We met with Tori Shamblin (TS) who shared her experience during the process of rebuilding and nurturing a church as she took on a pivotal role in maintaining the church’s tidiness and structure.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
TS: I volunteered at the Armstrong Christian Church.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
TS: This church’s mission is to include everyone! We accept any; baptist, methodist, atheist, Jewish, etc., whoever wants to come and hear the word of Jesus!
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
TS: Not at all. My family founded and has been attending this church for 50 years or more! It used to be an old schoolhouse back in the 40s/50s. It was then converted to a church once public schools were abundant. In recent years, (past 4-5 years) the congregation has been saving donated money to renovate. They finally accomplished it with the help of a couple of well-off donors. It may not have an outhouse anymore, but it’s a glorious place of worship for those who attend! God bless!
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
TS: No requirements at all. They welcome all help.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
TS: I chose to volunteer here because it’s been a beacon of hope and a family ordeal since before I was born.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
TS: I did what I could do for the newly refurbished building. I washed windows inside and out, swept and mopped floors, dusted fixtures, etc. It met my expectations because I LOVE this little schoolhouse church that I grew up in and will do anything to help it excel.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
TS: Do what you are able for your community and the places in it that mean something to you. It doesn’t take much to show your appreciation. This is your community too! Please, go out and help when you can. It’ll mean the world to someone else.
AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
TS: I think I’ve shared it all, for the most part! Love your neighbors and help when you can in your community. People will be forever grateful.