Suppose I told you that engaging in one key activity would improve your physical and mental health, lower your risk of mortality, reduce your stress, lower your levels of physical pain, decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, make you less lonely, boost your happiness, nurture new and existing relationships and give you a sense of purpose while learning new and valuable skills. Would you be interested in knowing what it is? Research has shown that volunteering is linked to all the benefits listed above.1
From working at a local soup kitchen to giving clothes to the homeless or offering to mow the lawn of an elderly neighbor, there are a plethora of opportunities for which you could volunteer your time. Engaging in them will not only bring joy and lift to those you serve but will also greatly enrich your life. As followers of Christ, volunteering should be a way of life. We should all be regularly engaging in loving acts of service to those around us.
While you are looking for a good volunteer opportunity with the best return on your time, might I suggest volunteering as a student or short-term missionary to the unreached? Each year, we have several calls from our career missionaries requesting help at their projects. Whether teaching English, doing construction, engaging in media or music ministry, or pursuing any number of other worthy activities, we have opportunities for you to explore.
While this, our Student Missionary issue, primarily highlights stories of dedicated young people who have answered God’s call, many people from different stages of life have served with AFM as short-term missionaries. So, do not let your age keep you from serving. If you have an interest in long-term mission service but are unsure whether to pursue it, consider taking a year to serve as a short-term missionary. It is a great way to test the waters and get a feel for the mission field. Even if you do not end up serving long-term, you still will have made a difference and will experience a number of blessings. Are you ready to begin exploring different possibilities? Contact us today at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.
—
1https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/25/nx-s1-5233123/kindness-heart-brain-mental-health
