Though you don't know whose hands these belong to, God knows and we do too! Thanks to all who serve behind the scenes!

There are so many people who serve behind the scenes. Last week our team brought you some of them as we highlighted National Volunteer Week. In my role I often get to see the tireless efforts of people no one knows about, but we depend on daily. Many of them would have it no other way. They serve the mission because they love it. They embody servant leadership.

When we first started Forgotten Voices, quite a few people at the beginning left early to pursue other awesome things. There were moments where I wondered how God would provide. Those moments keep coming, but I’ve seen over and over God’s faithfulness to provide just the right people – rarely when we want them to come. But waiting patiently is part of refining how we should work.

There isn’t enough time or space to write out all the people who stand behind the scenes to build our little engine, not just in the USA but in Africa. Hundreds of people in southern Africa and dozens around the world have offered insights, service, and prayer to our ministry since before we were even an idea. To all of you, thanks!

This past weekend a volunteer threw a fundraising dinner, attended Purple Door, spoke at several events, and hosted 23 energetic children and even more parents. All of these events were led by volunteers, from start to finish. We hope this culture continues to grow.

Nate, praying with Mrs. Maposa, a volunteer homebased care coordinator in Zimbabwe

One guy who stands behind the scenes, helping our ship sail and volunteers coordinated, is Nate Shaffer. For over 5 years Nate has served our ministry in a variety of capacities. Next time you see him, embarrass him a little and say thanks. He manages our volunteers, keeps our office running, and is working hard to improve our efficiencies, improve communications, and day-to-day operations. Truly he is someone we could not live without at Forgotten Voices. He loves serving behind the scenes, but his un-thanked love has gone on for too long. Just as Mrs. Maposa (pictured left) serves home-based care volunteers in Zimbabwe faithfully without consideration to thanks, Nate leads by example – an example for us all.

Nate is one of the main reasons I am so optimistic about our ministry’s future. He is a beacon of reason to help guide me in in the midst of stormy seasons. He is a steady rock that allows himself to be used to push off from – launching me, and others, to dream new dreams with our partners in Africa. He is building our culture of service that I hope spreads deep and wide.

I’m thankful for him. In the future I look forward to you hearing more from him on the blog. Until then, Nate – from all of us at Forgotten Voices International, thank you.

-Ryan, President

Follow Ryan on Twitter: @ryanmkeith

Tags: Africa, aids, forgotten voices, hope, nate shaffer, orphans, Ryan Keith, zambia, zimbabwe
Filed under: General Blog, Ryan's Blog, Ten Together Blog