Good morning Bloggers and Happy Monday! As 2013 draws to a close we wanted to share a special Monday Motivation from our President, CEO and Lead Minister Russell K. Snyder:

Being “Called to Care” is a blessing that God places on each of our hearts.  It is up to us to respond to God’s wish for us to serve others.  In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus instructs his disciples to serve God in the following way – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

 This scripture motivates me every day to be “Called to Care.”  Jesus modeled the Christian behavior for his disciples as always reaching out to those in need, in whatever dire circumstances they are in and be present in the moment.  We are extremely blessed to work for Volunteer of America Chesapeake.  As a faith-based and caring organization, we are able to transform lives at our homeless shelters; group homes; community correction facilities; or help veterans and their families find or remain in housing.  If we are modeling that same caring behavior at home, some of us are involved in prison ministry; working in soup kitchens; transporting seniors to their appointments; or maybe taking a foster kid to a movie or being in a mentor.  Being able to model that Christian behavior of being “Called to Care” at home, at work and in the community is why Volunteers of America is such a special organization to serve.  That balance of spirit driven change is present in our business, personal and church life.  This is why we all have so much passion for the work that we do everyday at Volunteers of America Chesapeake.  The love for others in service to the homeless; disabled; veterans and their families; ex-offenders; those dependent on drugs or alcohol – that is why we do what we do!!  We are motivated by the transformation of others by giving love unconditionally and giving the populations we serve hope.

 God is so good to allow us to serve Him and be “Called to Care”.  And Jesus commanded us in Matthew 25:40 – “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Blessings,

Russell K. Snyder

Volunteers of America, Chesapeake