By Marconi Fabio Vieira
Introduction
In a world where everything seems to revolve around exchange, visibility, and immediate rewards, the simple act of voluntary service becomes revolutionary.
As I worked quietly in the background, translating a technical guide to help Portuguese-speaking people access global content — without charging anything for it — something began to burn strongly within my heart. It wasn’t just a task. It was a calling.
What if more people were willing to offer their talents — discreetly, without fanfare, and without expecting applause?
What if, like Jesus, we bowed down to serve, even when no one is watching?
The silent power of volunteering
Volunteering is more than “doing something for free.”
It’s recognizing that what we have may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Some serve with their technical skills. Others with time. Others with resources. Everyone can serve.
Real-life examples of voluntary service
In my own journey, God has given me unexpected opportunities to serve. And in each of them, I was more blessed than the person who received it. Here are some testimonies I share — not for credit, but to encourage faith:
International voluntary translations:
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Translator of risk management articles by Dr. David Hillson (The Risk Doctor, UK) for over 10 years.
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Volunteer team member for Answers in Genesis (USA), translating content into Portuguese.
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Official translation of the REACH Forgiveness Workbook by Dr. Everett Worthington, published by the Templeton World Charity Foundation.
Voluntary contributions to events and publications:
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Speaker in international project management conferences (PMI Global Congress Latin America e ABGP-IPMA Brasil), entirely voluntarily.
- Voluntary participation in the development of PMI standards: OPM3 – Organizational Project Management Maturity Model and The Standard for Portfolio Management – 2nd Edition.
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Author of technical and inspirational articles published for free in international magazines and platforms, including contributions in India (Maganize Projects & Profits, Icfai University Press) and other global networks (PM World Journal).
Personal generosity and missionary support:
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Donations of food, clothing, furniture, shoes, and household items to families in need.
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Direct support to Missionary Agencies and the Persecuted Church, serving as a Local Correspondent in causes of faith, justice, and global evangelization.
Serving beyond borders
There are also those who volunteer in times of tragedy — in floods, wars, earthquakes, and famine.
Many remain unnamed. Yet they are great in God’s eyes.
Helping someone who has lost everything. Offering a hand before the other has to beg for help. Doing good without humiliating the recipient.
This is serving as Christ served.
As the Word says, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
And many times, that friend is a volunteer.
Jesus: The greatest volunteer in the universe
He wasn’t forced. He gave Himself.
“No one takes my life from me. I give it of my own accord.” (John 10:18, NIV)
Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, became a volunteer for us.
He came not to be served, but to serve — and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Conclusion: Your talent may be someone’s answered prayer
You may not have money, a platform, or extra time. But God has given you something that can be used to bless someone else.
A skill, a listening ear, a network, a caring heart.
The question is: Are you willing to offer it to God as a voluntary gift?
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