2007 Global Aid Network Warehouse Festival
My Story, by Scotta M.

I arrived at the warehouse on Sunday and immediately began hugging and catching up with friends.  Some folks I haven’t seen in a year and it was great to have to the time of fellowship.  I always enjoy being with affiliates because we share the same passion and have fun also sharing our various stories.  Being an affiliate is so much more than just going on trips, its networking with others to come up with ideas on how to tell others about GAiN.  Also, I often learn new techniques for finding partners whether it be in donations, financial assistance or going on short term mission trips.  For me, I picked up on some different ways to share my stories and pictures that might encourage more participation.  No matter what, the celebration of our mutual love for the Lord and desire to do His will is what really lifts me up!

I love it when the volunteers start coming in.  Everyone seems so energized and excited to do something fun.  Like last year, this year I also worked in clothing.  I specifically worked at the infants table, which is really fun!   The first lady I met, Jo Ann from Raleigh, asked me “Where I’ve Been.”  Of course if you wear a button saying “Ask Me Where I’ve Been” you should expect they’re going to!  She was terrific and we got into a deep discussion about what made me want to go to Siberia and our current spiritual lives.  I think there is a good chance that she will want to go on a trip but, either way, she can see now that the concept is not as scary as it may seem to others. What was so great was that she just took me under her wing and introduced me to all her friends.  During break we all sat together and I got to know many people from her group.  I told them I would be speaking during the break time that next day and they all were going to pray for me.  She even came up to me Tuesday morning and gave me a big hug and told me they were praying!  Now, I had known them less than 24 hours and yet I already feel as close to them as friends I’ve had for years.

The warehouse not only affords me the opportunity to make new friends and talk about mission trips but it also gives me the chance to encourage the volunteers.  I try to tell each and every person how important they are to the task.  For example, if someone is making gospel bead bracelets, I share with them my stories of using those same bracelets to share Christ with orphans half way around the world.  Tonight a lady came up to me and told me I made her feel special and that she realized that she is part of the process of expanding God’s kingdom. Even the smallest job at the warehouse could have kingdom implications and each and every person can share in that joy. I love nothing more than watching a child’s face light up when I tell them how special and important they are to children who have so little.  Another lady told me that she never realized that when she packs up toothbrushes, she is helping a child in need somewhere in the world.

I could go on and on (and often do) but the best part of the warehouse experience is the camaraderie among fellow believers.  The knowledge that God is using us and often molding us into the person He wants us to be.  So many come in with a teachable and loving spirit that I have seen God use in a mighty way.  I’ve realized everybody has a story and I want to hear them all!  From the kitchen staff to the 8-yr old girl who came with her grandmother, we all share a common desire…to glorify HIS NAME.