Бывшая церковная музыкантша Мариллин Леннокс нашла новую миссию в волонтерской работе с жертвами травмы

When Marilyn Lennox retired and moved back to Winnipeg after decades in Thompson, she wasn't looking to slow down. Instead, the lifelong church musician and volunteer found new opportunities to serve. "I'm retired, so-to-speak," says Marilyn Lennox. "Although life seems to be busier than when I was working. I grew up in a Christian home, and I've been going to church all my life." When she was a young adult, Lennox moved to Thompson, Man. where she met her husband. The family lived out there until their retirement, when they moved back to Winnipeg. "I've been playing piano for the church for 52 years. My mom taught me piano lessons and before I started playing for the church, mom said 'You have to play through the hymn book.' Since then, God has been working in my heart, and about 25-30 years ago, I started leading worship as well." RELATED STORIES: - Her Voice: Manitoba advocate and survivor helps women find freedom after abuse - Her Voice: Pansy Chapel founder continues to impact lives through service and faith - Her Voice: Cher Paulson encourages women called to ministry Spending time giving back Lennox had a few careers during her time in Thompson, including being a substitute teacher, as well as working at the hospital as a receptionist in the diagnostic department. "Volunteering started many years ago. In Thompson, my husband would go to the homeless shelter, so I would make Cheez-Whiz sandwiches for him to hand out. Plus, I crocheted toques because they always needed toques. I started there." The couple moved to Winnipeg, and Bill, Lennox's husband, started volunteering with Union Gospel Mission (UGM). "I needed a little bit more to do. I checked it out, and the Charis Centre needed help. I started off in the office, then it moved to devotions. Monday and Tuesday mornings, I do devotions with the girls. It moved on to, 'Can you do this course?' I facilitate the complex trauma course for the girls." Joy in volunteering Lennox is filled with gratitude for all the Lord has blessed her with in life, and it's out of this place that she finds the joy to give her time in the way of volunteering. "I like to serve the Lord. I like to use the gifts and abilities God has given me to bless and encourage others. That is what my music has done; that's what the devotional teaching has done at the Charis Centre. It warms my heart that it's meeting a need in their lives as well." The reason behind Lennox's ministry in leading worship or volunteering is to give praise to God. Leaving a legacy of faith "I hope that people would be drawn closer to Jesus. That they would encouraged in their walk with Jesus. Ultimately, that is what is important." Lennox also finds courage to serve God by reminding herself of Bible verses, such as 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 and Philippians 4:13. "Matthew 6:33 has been my favourite for many years. 'Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.' When we seek Him, for His glory, He gives us the things we need." For women who are looking for their next career or perhaps retiring and looking for something to do, Lennox encourages them to find their gifts from God and then use them. "There's all kinds of areas where you can serve. Just do it. You will be blessed and you can be a blessing to others. It's amazing what God can do in your own life as you use your abilities and giftings to serve Him, and others."