Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, Fishers, has been an active part of the Adopt-A-Dorm program at LCFS for more than 20 years. The current group of eight ladies takes turns sending 3-4 individuals once a month on a Sunday afternoon to visit with the girls at Lutherwood. They bring a snack, share a craft, and spend time with them in devotion and prayer.
We are so blessed to have such a committed team bring joy and light onto campus on a regular basis. The residents look forward to it every time, even asking, “When are those ladies coming again?” when they haven’t seen them in a while.
We asked the team to tell us what they’ve learned over the years and how it has impacted the individual volunteer and the congregation as a whole. Here is part of their story.
“(The girls) are always surprised we come, (even though) we do not get compensated.” – Carrie McNeight
“Last Christmas…they were so appreciative of the ‘extra’ things we brought and the time we spent. … It was a reminder that Christmas looks very different for the girls at Lutherwood, but God is still present.” – Ashley Valentine-Derrer
“Many times a girl will volunteer to say the closing prayer, and we can see the impact in their prayers.” – Debbie Freburg
Not only have they seen the appreciation from the residents, but their experiences in this group have helped build awareness and change perspective in their conversations
“I know it impacts the ladies I volunteer with and me because we talk about it a lot.” – Holly Mohr
“Volunteering at Lutherwood gives one a glimpse into a world that most of us have not lived in nor have our children.” – Louise Kinney
“Getting to know some of the girls at Lutherwood puts tangible stories behind situations and systems and makes the problems and solutions more real.” – Ashley Valentine-Derrer
The testimonies from the team show benefits for the whole congregation as well. They share about a desire to partner with an organization already established, doing the work they want to be a part of. They recognize a growing curiosity, with many asking, “How can we help?” And they enjoy spiritual growth as they collectively pray for those they serve and others like them.
Louise Kinney put it this way: “Churches encourage members to be disciples of Jesus and to launch them in the mission of God. Establishing an Adopt-a-Dorm team is a great way to share hope and love to children in need.”
Thank you, Ladies, for all you do!
Interested in joining Adopt-A-Dorm? Contact Kathy at seed@lutheranfamily.org
