Purpose through Faith by Rachel

Purpose through Faith by Rachel - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I have lived in Van Wert the entire seventeen years of my life so far. As a member of a close and loving family that is deeply involved in the community, I have been very fortunate to see concern for others demonstrated to me by my grandparents, aunt and uncle, and parents. Being an active volunteer is more than something that you “do”; it is something that you “are.” Whether it is collecting pajamas for local foster children or fixing a fence at a church camp in the mountains of Kentucky, I have received more benefits from volunteering than I have given away.

One of the most transformative events of my life happened in June of 2017. I traveled to New York City with several members of my LifeHouse Church Youth Group in order to spend six days living in an impoverished area. Each day, our small group worked with different social service organizations that helped various needy populations. I learned about people experiencing homelessness and how they came to be in those circumstances. I served meals in a soup kitchen, traveled with a box truck into the projects to distribute food and clothing, and went on a prayer tour around the city. It was utterly shocking to compare the opulence of the Upper East Side and Central Park to the box village lining the streets of the ghetto. I learned that many people experiencing homelessness suffered from mental illness, addiction, or were veterans with no place to go. It broke my heart to learn that brave men who fought for our freedom were reduced to begging for money and accepting donated food. On that trip, I became acutely aware of how delicate life is, how truly blessed I am, and how important it is to do as much as you can to help others. Some of the happiest and most inspirational people I’ve ever met were the people who had the least. Listening to a homeless man testify about his faith with complete conviction despite having few material possessions made me reconsider my own relationship with God. I have never felt more humble or grateful.
Of all the volunteer opportunities I’ve had, my time in New York City provided me with a perspective that has shaped my faith and my decisions. Performing service is truly life changing if you allow it to be.