Guest: Bob Lofsted – Mission of Hope Volunteer, Knoxville TN
Host: Benson Gregory
This episode features volunteer driver and warehouse team member Bob Lofsted, who shares how retirement didn’t slow him down — it redirected him. A former educator with a love for hands-on work, Bob now spends his time driving Mission of Hope’s 26-foot box truck deep into eastern Kentucky, delivering supplies, supporting Mountain Ministry Centers, and encouraging frontline workers who serve families year-round.
He explains how he first discovered Mission of Hope, why the work clicked with him immediately, and how volunteering has become more fulfilling than his decades-long career in public education. Bob also tells the remarkable story of a woman in Jackson, Kentucky, who began a ministry simply by calling the 800-number on a water bottle and watching God grow it into something much larger.
Throughout the conversation, Bob keeps coming back to the real mission: sharing Christ, supporting those who serve their communities daily, and meeting physical needs so spiritual needs can be heard.
How Bob found Mission of Hope after retiring
Moving from warehouse volunteer to delivery driver
How the Knoxville warehouse team operates
The importance of meeting physical needs to open spiritual doors
Mountain Ministry Centers and what daily ministry looks like in rural Appalachia
The story of a Jackson, KY woman whose ministry started with a single phone call
Partnerships with churches, community centers, and God’s Warehouse
What deliveries typically include (clothing, food, water, household items, mattresses)
Why volunteering creates purpose, community, and spiritual fulfillment
Opportunities for people of any ability level to serve
Events like the golf tournament and clay shoot that need extra help
“There are no small parts. Every task carries weight when the goal is sharing Christ.”
“If what we’re doing doesn’t represent Christ, then it’s just another benefits organization — and that’s not why we’re here.”
“Retirement isn’t about quitting work. It’s about refocusing your work on what matters.”
“She looked at a bottle of water, saw an 800-number, made one call, and God built a ministry from it.”
If you’d like to volunteer, donate, or find your place in Mission of Hope’s ministry:
👉 missionofhope.org
Volunteers are needed for warehouse help, deliveries, special events, Christmas programs, and more. Valerie in the Mission of Hope office can help get you placed.
Host & Producer: Benson Gregory
Co-Producer: Becky Mills
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode of Stories of the Hope.
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