we were quickly caught up in the joy of serving others, having no idea that we’d return for at least nine more years. Between the months of October and April we now have the responsibility of coordinating the SOOP program in Phoenix.
Phoenix is a rapidly growing city which attracts immigrants from many cultural backgrounds. Persons coming from other countries soon learn that their opportunities for job advancement remain limited unless they learn to speak English. SOOP volunteers tutor students individually and relationships are soon formed. One can’t help loving these people who are so eager to learn.
While there is much wealth in Arizona, the state has the highest percentage of people living under the poverty level. Phoenix claims to have the first and largest food bank in the world. The food bank system collects and distributes enough food to provide 200,000 meals per week day. One of the most rewarding parts of our involvement has been working alongside people from the community. Some may be meeting requirements of assigned community service hours. Sometimes the tasks are shared with prison inmates. But we work together happily for the common cause of feeding the hungry.
Another focus of effort is with the Glencroft Retirement Center. At this Menno-nite sponsored home, volunteers assist in food services, visitation and relating to residents in many ways. For weeks ahead of the March fundraising auction, SOOPers help in getting the colorful quilts, food, flea market items and used furniture ready for the big day.
Other volunteers assist at Ten Thousand Villages or the thrift store which earns proceeds that support Goldensun Ministries and Mennonite Central Committee. Goldensun is a program which provides housing and care for adults with developmental disabilities. The Goldensun community has four houses near Trinity Mennonite Church and the SOOP house. Each Monday evening we have great fun sharing a meal with the Goldensun residents and staff.
We have seen God at work in many ways. The SOOP house where volunteers stay is a miracle in itself. It became available at the right place and time and with the right features. A dozen volunteers arrived, each at the right time, to remodel the house which is now a spacious house with seven beautiful bedrooms, three baths, a veranda and a lawn edged with flowers and citrus trees.
Living in this group setting has been very enriching. Volunteers come from across Canada and the U.S. We return from our volunteer sites by midafternoon and have time to reflect on the experiences of our day. We take turns preparing meals and tidying the house. Around the table we hear the life stories of God’s people. New and lasting friendships are readily formed.
Saturdays are set aside for exploring, which may include a hike among the stately saguaros in a nearby park or a trip to Sedona or Tucson.
Returning back to home communities, volunteers are more aware of the needs that are common in our cities. Our lives have been changed, blessed and enriched.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.