When my boys were much younger, they played park league baseball. I have an abundance of good memories of those years and met many nice people during the games. Actually, I met Teri & Steve Cobb and Mayor Hudspeth at the baseball park. Park league was fun, but at the end of the year all the coaches would vote on the outstanding young ballplayers and come up with an "All-Star League". It was "the best of the best" and so much fun. The children enjoyed it even more than regular season, because the level of competition increased.

Well, around here we have our own "All-Star League". It is our volunteers. According to the dictionary, a volunteer is "One who enters into any service of his own free will; who takes title under a deed made without valuable consideration." To me, a volunteer is someone who believes in and loves the agency and the people they serve. For some reason, we tend to down play the value of people who donate their services and respect those who are paid. I honestly believe this is a backward value. Volunteers serve not because they are paid to do so, but because they believe in the mission. Are their services important? They are absolutely invaluable.

Think about this statement before you dismiss it. Jesus could have never accomplished His work without the help of His volunteer disciples. Sure, I know He could have supernaturally done something, but in the natural realm He was dependent upon His disciples. He needed them to continue the work after He was gone. Jesus placed the responsibility of His ministry on volunteers. Were they expert ministers? Hardly, but they did have passion about the mission.

Our volunteers are priceless jewels to this agency. There is no way we could accomplish the things we do without their help. I don't want to elevate one help over theother, but thank God we have women who decorate our center, people who help in the office, some who help deliver Meals on Wheels, aerobics instructors, and a Board of Directors--just to name a few. It suffices me to say "God bless you for your efforts". They truly are the "All-Star Team" around here. Volunteers, if you can possibly come to the Volunteer Banquet, we would like to honor you. Wear your favorite baseball jersey if you have one.

Blessings, Eric Kelleher