Good Energy
by Caroline Morales
This March, we were blessed to host (ten!) groups who came to serve at Impact during their Spring Break mission trips. They jumped into our daily activities and helped complete meaningful projects like building benches and cleaning up the playground. We are so grateful for their willingness to serve!
During this time, we were also able to take groups almost every day for several weeks to serve at Clemente Martinez Elementary. The college students assisted in art classes, played with children at recess, and helped move books. Each day, Mrs. Morales—who works at the front desk—faithfully took on the detailed and often tedious task of checking in every volunteer. The school district requires a background check for each person, along with a daily check-in through a slow system. For many, this could have been frustrating or overwhelming. It would have been easy to grow impatient or even limit the number of volunteers allowed.
But that was not the case with Mrs. Morales. She consistently went above and beyond to make sure every volunteer was able to serve each day. She showed incredible patience and kindness, even going as far as contacting the district office to help expedite background checks when needed. Because of the presence of these groups—serving at the school and even hosting a cookout for families after school—we were able to build new relationships with parents. Several students have since begun attending our midweek youth and children’s Bible classes.
This Easter Sunday, Mrs. Morales joined us for worship at Impact. She shared that after seeing the love and dedication of the people connected to Impact, God placed it on her heart to come. What a powerful reminder that God uses everyday faithfulness in ways we may never expect. May we all follow Mrs. Morales’s example—serving with patience, going the extra mile, and trusting that God is working through even the smallest acts of obedience.
