The Road To Volunteerism

You might ask why someone who is a contractor, professional driver, technical engineer, project manager would be writing an article for Physician Outlook; and that would be a legitimate question.  The answer is one that will hopefully touch your heart and open your mind.

Several years back while operating a successful building and grounds maintenance company, I was planning a trip for myself to go to the keys, to relax, scuba dive and just enjoy some of what life offers.  It was all planned when I saw on television a clip that showed a town, Harrisburg, Illinois, devastated by a tornado/storm, and requests for volunteers needed to help.

I just could not turn from it, I canceled my trip, called my mother, and told her what I was planning on doing and asked if she wanted to go; the next day we were driving from Pennsylvania to Illinois to help strangers in their distress.  I will never forget driving into the town, and walking through the streets, realizing we are so “desensitized” to things through television, media, internet…the reality set in.  We spent the next week working long hours, in hot humid weather and treacherous conditions, but I can tell you it was the most rewarding and emotionally satisfying work I had ever done.  I remember to this day the people I met, the stories we shared and the lives that that were touched.

This was a door God was opening for me. I went from volunteering to working part time for the same organization, to being the full-time Construction Manager for their U.S. Disaster Relief team. Consideration and prayer led me to close my business, move to a different state and start a whole new career, in a journey that started by simply volunteering to serve and help others.

I traveled to numerous disaster sites in America, meeting so many wonderful people and helping to touch so many lives. My life had changed in many ways. I was working much longer hours in terrible conditions, and yet I felt so much better about my life and its meaning.  I was not yet aware that God was opening another door for me.

Over a Christmas and New Year holidays, through a time of fasting and prayer, God put a “calling” in my heart. It was strange to me, and when it was first “revealed” (through statements made to me from others and the still small voice in my heart), I questioned God. Was He actually calling me to serve in Haiti, a third world country about which I knew very little? I did not know the culture, the languages or the present situation; why would He ask me to go there?

I accepted a position as project manager in Haiti.  I packed up my bags and boarded a plane to a new land. But it didn’t take long for my eyes to be opened to the reality of the struggles, suffering and pain that others in this world deal with on a daily basis.  People, often children, were dying because of a lack of clean water, illnesses and disease from malnutrition and lack of sanitation and sanitary conditions.  Injury from accidents, even minor ones, turned to major issues without proper care.  Many of the conditions were simple to prevent or resolve, if only the resources were there and available. This was the most rewarding time and work of my life. I will never forget, and I know that some of my work saved lives and relieved suffering.

About the author:  Jim Kline is a current member of Samaritan’s Purse DART (technical/nonmedical); co-founder, vice president and COO of 3 Friends Ministries (a nonprofit ministry that restores houses in the U.S. after disasters) ; owner of J.Kline Enterprises (a registered Home improvement Contractor in Pennsylvania and custom fabricating business); a commercial/professional driver for hire; has a technical mechanical degree; and has held positions as construction manager for a U.S. disaster response team; and project manager (in Haiti) for an international disaster and relief organization.

See more of Jim Kline’s story in the July issue of Physician Outlook, including a personal incident that affected him directly.