Very simply, Redwood Glen values our Vallejo volunteers.  As much as we appreciate all who partner with our ministry, the friends of First Baptist Church of Vallejo have stepped up to the plate to serve on more than one occasion and in a variety of different capacities.  With two bridges to cross to get to the redwoods, these volunteers are truly a valuable asset and a wonderful example of the partnership Redwood Glen desires to have with all churches in the area.  This month, we'd like to highlight some of the contributions of our Vallejo volunteers.

Vallejo Amigos - Josh Cox, Jeff Tessier, Ryan La Corte, and John S. Cox

Jeff Tessier, who serves as director of Redwood Glen's Youth Music And Drama camp (YMAD) during the summer, works with youth throughout the year at First Baptist Church of Vallejo.  During this past year, he has come to volunteer at the camp once a month and each time he brings his "amigos," youth from the church, who serve with him.

Earlier this month, with two kitchens, a full camp, and just over 2 weeks notice, Jeff came to our volunteer rescue rallying into service veteran volunteer, Ryan La Corte, and two new "amigos," Josiah Cox and John S. Walker.  For high school students, Josiah and John, serving in the Redwood Glen kitchen was a good experience, with Josiah learning the "ninja" technique of cake frosting and John developing his celery chopping skills.

For Ryan, a home schooled high school sophomore, coming to Redwood Glen is almost like coming home as he served as a full-time volunteer on our 2010 summer staff along with fellow FBC Vallejo youth group member, Andrew Gonsalves (pictured right).  Andrew, who wasn't able to make the October weekend due to a Mexico mission trip with the church, served on volunteer summer staff in 2009 as well.  As a home schooled high school senior, he was able to extend his 2010 service through the end of September to assist with the large number of guests on site this fall.  During September he commuted each week from camp back to his home in Bencicia for a community college English course.  That is dedication.

Ryan and Andrew are not the only ones from First Baptist Vallejo who consider Redwood Glen "home."  Redwood Glen Board Member Jesse Austile (pictured left) notes, "When I think of leaving Vallejo to go to Redwood Glen, I think of coming home from a long day trip.  What Redwood Glen means to me is 'being at home with God.'"  With his background in construction, Jesse has been a blessed resource to the camp, serving on our Board of Directors for the past two years and joining us regularly at our annual Work Days held the first Saturday of June.

 Yet it's not just the men from Vallejo who receive our volunteer accolades. Anita Falltrick (pictured below), who has been at FBC Vallejo for 20 years, has begun to donate her time and services to create the Redwood Glen library at our Siden Conference Center.  From a mismatched assortment of odd and end books, our library is now an organized collection of fiction and non-fiction works.  Anita, who works at the Benicia Public library, has developed a check-out policy and donation system to allow the collection to grow.  The vision is to have a collection of Christian works that will be spiritually uplifting for guests on retreat.  (See article below for more information on how you can donate books to the Redwood Glen library.) 

This current spirit of volunteerism from Vallejo is not a recent trend but is rooted deep at First Baptist, inspired by such examples as John Rikkers (pictured right).  Before his heart attack in 2006, John who was from Vallejo volunteered his computer expertise in the office by refurbishing a computer motherboard, and served many summers at our Children and Youth Music And Drama camps.  His technical gifts, sound skills, and commitment to camping are recognized in a memorial plaque on the sound booth in the Lela Crockett Amphitheater.  John spent many hours at the "Rikkers Sound Booth," dedicating his gifts to God's service.

Whether it's learning a new kitchen skill or using one's gifts in the library, the trenches, or the sound booth, the volunteers from Vallejo demonstrate that it's about taking your time and talent, no matter what they may be, and allowing God to use them for service.

If you'd like to offer your services to Redwood Glen, begin by taking our online volunteer survey here.  For more information on volunteering, call us at (650) 879-0320 or email us at info@redwoodglen.com. 
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