Why I Say Yes to Serving

By Christine Chan Downer, RILA Volunteer

I appreciate how RILA makes it easy for people to get involved – with different types of opportunities, at different times, and in different capacities. A few years ago, I visited a Wednesday night clinic and played with the children of clients while their parents took part in the clinics. Shortly after the pandemic began, I was thrilled to hear that RILA’s work would continue. I brought my children along with me as we delivered boxes of fresh food to client homes, praying for each family as we drove to their home. I also started volunteering as a virtual notetaker during client interviews. I appreciate the opportunity to step away from everything else going on in my life and the world to listen to the life experiences of clients – stories that are full of brokenness, pain, and injustice, but are not without hope.

During one particularly moving client interview I was a part of, the female client was clearly emotionally upset after recounting traumatic experiences in her home country. I was moved when the RILA staff attorney stopped the interview to comfort and pray with the client, who seemed to truly appreciate the support and encouragement. I feel privileged to play a small part in the amazing work RILA takes on by serving the “foreigners in our land” – aspiring to show them the type of love that God shows us.