Mountain View Kickball Serve
Scott Fielden
During my senior year at ETSU, I was employed by Johnson City Parks and Recreation for one summer as a summer camp counselor at Keystone Elementary, located near Mountain View. The kids were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as much as they did. So, in 2018, when the opportunity arose to volunteer with Grace Fellowship Church as a kickball coach at Mountain View Elementary, I was happy to serve.
I see God at work when I hear the laughter and see the playfulness of the kids, enjoying kickball camaraderie and pizza with their families. No child is fixated on social media, and there are no school security issues causing anxiety. It’s kids just being kids, playing kickball like we used to do. I believe if we have the right motivations when serving others, we are also honoring and serving Christ. It’s a win/win heavenly algorithm. Working alongside GFC in community outreach programs has allowed me to see how Christ can touch people’s lives through us, which deepens my own faith and commitment to Him. I don’t think we have to be stressed about how we serve or concerned about its ultimate productivity like a work assignment, but just be the conduit for Him to work through us. Sometimes we just have to show up and let Him take it from there. God has done so much to change my life, I want to honor Him with the abilities given me, for as long as I have the opportunity to do so.
My favorite moment is when kids master a particular skill, such as kicking or catching the ball for the first time, and knowing you contributed to their success. Also, just seeing the happiness across their faces as they run to first base, or giving them “high-fives” as they circle around to home plate. Witnessing their moments of pure joy can be exhilarating and is worth every minute we spend on the field with them — and the Tylenol we may take for sore joints after trying to keep up with them for an hour.
Whether you have children or not, serving with Mountain View is an opportunity I would definitely recommend. Many of the kids at Mountain View face very challenging conditions at home and school, and encouragement from adult mentors/volunteers can make a significant impact on them, even if it’s only an hour a week during kickball. Along the way, it can be a heart-warming experience for those who desire to demonstrate God’s tender heart for children and the importance of nurturing them.
– Scott Fielden
Our partnership with Mountain View serves one of the most economically and educationally challenged areas of our city. Since 2010, we have sought to be an encouragement to the school and community through tangible expressions of God’s love. Our goal is to build trust and relationships with the staff, children, and families through direct support and involvement. Great opportunities are before us, and there is much to be done!
