Finding Purpose: Kelly’s Decade of Serving at the Mission

For nearly a decade, Kelly has faithfully volunteered at the Mission as a chapel speaker in the women’s shelter. Once a month, she arrives with music, a message, and a willingness to serve, offering encouragement and hope to women navigating some of life’s hardest moments.

“I am a chapel speaker,” Kelly shared. “I usually play some music and then have a little message.”

When Kelly first explored volunteering, she wasn’t sure where she would fit. After moving to the Lakeshore area, she wanted to serve but needed something that worked with her schedule. When the chapel opportunity was presented, her first response was hesitation.

“That kind of made me very uncomfortable,” she said.

Sharing a message in a chapel setting felt far outside her comfort zone. Still, Kelly decided to step forward in faith. “I just kind of turned it over to God and said, okay, you want me to volunteer here? Is this really what I should do?”

That decision led to years of steady service.

Through her time volunteering, Kelly’s perspective has deepened. While her role places her with guests for a short time, the impact has been lasting, both for those she serves and for her own life.

I SEE, I HAVE A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF COMPASSION, I THINK, FOR THESE GUESTS THAT ARE THERE AT THE MISSION WHO ARE STRUGGLING. THEY’RE THERE BECAUSE THEY NEED HELP. AND LIFE IS TOUGH.”

Kelly sees her role as part of something bigger. “I’m just a little cog in the wheel to help give these people hope,” she said.

She also carries deep respect for Mission staff, recognizing the daily challenges they face. “They are the unsung heroes at the mission,” Kelly said. “They tirelessly work with the clients here, and yet they just plug on.”

Because of donor support, volunteers like Kelly are able to serve consistently, creating space for spiritual care, encouragement, and dignity. Her story is a reminder that long-term impact often comes through quiet faithfulness: showing up, month after month, and trusting God to use it.

“God will use me anyway,” Kelly said.

Connect with us to get the latest news from Muskegon Rescue Mission