During two weeks in July, 137 enthusiastic Saddleback volunteers spent their Saturday mornings working in the hot sun, continuing to help transform Rancho Capistrano into the place of rest, learning, and celebration that it is hoped to be. It’s been worth the commitment.
They arrived early in the morning at The Ranch, ready to replace old plants with beautiful new bougainvillea and jasmine, lay irrigation pipe, clean light fixtures and move shrubs around the property. Men, women and children dug and pulled at old roots, laughed and toiled together, getting acquainted and enjoying their work. “It’s not like doing a project at home,” Maudi Kolster, Rancho Capistrano Facilities Coordinator said. “Every weekend I’m impressed by the volunteers as they are inspired by each other’s momentum while they work. It’s so amazing!”
Some volunteers could not be enticed to leave at the “normal” time, but said, “I need to finish my job, and then I’ll leave.”
Two men in a truck were driving toward the gate, when they stopped beside Volunteer Coordinator Janna Roberts. “I think we need better soil for this planter,” one of them told her. “Is it ok if I go and get the proper soil?” The other man in the truck joined the conversation, “I’ll pay for it!” he said, smiling.
Two fathers with their teenaged sons arrived on the property to volunteer. Prior to that moment, they hadn’t met, but by the end of the day, the boys had bonded and the fathers too, simply because they worked side-by-side on the project. “Each week volunteers are growing deeper relationships with one another as they work together,” Maudi said.
Maudi said, “At the end of the day, we have experienced God’s presence again! God has this way of bringing the right people and materials at the right time. I believe God wants this place to reveal His glory.” Maudi paused to smile and reflect on the past weekend, “Each piece that is accomplished does that. You can see His glory in the beauty of this place.”
To join in serving at Rancho Capistrano or to volunteer for the next work day, e-mail Janna Roberts at jannar@saddleback.com.
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