Volunteer Spotlight: Serving Together As A Family

When Lindsay Reinholt first felt God calling her to serve those who are unhoused in our Warsaw community, she wasn’t quite sure what that would look like. It wasn’t until she began homeschooling her children, Winnie (11) and Archie (9), that she decided it was time to take that next step of faith.

Now, nearly two years later, volunteering at Fellowship Missions has become a meaningful part of their family’s rhythm and one that has shaped each of them in lasting ways.

Answering The Call To Serve

“The Holy Spirit had been tugging on my heart to get more involved with serving the poor,” Lindsay shares. “When we started homeschooling, I wanted my kids to experience service and proximity to those who are unhoused. Jesus calls us to help these people, and this is a very simple way to step into that obedience.”

What began as an opportunity to serve others has become so much more than preparing meals or washing dishes. It’s become a place where friendships have formed, and lives have been changed on both sides of the serving line.

More Than Just Volunteering

Each member of the family has found something special about serving at Fellowship Missions.

Winnie enjoys the relationships they’ve built over the years:

“I like that we get to serve. It makes me feel good to take care of other people. We come regularly, so we have been able to develop relationships with many of the residents, which makes it even more special and fun when we see them.”

Archie looks forward to the conversations:

“I enjoy talking to people that live there. There are a couple of people who always come up and chat with us and ask us about what we’re up to lately. It’s fun.”

For Lindsay, every visit is a reminder of God’s heart for His people:

“No matter what kind of mood or energy I’m in coming into a service at Fellowship Missions, I always, without fail, leave feeling uplifted and grateful. I know that my experiences there are helping me see others the way Jesus sees them.”

She continues, “We’ve developed friendships with the people that live there and gotten to personalize what can often feel like a distant problem. I feel really honored by the way we have been invited into some of their stories and gotten to see the glory of God. You quickly learn that we really are not that different from one another, and I have so much to learn from them.”

Seeing Redemption Up Close

One moment stands out in particular to the family, and they wanted to share:

Their kitchen leader, Allen, has shared more of his personal testimony with them each time they’ve served together. During a recent lunch service, he played Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave and explained how the song perfectly tells his story.

“It was a powerful moment of us beholding the unfathomable love and mercy of our God,” Lindsay recalls. “He, with the past that led him to Fellowship Missions, and me as well, with my own past and struggles with sin.”

While Winnie and Archie may not have fully understood the emotional weight of the moment, they witnessed something invaluable.

“They got to witness two sinners quietly standing in awe of our redeeming Lord.”

For Lindsay, experiences like these are what volunteering is truly about.

“It’s really not about preparing and serving the food or cleaning and putting away dishes. It’s about those moments of humanity where we get to see Jesus in the eyes of our fellow image-bearers.”

A Message To Future Volunteers

If someone is hesitant about volunteering, this family has a simple message.

Winnie says:

“You should! It’s honestly fun and not hard. It feels good to help, and when you do it, you can create unforgettable bonds.”

Archie adds:

“Do it! It’s good for you and for them.”

And Lindsay offers this encouragement:

“If you show up with open hands and an open heart, any apprehension you might have will melt away. The people at Fellowship Missions are amazing. I know our role is ‘volunteer’ and we are there to serve them, but honestly, I am positive we have been blessed more by all the folks there than anything we have done for them.”

Favorite Bible Verses

Winnie: Romans 8:38–39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Archie: Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Lindsay: Matthew 11:28–30

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

Lindsay shared one final message with the Fellowship Missions team:

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity. It’s very special what you guys are doing, what God is doing through you, and I feel really grateful that we get to partner in a small way in it.”

We are incredibly thankful for volunteers like Lindsay, Winnie, and Archie, who faithfully show up month after month with open hearts and willing hands. Their story is a beautiful reminder that when families serve together, God uses those moments not only to bless others, but to transform everyone involved.

Get Involved With Fellowship Missions

God often does some of His greatest work when we simply say “yes.” If you’ve been feeling a nudge to serve, consider this your invitation. Join our volunteer family and discover how God can use your time, your gifts, and your willingness to make an eternal impact.

Ready to answer the call?