When I first began working with the Missions department at Woodlands Church, the Disaster Relief Ministry volunteer team was dedicated but limited in diversity. We envisioned a ministry that fully represented the diverse strengths, backgrounds, and abilities of our entire church community, so I set out to expand our reach.

I worked to create volunteer roles that were inclusive and accessible to men, women, and people of all ages and abilities. By using more welcoming language and breaking down the perception that only those with construction or trade experience could contribute, we were able to encourage a broader range of volunteers to join.

The response was inspiring. As we opened up opportunities, our team grew into a vibrant, multi-generational group that now reflects the diversity of our congregation and allows us to serve on a larger, more impactful scale.

Leading outreach efforts has also given me the privilege of capturing the meaningful work our teams do. One powerful moment I’ll never forget was entering a flooded home for the first time. Walking through rooms where the waterline was still visible above my head, I realized we were standing on holy ground—spaces where lives had been uprooted and families had been left vulnerable. In those moments, it’s clear that our service is about so much more than physical repair; it’s about approaching each task with excellence, compassion, patience, and dignity.

These experiences shape everything we do. Our volunteers are dedicated to serve with love, humility, and grace. It’s an honor to witness the compassion of our team in action and to share those stories through my lens.