February 2023 Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Dianne Sisco, an invaluable volunteer at LifeBeat Family Resource Center!

Q: Tell us a little bit about you.

A: I am retired from the workforce.  However, I enjoy several crafts, and the main one is designing and making jewelry from old silverplate flatware and sterling.  I also enjoy making stained glass pieces and have been an avid seamstress all my life.  I cherish the time I am able to spend with family.  It has always been my priority to bring family together, not only during the holidays but also throughout the year. 

I have three children and six grandchildren.  Sometimes I remark to friends that I stay busier now than I ever did when I was still working, but I love being with family and being involved in the activities they enjoy.

Q: What is your dream vacation?
A: My dream vacation is at the beach. I would like to just sit on the edge of the water and allow the waves to roll over me. It brings me such calmness and awareness of the vastness of our world and our Creator. 

Q: What is your favorite bible verse?
A: My favorite bible verse is Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Q: How did you get involved with LifeBeat?
A: I was introduced to Lifebeat through a friend. Since I have always loved babies and had a heart for the unborn, I was immediately hooked on wanting to know more about the Center.  Dee asked me to be a lay counselor, and to me, that means being a good listener to our clients. 

Q: What is your favorite way to volunteer?
A: My favorite way to volunteer has been getting to know the clients and being a source of encouragement to them.  So many are hurting so deeply and feel they have no one to talk to.  I certainly don't have all the answers, but I know the one who does, and I try to point them in the direction of the Father, who loves them and wants to direct and bless them.  I feel it is important for me to volunteer so that I can share with each client how much we care about them and want to help them.  We all need encouragement and to know we are not alone at whatever stage of life we happen to be passing through.  If I can help just one client, obviously through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the time spent with LifeBeat will have been totally worth it. 

Q: What sort of impact has volunteering had on your life?
A: LifeBeat has impacted my life by making me more aware of the needs of others outside my immediate circle of family and friends. 

Q: Tell us about a specific time while volunteering that was touching or significant to you.
A: Several years ago, we had a beautiful young client who had already had her baby girl, and we discussed at length the possibilities that lay ahead of her after high school.  I encouraged her to take advantage of getting a good education and preparing to provide for herself and her child.  She went on to school and received a degree, and occasionally, she contacts me and gives me some updates.  What a blessing it has been to watch her pursue her goals and raise her baby girl.  Sometimes, the outcome is not what we would have desired for a young mother, but I have to believe that when the seeds of God's word are planted in their hearts, at some point, they will take root and grow.  

Knowing from God's word how much He loves life and being an encourager of the word gives me great satisfaction.  How exciting it is that He allows me the opportunity to share the biblical bases for saving a life. I will forever be thankful to have had the opportunity (even if only one) to share God's love for the mother and her unborn child.

Q: What have you learned about yourself and/or others through volunteering?
A: We learn through volunteering that every client is a precious creation, and even though we might disagree with the decisions they have made, we all stumble and many times, are looking for encouragement to take steps in a new direction.  I am reminded of the phrase I have heard many times before, "But for the grace of God."  Praise God for allowing me the opportunity to encourage one client.