Volunteer Spotlight
We love our volunteers and we are excited to share their stories about how and why they volunteer at South Tulsa.
Carolyn Larkin
The Ministry Center
“Carolyn is the first smiling face our clients see when they enter TMC and she has been a light to our ministry, demonstrating kindness, grace, and love to those she meets,” says Lisa Fuller, Director of the Ministry Center. Carolyn was on staff at the church for 23 years, and shortly after retiring, the Lord spoke to her about becoming a part of this ministry. She says, “I tried to ignore it, but what a blessing for me that I finally obeyed His calling for me!” Volunteering at the Ministry Center has made a profound impact on her life, both spiritually and emotionally. She says it has opened her eyes to the real meaning of loving each other, no matter what the circumstances are. Volunteering has taught her to be consistent in her prayer life, not only for her friends and loved ones, but also for those who have no idea she’s praying for them. It has taught her understanding, patience, and unconditional love for so many people she never would have met had she not answered God’s call for her to volunteer at the Ministry Center. Carolyn has enjoyed volunteering at the Ministry Center from day one. “The thing that surprises me the most,” she says, “is that I look forward to going each week and seeing our clients. I worry about them on the days we’re not open, and they have become very important to me. I think of them as family.” She encourages others to follow their heart and step out of their comfort zone. “It is life-changing, and you will be the one blessed.”
“Carolyn is the first smiling face our clients see when they enter TMC and she has been a light to our ministry, demonstrating kindness, grace, and love to those she meets,” says Lisa Fuller, Director of the Ministry Center. Carolyn was on staff at the church for 23 years, and shortly after retiring, the Lord spoke to her about becoming a part of this ministry. She says, “I tried to ignore it, but what a blessing for me that I finally obeyed His calling for me!” Volunteering at the Ministry Center has made a profound impact on her life, both spiritually and emotionally. She says it has opened her eyes to the real meaning of loving each other, no matter what the circumstances are. Volunteering has taught her to be consistent in her prayer life, not only for her friends and loved ones, but also for those who have no idea she’s praying for them. It has taught her understanding, patience, and unconditional love for so many people she never would have met had she not answered God’s call for her to volunteer at the Ministry Center. Carolyn has enjoyed volunteering at the Ministry Center from day one. “The thing that surprises me the most,” she says, “is that I look forward to going each week and seeing our clients. I worry about them on the days we’re not open, and they have become very important to me. I think of them as family.” She encourages others to follow their heart and step out of their comfort zone. “It is life-changing, and you will be the one blessed.”
Char Brown
Preschool Ministry
Char is one of our Sunday morning greeters and assistants, and as Debbie Steen says, “she is always greeting our families at the door with a smile. They know they are important. She also helps the children with sticky fingers and faces after they enjoy a donut!” Char and her husband, Phillip, have been members at South Tulsa for almost four years. Char loves children and wants them to feel welcome here. She believes that everyone needs to feel special, and greeters can make the children and parents feel that way. She says, “It’s fulfilling to see the happy faces each Sunday morning and it makes me happy too! If you decide to volunteer, you will be blessed!” Thank you, Char for your faithful service at South Tulsa!
Char is one of our Sunday morning greeters and assistants, and as Debbie Steen says, “she is always greeting our families at the door with a smile. They know they are important. She also helps the children with sticky fingers and faces after they enjoy a donut!” Char and her husband, Phillip, have been members at South Tulsa for almost four years. Char loves children and wants them to feel welcome here. She believes that everyone needs to feel special, and greeters can make the children and parents feel that way. She says, “It’s fulfilling to see the happy faces each Sunday morning and it makes me happy too! If you decide to volunteer, you will be blessed!” Thank you, Char for your faithful service at South Tulsa!
Dalton Fanning
Preschool Ministry
Dalton Fanning is one of the volunteers in our preschool ministry. Debbie Steen, Minister to Families with Preschoolers, says that Dalton and his wife, Hannah, teach three-year-olds in Sunday School, and they love having a man as one of their teachers. “Dalton is patient and kind with all the children, and as a member of our indoor playground team, his insight and expertise have been invaluable.” She is thankful for a young couple willing to get involved and invest in the lives of preschoolers. Dalton says that “serving the Lord in various ministries has allowed me the opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom and gain a better understanding of God’s love, patience, wisdom, grace, and mercy He has for me and my family.” He’s learned that serving at church brings his heart joy and a sense of belonging, and when God combines the members’ gifts, it makes an impact that can last an eternity. It has surprised him that just taking a single step towards volunteering has helped create lasting relationships and opportunities. He encourages others to allow God to use them just as He’s used him, to advance His Kingdom. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33.
Dalton Fanning is one of the volunteers in our preschool ministry. Debbie Steen, Minister to Families with Preschoolers, says that Dalton and his wife, Hannah, teach three-year-olds in Sunday School, and they love having a man as one of their teachers. “Dalton is patient and kind with all the children, and as a member of our indoor playground team, his insight and expertise have been invaluable.” She is thankful for a young couple willing to get involved and invest in the lives of preschoolers. Dalton says that “serving the Lord in various ministries has allowed me the opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom and gain a better understanding of God’s love, patience, wisdom, grace, and mercy He has for me and my family.” He’s learned that serving at church brings his heart joy and a sense of belonging, and when God combines the members’ gifts, it makes an impact that can last an eternity. It has surprised him that just taking a single step towards volunteering has helped create lasting relationships and opportunities. He encourages others to allow God to use them just as He’s used him, to advance His Kingdom. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33.