Not many couples spend their rehearsal dinner serving at a rescue mission.
Meet Elizabeth and Adam, who did just that.
“Our marriage is not just about us, our marriage is about learning to serve together and doing things that are beyond us,” said Elizabeth.
So the night before Elizabeth and Adam got married, they served side by side at the Burnside Shelter with their closest friends and family, a symbol of what they want their life to continue to reflect. “We want to use our marriage to spread God’s kingdom.”
“I have never seen anyone serve like this before,” shared Chloe Durr, Volunteer Coordinator at the Mission.
“They were embarking on the biggest journey of life, and started it by giving back.”
“In wedding planning it is very easy to become so focused on yourself, and instead they focused on loving others.”
Flower girls handed out socks, a brother helped dismiss guests to dinner, aunts talked with guests as they ate.
“At the beginning of the meal they shared with our guests a little bit about their story,” said Chloe. “Our guests were so excited for Adam & Elizabeth’s new chapter, and that they would want to start it by serving a meal!”
“It just became a really, really huge blessing,” said Elizabeth.
“We have family that flew over 3,000 miles and they said the best part of our wedding weekend was doing the rehearsal dinner.”
Maybe this is just what Jesus Christ had in mind when he said,
“When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.”*
Adam and Elizabeth are regular volunteers at The Burnside Shelter in our Guest Relations Office. “My heart just fills up every time I’m at the Mission, seeing the love of Christ being extended to people––anyone who walks through the door,” said Elizabeth.
Thinking about volunteering but not yet sure if its for you?
“Just jump in, give it a try,” said Adam. “It doesn’t have to be a long term commitment– show up, maybe even with friends.”
“When you are there, it’s a wonderful experience.”
Thank you Elizabeth and Adam and congratulations from all of your friends at Portland Rescue Mission.
Come share your life with our guests. Apply as a volunteer.
Do you have a story to share with us about volunteering?
Email us at partnership@pdxmission.org.
*See Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 14: 13-14
