Mariah Cooper shares how volunteering to spend time with children in foster care has been a blessing to her life.
Early last year I was introduced to Hands of Hope and the team. I was inspired by the love and passion that radiated through the whole organization. I have felt a call to missions on my life for a few years and was praying for an opportunity to go on a mission’s trip. I immediately knew Hands of Hope was who I wanted to go with. I was blessed to go on the Ukraine trip and my life was completely changed!
The passion I saw in the Hands of Hope team fueled my passion to help the hurting and I wanted to get more involved with the organization. I heard about the opportunity to volunteer once a month at the foster care support groups so I got involved. When I started I prayed that I would be a blessing to the foster children and parents but I didn’t know then that it would be the greatest blessing to my own life!
Volunteering to play games and help watch these children has been the highlight of each month. They have awakened in me a deeper passion to serve. If only the children knew what a blessing to my life it has been to laugh, play and just hang out with them each month.
The foster parents have said “YES” to the calling of fostering these children so I am saying “YES” to help support and bless them. Volunteering at the group nights and giving them an opportunity to get training is truly an honor for me. The children have grasped my heart and I’m so thankful to be part of such a great program. Mother Teresa once said “Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.” The love that I have given has come back to me many times over through serving in this ministry!
-Mariah Cooper
Learn how you can volunteer at www.handsofhopein.org/fosterserve