Anna - September 2026

“Here am I, Lord. Send me.” Those courageous words from Isaiah 6:8 come to my mind when I see new volunteers come to serve at Watered Gardens Ministries. This ministry exists to serve the local church in its mission to help the poor, and we strive to be a place where the Church can serve effectively. And as the ministry has seen so much growth over the years, it is so encouraging to see so many faithful volunteers step up with the heart of Isaiah. It helps keep the overall ministry costs down, but more importantly, it provides countless opportunities for followers of Jesus to be his hands, feet, and voice to people in need of love, hope and relationship.

Over the last fiscal year, we saw 11,605 volunteer shifts filled across our five campuses by scores of members from local churches in the Joplin area. One of those faithful volunteers is Anna, an ESL teacher at Carthage High School who volunteers as a host for Washington Family Hope Center every Monday night.  

"We often feel like we’re too busy or already doing enough, but I'd challenge yourself to find ways you haven't thought of to serve the Lord. And honestly, Watered Gardens makes it pretty simple. Attainable. They’ve done the hard part.

By setting aside just a couple of hours on Monday nights, I know I’m contributing something. The biggest part is relational—just being truly present with the moms and kids. You really see those relationships pay off if you just show up consistently. It’s so encouraging, something you never regret.”

I’m encouraged by Anna’s testimony, and I hope you are, too.  As the need for volunteers has never been greater, I’m so grateful for the generous donation of time people like Anna give every day to serve those struggling in our community. And I’m thankful for financial partners like you, too. Your support helps provide both the volunteer recruiting/retention efforts of the ministry as well as the life-changing relational investment volunteers like Anna provide. Thank you.