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Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints volunteered at Grace Mission Episcopal Church, a safe harbor for those less fortunate.
Now that conditions have eased, the missionaries are back to serving at Grace Mission.
Located in downtown Tallahassee, the mission offers bible studies, tutoring for schoolchildren, showers and laundry facilities, hot meals, bagged lunches, clothing, and health and social services to its nearby community.
Serving at Grace Mission, left to right: Chef Robert, Rev. Rachel Hill, Palmer
Brenda Christie, volunteer coordinator at Grace Mission, says the elders bring their own positive spirit when they serve.
“They have been a tremendous help,” she said. “Normally two serve every other Wednesday and two on Sunday. They help remove items (from Wednesday delivery trucks) and assist in the assortment of those items. Those coming on Sunday help serve the meal we prepare. They’re all doing a wonderful job. I’m glad to have them back,” she said.
Chef Robert Ward, who volunteers to prepare the meals, appreciates the missionaries’ young backs.
“They’re young, and they help out a lot,” he said. “Their work saves my back.”
The elders have been impressed with the work being done at Grace Mission.
Serving at Grace Mission, left to right: Elders Palmer and Harper
“They just do incredible work there,” said Elder Joseph Palmer of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, pausing in his labors on a recent Wednesday. “The staff and people really care. They’re always willing to keep their arms open to anyone who asks for help. And when you serve your fellow beings, you serve God.”
Elder Seth Harper of Provo, Utah agreed that the atmosphere at Grace Mission is “very welcoming” to everyone. “It’s an amazing place, and they are such loving people,” he said. “They take seriously Christ’s commandment to ‘love thy neighbor’… it brings to mind the parable of the good Samaritan. There’s definitely a good spirit there.”
“We’re getting back in step post-pandemic with church services and mission work,” said Kate Griffith, the mission’s bookkeeper. “We’re looking forward to working with the missionaries again,” she said.
Serving at Grace Mission, left to right: Palmer, Harper, Brenda Christie, Chef Robert Ward
Vicar Rachel Hill said the mission appreciates the helping hands.
“We’re very glad to have the missionaries here,” she said. “They have been a great help.”
Additional volunteers are needed to help serve meals and clean up several times a week. If you are interested, please contact Brenda Christie at brenda@gracemission.net
