Fort Collins Rescue Mission and Harvest Farm want to honor the many volunteers that have graciously served alongside us throughout the year. Our theme for 2021 Volunteer Appreciation Week could not be more fitting—“our appreciation for volunteers grows and grows.” With all that has transpired over the last year, we value the steadfast spirits of our volunteers who continually show up and serve.
Below are highlights of some of our wonderful volunteers who have faithfully been serving alongside our Mission staff. We hope their stories bring you the same inspiration they did us.
Meet Some of Our Great Volunteers!
Rob Jones
Harvest Farm Mentor and Volunteer
Rob’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in His death.”
Humbling is the one word Rob uses to describe volunteering at Harvest Farm.
Why Rob volunteers at Harvest Farm: “I serve the men at the Harvest Farm, and have for the last 7 years. During the summer of 2020, I brought church to the men at Harvest Farm and delivered 11 sermons. We have geared a men’s group or Bible study, specifically for the men at Harvest Farm called ‘Mighty Men of Valor.’ My hope for them through this is that they would be blessed and fulfilled beyond their wildest dreams.”
Kristy Neeley
Meal Service & Prep Volunteer
Kristy’s favorite quote by missionary Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Love is the one word Kristy uses to describe volunteering at the Mission.
Why Kristy volunteers at the Mission: “I know that if Jesus were on the earth right now he would spend time at the Mission sharing his love and who he is to lead people to himself. So, I want to lead people to him; the only true HOPE for real fulfillment.
This is something of ETERNAL value. Other things come and go, but here you have a real opportunity to help people and bless them with the truth about who Jesus is and what he has to offer. You can really make a difference in the world.
I have really enjoyed spending time listening to peoples struggles, and praying for and encouraging them. Many tears have been shared and God’s presence has been felt.”
Reagan Degnan
Harvest Farm and FCRM Meal Service Volunteer
Reagan’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:8-9, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Fulfilling is the one word Reagan uses to describe volunteering at the Mission and Harvest Farm.
Why Reagan volunteers for the Mission: “Because of all that God has done for me through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, this is a small way I can give back to show tangibly my expression of “thank you.”
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother, or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-15
One evening I was impacted after I gave a haircut to one particular young man, and he said, ’That was the best haircut I ever got!’
“Oh, come on what do you mean? I cut your hair how you wanted, don’t most stylists do that?” I asked.
“You don’t get it. You prayed for me and my requests during the last half of the haircut, in addition to the haircut!” he pronounced.
I then knew when I combined the two it was a blessing more than I knew—spiritually and physically.
Giving to others always refreshes you with purpose from the inside out. It’s not about me, or us, to God be the glory, forever!”
Feeling Inspired to Volunteer Too?
We are so thankful for all our volunteers who show up each day to help those in need.
Written by: Ellis Petrik, Community and Events Specialist
