Having a Servant's Heart and Passing It On

“My children have no fear knowing that Christ is with them,” said Sue Clinger. “I have them for a short time, but they have a lifetime to serve and build into the kingdom of God.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a heart to serve. My mother modeled giving by feeding the hobos in our neighborhood.” It’s a mantel Sue has passed on to her children. As a Willow member for 24 years, Sue learned from women leaders at Willow through serving, mentorship, and the opportunities Willow provided to develop the leadership gifts she now uses on Monday mornings as a team leader at the Care Center.

Serving as a Leader in the Care Center

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20

Sue was looking for a ministry opportunity. When she saw a homeless woman at Menards in Crystal Lake, and she helped her by providing coffee and a tent. Later, a friend encouraged her to visit the Care Center. During her first visit, she felt an emotional connection with the guests, the volunteers, and its purpose of turning hunger into hope—not just the hunger of the body, but the hunger of the soul. Since that initial visit in October of 2008, Susan has used her leadership gift to lead the Monday morning volunteer team while connecting with the Care Center guests. “I love to serve and lead people,” said Sue. “It’s a privilege to use my gifts and to serve at a church that cares so deeply for the needs of others.”

Creating a Servant's Heart

As her children Caitlin, Courtney, and Sam grew, Sue and her husband Randy desired to provide serving opportunities for them.  They often went into the city of Chicago to feed up to 500 homeless. As they grew older, they participated in mission trips to Bolivia and Mexico where they worked with the impoverished.  A year ago Sue was asked to lead the Monday morning Care Center team where three generations of her family help when opportunity provides. “It is amazing to watch as God develops my kids' compassion, to see the risks they take, and their understanding and acceptance of the need for diversity.  I have a short time to have an impact on them, and all three have caught the vision.  My heart overflows when I see them serve,” said Sue through her tears.  “God will lead them now to serve and further His kingdom.”