LONG TERM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have had a number of requests for long term volunteers who would be willing to serve a month (or longer) at the camps. Below is an excerpt from an email received recently...Urgent Call for Long Term Volunteers in the Katrina Disaster Area. (Louisiana and Mississippi)
Volunteers are needed today or ASAP to help serve in the disaster area.
Lutheran disaster relief camps are in need of volunteers who can serve one month or longer. Long-term volunteers will assist in the day to day operations of the camps.
Opportunities: To help run the camp so the other volunteers can serve in the field.
- Assist short-term volunteers (a few days - two weeks)
- Help in the camp office - answer phones, work with leadership
- Food service/Cook - Help feed the volunteers
- Camp cleanup - Keep the camp clean and operational
- Camp Handyman
Those with building experience or those who
work with Laborers for Christ may be asked to lead teams on
construction sites.
Long-term volunteers are being asked to come in an RV (if an RV
is not available other arrangements can be made). Camp space is
limited and not set up for long-term volunteers.
The LCMS and its partners are making a difference in the disaster
area and now more than ever we need your help to serve those who
lost so much.
If you are interested in a long term position please contact
Dianna Bonfield at Lutheran Church Charities 866-455-6466 or
email
Dianna@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Judith & Bob Kelly
Judith & Bob Kelly - members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL - write :"The time we spent in the hurricane ravaged areas of Metairie, LA and Biloxi, MS cannot be fully described in words. In all of the destruction, there were the ever present signs of God in our midst. We saw it in the faces of the young college students who gave up 'break time" to be there, and people who came from all walks of life with dedication and a positive attitude ready and willing to do anything asked of them.
We saw the face of God in the 70 yr old lady who just celebrated her birthday. She lit up the room when she walked in with just a smile. She couldn't thank us enough for coming to help in the rebuilding of her city. She had nothing but the clothing she wore...and her smile. We saw it in the couple who quit their lucrative paying jobs to volunteer because their home was saved. And, we saw it in the new batch of volunteers coming to take our place.
When we left Camp Biloxi in mid February we were told that more than 3000 volunteers had gone through the camp. Yet, it didn't seem to make a dent in the restoration effort, however, we were first line witnesses to those whose homes were lost, who lost family members and friends and who treated us (volunteers) like we were so very important.
Our lives were changed since Katrina hit. Material things have become even more "temporary." True relationships and "today" are very important to us. Our faith is stronger and our sense of purpose is more defined. The Katrina effort will go on for another 8 to 10 years. God willing, we will remain a part of it..."
Judy Mills
Judy Mills - Member of Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Glenview IL... "At the end of the first day as a Katrina relief volunteer I knew why my heartstrings were pulled to go to the Gulf Coast...to do what I could to ease survivors burdens and to hold these people gently in my heart. As a trained Stephen Minister the many faces and hugs remain imprinted on my heart..." says Judy Mills. Judy is a Stephen Minister and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Glenview. In the past eight months Judy has returned several times to serve six to eight weeks as a long term volunteer doing counseling at the medical clinic.
"With media coverage so askew, I learned rebuilding was a far greater job than reported and mainly faith-based organizations were the heart and soul of this journey. You learn the volunteers humbly are the face and hands of God to survivors, that their gratitude is an untold story. You continue to correspond with volunteers and those you work with as they quickly become family, bothers and sisters in Christ. We are blessed to be a blessing to those who lost what they held precious in life and that's why I'm going back tomorrow, and will continue to be involved as God leads."
Dorothy & Dick Milling
Richard Milling, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Joliet who has served on several one week mission teams and Dorothy his wife who joined him on the second team where he was a team leader recalls ..."Our Pastor mentioned the need for volunteers to assist the people who were victims of Katrina. We went down and realized this was not a short term mission. The Lord has blessed us with good health and the good fortune of being retired. Remembering God's Word that says " whatever you do to the least of these, you have done it to me", we realized and are thankful for this opportunity. The people down there are very appreciative and see the Love of the Lord, through those of us that are down there. There are all type needs there, some easy and others more difficult. You just do whatever your ability allows."
"Dick" and his wife Dorothy will be serving this fall as long term Volunteers.
"Pray about these needs and the Lord will lead you according to His plan for you."
- Dick & Dorothy Milling
Ron & Laruel Volberding
Ron and Laurel (Lichthardt) Volberding are members of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin."For 7 years, we have been living full-time in a motor-home, enjoying life on the road outside northern Illinois about 8 months each year. We've traveled to many wonderful places in the U.S., including Biloxi and New Orleans, doing the typical "tourist" stuff, but none of that compares to helping with hurricane relief. It was the best thing we've ever done in our rig. We helped three families and two congregations--not a lot in the big picture--but for those we helped, it was a start on their road to recovery. There is SO MUCH to be done; we encourage everyone to put their faith into action and help. We've never been so tired, dirty and blessed all at the same time! "
Carol Hoelter, and Bob & Judy Waterman
Responding to the Lord's call after hearing of the need for Long Term Volunteers Carol Hoelter of St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton purchased an RV. "Not only do I want to volunteer but when I return I want to leave the RV in Houma so other volunteers have a place to stay when serve." This fall fellow members of St John Wheaton, Bob and Judy Waterman (pictured at right with Carol Hoelter) will be serving a month as long term volunteers in Houma.
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