Everyday tasks can quickly pile up, especially when life gets busy or certain jobs feel out of reach.
But in Perth’s south-east, two young volunteers, among others, are lightening the load, and they’re doing it completely free of charge.
Sisters Sophie Mangum and Lindsay, among other volunteers, are full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending 18 months away from work to focus entirely on service.
According to them, the goal is to bring joy and support to people in their community.
“I saw the joy that faith brought into my life and my family’s life, and I wanted to share that with others,” Sister Mangum said.
“Part of that is teaching about Jesus Christ, but another part is serving as He would, helping people in tough situations.”
Service means almost anything for the volunteers.
They have weeded gardens, painted fences, washed cars, changed light bulbs, cleaned homes, pantries and helped elderly residents with housework.
“It might be a big job for one person, but when two, four or even six of us come along, it gets done quickly,” Sister Mangum said.
“The look of surprise and happiness when something huge suddenly feels manageable is so rewarding.”
Sister Lindsay explained that service is a way to show love in action.
“One of the first things Christ did before teaching was to love people and meet them where they were,” she said.
“Everyone needs that, no matter what they believe.”
Not all who respond to their offers actually need help; some simply want to say thank you. But for those who do take up the offer, they show their gratitude.
“Even if it’s something as small as moving a box or cleaning a pantry, just having support and kindness for an hour can mean so much,” Sister Lindsay said.
The work is not always easy.
The volunteers have braved searing 40-degree heat to finish yard work, and admit some jobs would have taken hours for one person alone.
But they say the challenges pale beside the reward of seeing someone’s stress lifted.
“It’s normal to feel that way, but this is what brings us joy. We wouldn’t be doing it if we didn’t love it,” Sister Mangum said,
“We’re happy to go at someone’s pace, even if that means meeting first before helping in their home. Everyone has times when they need a hand.”
The pair’s volunteer schedule is built into their everyday lives as missionaries, which means the work of service is not an interruption but part of their purpose.
“It’s a time we set aside in our lives,” Sister Lindsay said.
“For 18 months we don’t work or study, we serve. And we’ll return to work and study after, but for now our focus is helping others.”
They added that the service is free, open to anyone, and motivated by love, not obligation.
“It doesn’t matter what someone’s beliefs are,” Sister Mangum said.
“We’ll help anybody. We don’t just teach about kindness; we try to live it.”
Residents can get in touch via the missionaries’ Facebook or by phone on 0410 617 299, or by visiting comeuntochrist.org.
With more than 100 missionaries across Perth, there is likely to be someone ready to help in every area.
