Meet some current volunteers

Amy Stott – St Luke’s Church, Canning Town

"I never thought I’d be doing a Gap Year after University but God’s plan for my life is evidently very different to mine.  His plan though is definitely better given how much I am enjoying my placement in east London so far! My journey towards Careforce grew out of 24/7 lent prayer with my home church which led to the coordination of a week of outreach. I learnt so much about God that week and saw the difference an extra pair of hands could make to a church. Once I started to open myself up to the possibility that this kind of work was where God might be leading me, God spoke clearly and repeatedly until I gave in to his will and applied to join Careforce. I’m so glad I did. I’m loving serving God here in East London where my time is split between youth work and community projects. It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to spend time and build friendships with people attached to the church and also those out in the community who otherwise might have no contact with Christians. It’s a huge privilege to serve God practically this way this year as I explore more about where God might be leading me.  I am so excited to see what lies ahead in the next months and I’m expectant to see what God will do here in East London and in my life this year."

David Zamora, Bargoed Parish, South Wales

"Some months ago I found myself mopping the floor of Gigabites, an youth outreach project within the parish where I am serving in South Wales, and being reminded that service is worship. The water and soap in the bucket made me think of Jesus who, knowing that he is the owner of everything, washed his disciples feet. God gave me the opportunity to receive a degree in Law in Colombia, this year he has made me useful to his kingdom by giving me opportunities to teach the bible in small groups and to preach, but in that precise moment he had me worshiping him in a humbler situation. I have come to realise that service is another tool God uses to make us more like Jesus. This is one of the infinite moments I have been able to enjoy thanks to God’s work in the U.K. through Careforce. God willing I will be married by next year, my fiancée was a Careforce volunteer five years ago. We give thanks to God because through these times of service we now know that God want us to serve him. We have yet to discover where and how but at least we know already that we are in good company!"

Vinicius Souza – St Giles Church, Northampton

I am grateful to God for being born into a Christian home and for being taught by my parents to live in the ways of the gospel. However, I was always a person who liked to choose my own life. Everything had to be within my plan. I usually say that I was walking side by side with God, but keeping my ears covered, not wanting to listen to His call to me. I was living in my comfort zone. I was studying in a good university, working in quite a good job, even planning to marry. I had my life all planned out until, at the end of 2010, all my plans failed.

I graduated but was not happy working in my area. I ended my relationship in a very sad way. I got very frustrated with many things and also with many people. I realized that my plans were taking me to a very bad and uncertain future and that I needed to listen again to God. So, I decided to give my life into God's hands and trust Him alone for my future. At the right moment He sent me to serve with CAREFORCE and arranged everything. Here in the U.K. I am using my skills to serve Him. I am learning a lot and getting to know some very special people who are helping me understand that God's best is still to come in my life.

Genavieve Coleman, St. Philip’s Church, Girlington, Bradford

Four years ago I came to the UK to visit some friends from my church back in the States. During that time God opened my eyes to the Muslim community here and I began praying for them. I never thought I'd get the opportunity to come back and work with them! When I felt led during my last year of college to return to England, I knew in my heart that it was God calling me.

In April 2011 I was planning my return to the UK but I had no set plans. I thought I would just show up, stay with friends, and volunteer until I had to leave. Thankfully, God had a more coherent plan and within weeks I heard about Careforce, applied, and was accepted. I cannot say what a blessing it is to be a part of this great network of people in passionate servanthood. My plan for a few months of volunteering in England has turned into a year of deep relationships and service.

I am constantly inspired by the determination of Christians in this nation to stand for what they believe, unwaveringly. I find myself wanting to fight the good fight of faith even when it seems impossible to win, because that is what I see modelled for me by the Christians I see here day in and day out. God is Big. I am in awe at what he's done through Careforce and every volunteer who has come through them. All Glory and Praise to His Name!