Volunteer Week - Calling & Career
A growing area of ministry at Emerald is with our high school students and young adults. Specifically, our Calling & Career Ministry is preparing teenagers for post-secondary experiences and to help them find a Christ-centered calling.
Regan Reeves has been volunteering with the Calling & Career Ministry this year and says that she loves volunteering because she enjoys being involved with students and their learning process.
Miles Johnson has been volunteering with the Calling & Career Ministry since last fall. He first learned about Emerald through one of his classes at Johnson College. After hearing about Emerald’s mission to reach inner city youth, he immediately knew this was an organization that he wanted to be a part of and he started volunteering. Laura Bean-Allen, the Calling & Career Center Coordinator, said that Miles is one of the most consistent volunteers. “He is willing to help with any subject, even if it means he has to research it himself. He participates in the workshops wholeheartedly with the students, helping them to be engaged with the speaker. Over the past months, I've seen him engage in meaningful conversations with the students about Jesus, calling, and ministry. I know my students are better off by having him in their lives!” said Laura Bean-Allen.
He spends his time volunteering by helping students with homework, tutoring, and working on life skills, such as writing a resume or working on interview skills. The average day starts with fellowship and food, then they break up into smaller groups to work on homework or do a workshop together. Miles has been impressed with the diversity of skills students are learning.
Miles said that he volunteers with Emerald because he wants to help kids in the inner city know about Jesus. He is passionate about the ministry of Emerald and the way they are spreading Christ’s love across Knoxville.
His favorite thing about volunteering is the relationships he is forming with students. He said that it is a privilege for him to have the ability to share life together and experiences. “Hearing their stories makes my day,” says Miles.
Are you interested in volunteering with high school students through the Calling & Career Ministry? We are always looking for tutors and business leaders in the area to come and speak to students. Go to our volunteer page for more information!