Meet our Volunteers- Paul Dylla
April is Volunteer Appreciation month and we wanted to introduce you to some of our amazing volunteers who invest their energy in the work of Ratanak. We asked them a range of questions – from Ratanak to spiritual to food – and we hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we do!
The second volunteer we are pleased to introduce is Paul Dylla, our Vancouver Area Representative. Paul serves with excellence in many areas: facilitating the Vancouver Core Group, local promotional initiatives, and overseeing the Ride for Refuge – which means that he has a very full plate (not to mention his day job).
1 / How long have you volunteered with Ratanak?
I started helping out at Missions Fest in 2009 and joined the Vancouver group in mid-2010 when Melissa ran it.
2 / What is your favorite Ratanak Moment?
Anytime I share with others how our God is redeeming lives in Cambodia. I also love the day before the Ride for Refuge, when I sit back and watch God’s Spirit engaging people right across our country to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable, the trafficked and the exploited.
3 / What is your most distinct memory in Cambodia?
Listening to the managers of the two cake shops share stories about the lives of the girls, their struggles and their glorious transformation. It brings tears of joy to my eyes.
The Rahab’s House project, although very much a Fairview Church mission, was aiding the work of Ratanak and AIM. It was a physically, emotionally and spiritually grueling two weeks in Cambodia and a further six months recovery afterward… but a unique opportunity to establish a foothold in Svay Pack for the work God had already begun there years before we showed up. To observe the speed at which God was changing lives in that place of darkness has left many on the team grasping for appropriate adjectives.
4 / Why do you volunteer?
I thought long and hard about this and realized that I don’t volunteer… I serve. I’ve always wanted to be part of God’s kingdom story, to be his serving hands and feet, and serving alongside the Ratanak staff is where I believe God is calling me to serve Him.
5 / Who is one person, dead or alive, that you would like to have coffee with?
My mom. She passed away a couple of weeks after Mother’s Day in 2012, and in her last years was struggling with periods of dementia. We lived 5000km apart, so I didn’t get to see her as much as I needed to. I look forward to having coffee with her in heaven and listening to stories of her life. She was the kindest, gentlest and most loving person I’ve ever known. I am who I am largely because of her influence.
6 / What is one place to visit on your bucket list?
Outer Space
7 / Who or what is your favorite biblical character, story, or passage?
When Jesus calls his first disciples to follow him. It was only when I learned the first century Jewish context for the term “follow me” that I understood why their parents allowed them to drop their nets and walk away from the family business… and about the absolute confidence that God has in us when he engages us be his hands and feet.
8 / What super-power would you like to have?
Super wisdom, closely followed by super strength – as long as that one came with a body like Superman. Being super strong and having love handles just doesn’t cut it.
9 / What is your all-time favorite food?
Cambodian mango smoothies 😉
10 / Name three people who have inspired you…
- My mother – for giving me a sense of compassion.
- Debbie and Sandy Magee – for introducing me to Jesus.
- Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and Reaksa Himm – for showing me what loving your enemies really looks like.
Okay, that’s more than three people… sorry 😉
Paul, thank you for taking the time to share this snapshot of your world! We truly enjoy working alongside you to build His kingdom and are so thankful for your investment in Ratanak. We pray for favor and blessing as you continue to faithfully serve.