In March, we held a series of retreats for leaders of ministries for youth and young adults. Dann Ebina volunteered to help us at each one and even paid his own airfare to the neighbor islands! At each retreat, Dann would constantly say, “You’re awesome!” When asked why, he’d say, “Cause you’re awesome!” Everyone who helped with these retreats agreed that Dann’s positive support made him an invaluable team member.
My niece Rylee is now two-and-a-half months old and watching her grow is amazing. It’s just so awesome to watch her learn to lift her head and scoot across her blanket. Everyone in the house praises her in much the same way as Dann praised us, “That’s awesome, Rylee!”
Dann’s affirmations of us and our affirmations of Rylee were about things that happen all the time. But for both Rylee and our retreat team, it was the first time we ever did these things. How easily we forget sometimes that, though many of our volunteers in ministry are adults, they are often only months old in ministering. Just like a growing baby, a developing volunteer should bring joy to many people’s hearts.
Affirm your volunteers, be patient, be positive and, oh yeah, “Did I ever tell you that you’re awesome?”
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.