The Lord works in mysterious ways. Out of the billions of people in the world, He has a story curated specifically for everyone, creating unique value in their lives. At Grace Klein Community (GKC), the Lord touches the lives of all who come through, whether they are staff, volunteers, or food box receivers. Through GKC, the Lord has touched the heart of Maggie Morrison, as his story for her is written with resilience, compassion, and faith.
Maggie serves as the Volunteer and Serve Team Coordinator Assistant for GKC. Her role includes assisting Carla Phillips, the Serve Team and Volunteer Team Coordinator, by setting up serve teams to come serve at GKC and running the Liberty Church Drive Thru along with Alyna Click. She also helps love on volunteers, ensuring they are enjoying their time serving and helping them understand the significance of why the GKC staff do what they do.
Originally, Maggie was going to pursue international missions post-graduation, but the rise of Covid-19 shut the world down, leaving her no choice but to stay home.
This unexpected pause soon took a toll on her life, especially after the loss of her father. When he passed in March of 2020, Maggie went through a season of anger towards the Lord, causing her to want to take a step back. In the two years she spent at home, Maggie she ultimately worked on seeking the Lord as her heavenly Father again. She spent time drawing herself back to Him and repairing their relationship. In turn, the Lord guided her to GKC, transforming her path.
Before joining the GKC community, Maggie spent four summers working at a summer camp, but in her heart, she sought something more in her life. During her time at said camp, she came across Amelia Grace, daughter of GKC CEO and founder, Jenny Waltman.
Through Amelia Grace, she learned of GKC’s internship program, sparking Maggie’s interest to apply. After a successful interview with Natalie King, Maggie got approved for the internship.
Moreover, Maggie was also in need of a place to stay and was told by Natalie to reach out to Jenny. Without hesitation, Waltman welcomed her with open arms, offering her stay at her place.
“It really felt like the Lord was calling me towards Grace Klein,” Maggie described.
Since the internship was unpaid, Maggie turned to God for an avenue to be able to provide for herself. She soon learned about the Americorp Vista Program, a governmental program that would pay her for volunteer service at GKC. Two months into her internship, she joined the Vista program.
Being offered the internship, a place to stay, and learning of the Vista program all occurred within the span of five to ten days, forever changing and blessing Maggie’s life.
“I thought it was like the Lord saying ‘Here’s the open door. I just need you to walk through it,’” she said.
“I thought it was like the Lord saying ‘Here’s the open door. I just need you to walk through it,”
-Maggie Morrison
After two years of interning and volunteering, Maggie was offered a full-time position with GKC, which she gracefully accepted, thankful to the Lord for putting her on this path.
Maggie’s presence at GKC has not only impacted her significantly, but also the lives of so many others.
One time during her shift at the Liberty Drive-Thru, Maggie recalled, a regular food donation recipient arrived early before the drive thru opened. Knowing that GKC offered prayer services, the lady came in search of someone to pray for her. Similarly to Maggie, she had recently lost her father and needed comfort and support. Maggie prayed with her, listening to everything she had to say with compassion. Maggie felt a weight lift off the woman as she embraced her, reminding them both of how deep God’s love is.
To her, it was like the Lord telling her, “‘Hey, I still see you! You are making an impact. What you’ve gone through, I am using to help other people.’”
With this interaction and many more, Maggie says it heals her heart that she can make many meaningful connections with the people she encounters. In like manner, Maggie enjoys seeing the many different people who come through GKC’s doors, getting to interact with so many different cultures and people of different walks of life.
Maggie has been serving with GKC for almost three years now. Her leadership and uplifting personality continuously inspire the GKC family, building positive and heartfelt relationships amongst others.
At the Liberty Drive-Thru, every day brings a new adventure. As Volunteer and Serve Team Coordinator Assistant, Maggie knows that food boxes will be built to serve the community, but she does not know how many, what foods they will be filled with, and how many volunteers they are going to do it with. It’s an everyday journey of trusting in the Lord and in His provision.
“But I know we are going to feed the people,” she said with certainty.
Life can be filled with mystery and unexpected challenges, shaping the most impactful decisions we can make. But it is God’s love and guidance that gives us stability during moments of struggle. In Maggie’s story, His presence serves as a light, guiding and healing her with the kindness and love received from volunteers, recipients, and GKC staff.
Thank you, Maggie, for your unfaltering compassion and faith as you lead and serve those around you. Your work has made a meaningful difference at GKC and is valued deeply by all.
