Finding Purpose Through Service: Paula’s Journey
Pictured far right: Paula, one of our dedicated volunteers.
April was National Volunteer Month, and we’re especially grateful for volunteers like Paula whose compassion and faith continue to transform lives throughout Sussex County.
What began as a simple act of serving meals has grown into many hours of mentorship, encouragement, and walking alongside neighbors during some of life’s hardest moments. Through Love INC, Paula discovered not only a way to help others, but a deeper sense of purpose in her own life too.
Answering God’s Call
Paula’s journey with Love INC began about four years ago after members of Love INC visited her church to share about the ministry and its mission of mobilizing local churches to serve neighbors in need.
She remembers feeling deeply moved during that service.
“I had been longing to find the right outreach and heard God’s call that day. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to go and see just what Love In the Name of Christ was all about. Since then, I never looked back.”
Soon after, Paula began volunteering by helping prepare and distribute dinner bags to neighbors experiencing hardship.
“I assisted making dinner bags of food to go and served them with a smile, because God’s love just naturally wants to show up. This truly was the body of Christ in action.”
Along the way, she found community with other volunteers who shared the same heart for serving others. Even her husband, Pete, eventually joined her in volunteering, turning it into a shared commitment to their community.
From Serving Meals to Mentoring Lives
As Paula became more involved, she discovered another opportunity to serve through mentoring. Drawing from her background in grief ministry and Stephen Ministry leadership, she stepped into a one-on-one mentoring role with a neighbor navigating difficult circumstances.
“I was placed with a mentee and heard the struggle of her life. Love INC was able to help her with employment and a home. The support we gave her helped her enough for the next part of her life to take place.”
Mentoring became more than simply offering advice. It became about walking alongside someone with compassion, encouragement, accountability, and hope.
Today, Paula also serves in Love INC’s Connection Center, speaking directly with neighbors seeking support, resources, and often simply someone willing to listen.
“Some just want to know someone out there cares and accept the invitation to pray together. Sometimes it can be hard to hear their stories, but when we do it alongside God there is hope for all God’s people.”
How Volunteering Changed Paula’s Life
While Paula’s service has impacted many neighbors, she says volunteering has also transformed her personally.
“I have gained so much from volunteering. It filled an emptiness in my life, a place to find peace through giving back. Volunteering is time well spent. Volunteering is humbling and reflective on living in a better world with God’s help.”
Her story is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t always begin with having special qualifications or endless free time. Sometimes it simply starts with showing up. Even giving just one hour when you’re available can create a lasting and meaningful impact in someone’s life.
Get Involved
If Paula’s story inspires you, we’d love to help you find a place to serve.
Volunteer opportunities at Love INC include:
Serving in our Connection Center (call center) to support neighbors seeking assistance
Sorting, organizing, or assembling items at our CROSS Campus (Distribution Center)
Helping with seasonal projects and special initiatives
Participating in team-based volunteer days with your department or employee group
When ordinary people step forward with compassion, extraordinary things happen. Like ripples across water, one act of kindness often reaches farther than we ever realize.
