Bridgit & Sam Tingley
Bridgit and Sam have been involved with the Mission since 2021 as Pathways of Hope monthly donors and volunteers.
What do you love about serving at the Mission?
Bridgit: Part of what was surprising was how much I felt a sense of purpose. Sometimes my time is about a new volunteer who I get to share with how things go and why I am there, and other times, I’m the scanner and I get to interact with the guests. But it’s not always about why I want to be there; it’s how God wants to use me in that role.
Do you have a favorite memory that stands out to you?
Sam: We got to have one interaction with a guest who came in just to get a meal, and he began by thanking us for being there. It opened up a dialog of just, “Try to spend the night, see what you think, see if this is different from your past experiences.” The next time we got to see him, he told us he was on the housing track. It was encouraging.
How does your faith influence your involvement?
Bridgit: We want to love these guests, want them to feel seen, want to show up for them, and want to be intentional. Some of the guests ask for prayer or tell us that they’re praying for us, and I’m happy to be able to say that back and actually mean that.
Sam: Just trying to lead a life of service. Working every day to be open to everyone and to meet everyone where they are, letting go of judgment and just accepting people.
What would you say to encourage someone to get involved?
Bridgit: Just sign up for one shift, and you will be surprised where you go from there. I wouldn’t have taken so long to serve if I had known that what we get out of it is so amazing and incredible.
This post is part of May’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing how the Bridge program gave Kalina and Danny’s family a way out of an eviction as well as tools to rebuild their lives in: For Our Children.
