Volunteer Spotlight: Marlin
Marlin Jones-FosterOccupation: I am currently working at a landscaping and hardscape job called Jennings Works. We do anything from lawn care to building patios and sidewalks. Hobbies: I actually have a couple of hobbies. One thing I like doing the most is playing football. I've had a love for football since the day I started playing at the age of five, any chance I get I'm out playing. Another hobby is gymnastics. I love doing back flips and just taken my chances at trying new flops that I see someone else do. I just love to challenge myself. Favorite UMA memory: I think my favorite memory was hiking Devils Marble Yard. I thought that it was really awesome seeing everyone encouraging each other and reaching out their hand saying "I'll help you" - that was a really cool experience for me. I think I could speak for all of the leaders when I say it encouraged me and made me feel like they're listening and seeing what we're teaching them. Favorite thing about working with UMA youth: I grew up in downtown Rivermont so I can totally relate to the kids thoughts and struggles. By the grace of our great God I have been saved and He pulled me out of the environment that I was in. After becoming a follower I go back there and still see the same things. Now when I go back I don't feel as if I'm better than they are I just want them to see that I've been freed. I just want them to see Something different about Marlin and that's God in me. I feel like UMA gives me the opportunity to be there more often and showing Christ in many different ways. One quote from my dad that I'll never forget he said, "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." It's is cool for me because sometime when your emotions take over you or whatever the case may be, you turn to the things that you've been taught and that's all you know. My favorite bible verse is 2 Corinthians 4: 11-12 "Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you."
We, at UMA, love having Marlin as a part of our core leadership team. He has a joy that is contagious and he isn't afraid to share his story of what God has done in his life. The boys love having him around and we're so thankful for the godly example that he is!