by Larry Jay,
Redwood Glen
staff in Guest Services and Marketing
When I was in high school,
"I'd love to" was the motto of our
Senior High Department at First Chinese Baptist Church, San
Francisco. When asked to serve, help, or volunteer,
"I'd
love to" was the expected response. "Would you..."
"I'd
love
to."
On some levels it became a cliche as we would say those "three little
words" with eyes rolling and sarcasm dripping. But on a more
profound level,
"I'd love to" instilled in me the importance
of Christian service which under girds my ministry philosophy today.
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First Chinese Baptist
at Work Day 1981
(Larry is far left,
holding the broom)
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When I was a sophomore, our youth leaders selected Redwood Glen's Work
Day as our group's service project. Because I had been coming to
Redwood Glen for camp since the 4th grade, I enthusiastically
responded,
"I'd love to" when the sign-up sheet was passed
around.
I don't remember much of the work that we did. (I think we spent
a lot of time raking and cleaning out tents.) But I do remember
how much fun we had as a fellowship group, being together and serving
together. Through our time together that weekend, friendships were
strengthened, while my love for Redwood Glen deepened.
It's been exactly 30 years since that Work Day, but the memories remain
and my passion for camp is just as strong. There is something
about Redwood Glen and volunteer service that continues to run deep in
me.
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|
Larry (right) with
Chad (foreground) & Marsh
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Before officially moving to the redwoods and joining the camp staff
five years ago, I was a pastor at a church in San Francisco.
While at Sunset Ministry, I would volunteer at Redwood Glen, using my
time and talents, and I led the church to financially support the camp
through our budget.
I believe that Work Day is a great opportunity to mobilize your church
for service and to show your support for the ongoing ministry of
Redwood Glen. Whether you come with a fellowship group, your
family, a group of friends, or by yourself, there is something about
volunteer service that reflects our call as God's people, as followers
of Jesus, who "did not come to be served but to serve" (Mk
10:45).
Work Day is a time to serve, make memories, build fellowship, and
express your commitment to Christ and love for Redwood Glen.
Will you make plans to join us at Work Day? I hope you will
enthusiastically respond, "I'd love to."
