Bright and Early
August is one of the youngest Ministry Partners on the setup crew at Southwest and he's making a big difference every Sunday.
It’s a bitterly cold Sunday morning in January. Although it’s hard to tell because of thick clouds blanketing the Springs, the sun is just about to climb over the horizon. It’s the perfect moment for most 10-year-olds to pull the covers tight and snuggle in for a couple more hours of sleep.
But not for August Smith. Today, like most Sundays, Austin is up and ready for a big morning ahead.
EARLY TO RISE
The people of Woodmen Southwest gather each Sunday at Vanguard School. This means that each week, Ministry Partners arrive bright and early to get the facility ready to welcome hundreds of churchgoers who will come to worship and encounter the Lord. From setting up classrooms for children, to ensuring the AV equipment is ready to go, there’s plenty to accomplish before the first attenders are welcomed through the doors.
August is one of the youngest Ministry Partners on the setup crew. When he saw Bob Goss serving every Sunday, he knew he wanted to get involved. Bob is a campus care Deacon at Southwest and he was excited to show August the ropes to setup the campus.
“Everybody knows who August is. They know he loves to serve,” said Bob. “It’s not common to see such a desire to serve at his age. I don't want him to ever lose that.” With tears in his eyes, Bob continued, “He's a leader. Yeah, really is.”
Arriving at 7:30 AM every Sunday, August quickly took a liking to serving. When asked about his favorite part of serving, he responded eagerly, “All of it!”
August’s regular responsibilities include ensuring the Sunday staples are ready: He sets up chairs and brews fresh coffee.
A BIG HAPPY FAMILY
August’s mom, Marie, said with a smile, “I've had a lot of ladies come up to me and brag about how delicious his coffee is and how it's best on weeks when he makes it.”
August’s parents are involved at Southwest as well. Marie serves in Woodmen Kids and Will ushers and greets.
Woodmen has been the Smith’s church home since 2007, starting at Rockrimmon before transitioning to Southwest when the new campus opened. Marie loves the strong sense of community at Southwest, describing the people there as “a big happy family.”
“I definitely think August has a servant’s spirit,” Marie said. “He loves to serve others and does it with a with a glad heart. It makes me happy seeing my son serve God.”
“Volunteering is like the best thing of my life,” said August. For this unique 10-year-old, being a Minsitry Partner is not an obligation, it’s an opportunity to serve God — even on those ice-cold January mornings.
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