Volunteer with us
Mamre Oaks Ltd works closely with the community and welcomes people who are inspired to join us as befrienders of our adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to work alongside with them in the daily programs and activities. We are also open to volunteers who may have programs and activities that will benefit our members.
Our Volunteers' Sharing
Psalm 9:1 "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."
When I had first visited Mamre Oaks at Agape Village, Dec 2019, it was an instant connection and I felt so at peace. It was a peace and joy that I experience whenever I’m troubled and turn my eyes and heart to the Lord and this helped me know that it was the right direction. At the time, I was also given the opportunity to be a catechist for Special Need children at the Holy Family church as well, but since I had already decided to work for the Lord a year, by Jan 2020 I had made my own plans that I would divide the week into: two weekdays at Mamre Oaks and three weekdays at another Institution (Assisi Hospice). The weekends, I would spend as catechist for Special need children. Again, as I prayed over and committed to the Lord on this desire, the verse from Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” came into effect. Praise God!
I continued my journey at Mamre Oaks and as time went by I was able to volunteer four days a week.
I’m so grateful and beyond indebted to my God for moulding and shaping me during this whole journey… since it was almost like we had moved to Singapore, just so that I could encounter Him and His graces with the beloved members, blessed staff and loving volunteers at Mamre Oaks. The experience I’ve had here, I cannot replace or trade for anything in this world. It helped me see life in a different perspective, slowed things down for me, so that I could appreciate and take time, find joy and value in the simple things in life. To be completely honest, I had the notion in me due to my prior lack of experience with Special needs that through prayers and God grace, there could be changes and transformations in the members. There again I was corrected and humbled by my God to know that it was I who needed the changes and transformations and that everything that He created was perfect and beautiful. Indeed, we all are His Masterpieces!
Every time I close my eyes and listen to Praise and Worship music, I see the faces of all the members I’ve gotten to experience and work closely with smiling and being themselves with me. That feeling is true Bliss! Praise God! I was surprised to know what it meant to be childlike when Jesus spoke about it in Matthew 18: 3-5 and to experience it here without any inhibitions of my own is simply mercy and grace of God. Even while writing this, I’m actually lost for words, for words are not enough to articulate the joy and love and the feeling of being family and that we are all one in the body of Christ! I’ve formed bonds that will stay in my heart, along with cherished memories of each and every member at Mamre Oaks. And I know and am assured that my Lord has given me this experience as grace and I trust in Him even more to lead me here in fulfilling His will, now that we have moved back to Dubai, U.A.E
So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I thank you ever so much from the bottom of my heart for accepting me into your family at Mamre Oaks and for taking a chance with me and trusting me as a volunteer with no prior experience and more than that as a good friend. Praise God!
Dhanya
​"I joined Mamre Oaks Volunteer team only in March 2021, and I can remember vividly the 1st day I stepped into the centre. Feeling apprehensive, as this is the first time I volunteer in a Center for special needs adults. I have done volunteer work in orphanages and special needs school for young children while away in China. I can imagine it's a totally different ball game: little children vs adults. Well, it turned out that I need not worry at all! The staff are always ready to guide, and the members, though hesitant in the beginning, slowly begin to welcome me warmly in their own way. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for the past 6 months. Seeing how little things can bring a big smile to the members' faces, how happy they are just being able to come to the centre, and how a simple packet of chicken rice can makes their day, makes one realise we have to appreciate the little things in life. Mamre Oaks is like one big happy family, with the staff supporting each other to help bring out the best in the members."
​
Mei