In part three of a five-part blog series from First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Portland, Oregon, Shirley, a UM Volunteer in Mission, shares about her volunteer work outside of UMCOR West at Deseret Industries, a vocational rehabilitation facility, which cares for the poor and the local community.
August 28th, 2013
No work at the West Depot today. We met Maika, FUMC Salt Lake City lay leader, at the depot and he took us to Deseret Industries for two hours of volunteer work and a tour of the facility. Deseret Industries purpose is to care for poor and needy, foster self-reliance, and encourage service to others. This large welfare square consisted of a cannery, bakery, thrift store, storehouse, and job training.
Our two hours of service was very rewarding because we work alongside employees and many volunteers. Apple, oranges, and potatoes were put in five-pound bags. Time was spent on grooming the onion for their market shelves. Also, work was done in the recycling center.
What I saw during the two hours of volunteer in service:
- Service – Our volunteer hours with LDS church is towards the larger humanitarian aid.
- Hope – A young man from Romania with both arms off at the elbows driving a fork lift and carrying 50-pound bags of onion with a cheerful smile on his face.
- Transition – A homeless man working for food and clothing.
- Job Training – A disabled young man working at the center.
- Partnership – Deseret Industries partners with UMCOR West Depot when purchasing supplies for our seven relief kits.
- Humor – A man asked the women if we were single because he was looking for a good Mormon wife. Someone said we were Methodist. His reply was “What are you doing here?”
Blessings, Shirley
United Methodist Volunteer in Mission
Learn more about United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
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