A Second Wind: One CCCA Volunteer’s Story

Written by Jennifer Lu Monday, 20 June 2011 00:00

Thursday is usually the busiest day at the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia (CCCA). Like any day, one after another amazing jobs are accomplished in order to support the many ministries under this international missionary organisation.

Patti Robertson sits in front of her desktop with headphones on, making sure she hears every detail of the recording correctly. She has just finished transcribing an interview for the next TODAY magazine. Patti is a volunteer worker that comes into the office once a week. It’s her responsibility to make sure a myriad of jobs get completed—from scanning and filing to transcribing important interviews.

Retired and a grandmother of six, Patti has thrown herself into volunteering for the last 10 years.

“As you get older you have more time, and I don’t want to just be sitting at home doing nothing. A lot of my non-Christian friends encouraged me to play cards regularly, but I’d rather put my time into something more meaningful. I like to get up in the morning and think that I’m doing something that furthers the Kingdom and helps other people too.”

Choosing to live a different life from most retired folks, Patti’s golden years seem to shine even brighter than when she was active in the workforce. At church, Patti is also involved in serving on the welcome team, a home group and even a prayer group. A year ago, God opened an opportunity for her to step into the heart of Campus Crusade in Mulgrave.

“It’s a wonderful place to work. Everyone is very friendly. They always thank me for coming in, and I feel like saying thanks right back, for letting me be a part of it all. I like the way the whole system works here. Everybody cares about one another like a big family, and their caring extends outside the office hours.”

CCCA has many other volunteers whose service in an office or on the field causes heaps of people hear to the gospel. Patti says, “For anyone who’s ever considered volunteering, just give it a go! It’s a great satisfaction at the end of the day.” If you would like to learn more about volunteering, contact Amanda Ralston via the CCCA Mission Centre.