Volunteer Spotlight: Ben
Ben’s Story: Faith Made Visible
Some callings arrive like a knock at the door. Others are planted softly: more seed than summons, waiting years for the right season to rise.
Nearly nine years ago, while working toward his master’s in education, Ben Harmuth found himself student-teaching an English class hosted by First United Methodist Church. In those early mornings, he noticed Anchor Lancaster’s breakfast program unfolding nearby: volunteers moving with quiet purpose, guests gathering at the doors, care offered before the day fully began.
Something in that scene stayed with him.
At the time, Ben didn’t step forward to volunteer. Instead, he responded in the way he could—by giving. What began as a financial gift during his student-teaching days became a steady commitment over the years, a faithful way of staying connected to work that had stirred his heart.
The seed had been planted, and God tended it patiently.
Years later, a new professional opportunity reshaped Ben’s life again, bringing him commuting an hour into Lancaster to teach afternoon and evening classes. Long days. Late nights. A demanding schedule that could have closed doors instead of opening them.
But God has a way of making room.
“I realized God had made room in my schedule,” Ben shared, “and I wanted to use that time well.”
About a year ago, that long-held prompting took on flesh.
Ben returned to Anchor not only as a supporter, but as a volunteer. Often rising before the sun to make the long drive, serving breakfast, then heading to teach later that same day. It’s a rhythm that costs something, though Ben never names it that way. He speaks simply about showing up, about responding when God opens a door.
Listening to him, I found myself asking a question many of us often avoid: where does my time actually go? When a pocket of time opens up, do I hand it back to Him, or do I fill it quickly for myself and call it self-care?
Ben never boasted about sacrifice. He didn’t need to. His life reflected a faith that refused to stay contained in words alone, and it left me wondering what God might do with the room we keep reserving for ourselves if we let faith take shape in the ordinary decisions of our days.
Even during the summer months, when classes pause and rest might feel earned, Ben leans in further, adding hours rather than stepping back. He speaks with joy about the unseen rhythms that sustain each morning: food delivered in the dark, pantries organized with care, and Stan, our cook, guiding the preparation of hundreds of meals with steady leadership and prayer.
What once appeared simple now reveals its depth—a quiet choreography of hands and hearts, too intentional to be anything but God’s provision.
Ben’s story is a reminder that nothing at Anchor happens by coincidence. We are blessed by a faithful and powerful God who plants seeds early, opens doors at the right time, and calls ordinary people to live their faith with integrity and care. Over and over again, we witness His divine hand at work: aligning schedules, softening hearts, and sending His people to be good neighbors in tangible ways.
In a world where faith is often discussed more than practiced, Ben’s life reflects Scripture’s invitation: faith made visible through love.
To explore ways you can volunteer at Anchor Lancaster and join the work God is already doing, contact Kelly@anchorlancaster.org.