Mother and Daughter Shine for Jesus through Service

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.” – 1 Peter 4:10 

It all started with a video of Joni and Ken that was shown at Friendship Club (a special needs ministry) at the church where Shelby attends. Shortly after, Auggie and her daughter, Shelby, were sponsored by their church to attend Family Retreat in 2015. Because of Family Retreat, their lives were transformed. After going on a tour of the Joni and Friends Home Office (International Disability Center) in Southern California, Auggie and Shelby knew they wanted to volunteer and give back to the ministry that gave them so much joy in return. 

Auggie and Shelby come to volunteer about once a week. They help with writing thank you notes to our donors, assembling and organizing the mailings, and assisting with any other projects. “I feel so blessed here,” Shelby told us. Mom Auggie added, “Just being here, we see everyone’s joy. We feel very welcomed and comfortable. It has not always been this way at other places I’ve volunteered at with Shelby.” 

On the mornings when Shelby knows she’ll come to Joni and Friends to volunteer, she wakes up saying, “Happy Joni day!” Shelby added, “All I want to do is serve the Lord, and Joni and Friends lets me do that here.” On their way to the Home Office, Auggie and Shelby pray for the ministry, Joni, the employees, and even you—the donors. Truly, this mother and daughter have answered God’s call and are using their gifts and skills to serve the Kingdom and shine for Him.  

Is God pressing on your heart to serve? What are you waiting for? Your life will never be the same!