Carlisle's Spark

"I am overwhelmingly grateful for the support and empowerment that Lifeline has given me. Now I can give back to those who both pack and receive meals," Carlisle said.


Written by Hollie Gregory, Director, Lifeline Charlotte Centre

Spark: a small glowing particle or ember. To ignite. To set in motion.

At Lifeline Centres across the US, our vision is to "Spark a life on mission for God. Everyone. Everywhere."

Every day we have opportunities to share God’s love through Lifeline’s Centres, and our hope is that we can encourage, inspire, and SPARK the lives of those we meet… Every. Single. Day!

Frequently, students come into the Centres needing a few simple service hours for a school club or leadership program. Most students expect to simply "check the box" in a few visits. But what happens next is always pretty inspiring, as it did for Carlisle.

Last year, Carlisle came to Lifeline Charlotte Centre as a high school junior needing service hours. She began by volunteering for one or two meal pack events each month to meet her volunteer requirements. 

But as the year went on, her heart for the ministry grew! Carlisle not only increased her volunteer time at the Centre, but also invested time to learn the other roles and responsibilities for a meal pack event. 

Carlisle, now a senior, recently led her very first meal pack event! She led it with passion and was excited and engaged with the participants. She even delivered a beautiful prayer over the meals that were packed. She was AMAZING, and we are proud of her!

Carlisle is just one of many of our student volunteers here at the Charlotte Centre -- Caleb, Fred, Peyton, Caylie, Olivia, Mason, and many others who volunteer with their parents. They are the SPARK!

Lifeline Centres have become a home of friends, mentors, and a place to help develop not only leadership skills in our volunteers… but also their love for God. Fittingly, our volunteer team is called the Spark! Team.

"Lifeline is a home away from home. Not only does the Spark! Team lead by example with their genuine drive to do good by God’s word, but their kindness and encouragement is what keeps me coming back."

~ Carlisle