VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/6/15)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) seeks volunteers for a variety of summer mission opportunities across the United States that will truly make a difference as they undergird individuals and positively impact communities.
Louisiana
On the 10th anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, volunteers continue to make a difference in the lives of residents of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. Slated for Aug. 2-8, this year’s “Home Mission: ’Til the Work is Done” effort will again include painting, laying sheet rock, cutting grass and tending community gardens. Details are to come regarding a special project. Neither construction skills nor training is required. Unskilled volunteers will be supervised by skilled workers. Individuals and groups are welcome; youth are encouraged to participate. Volunteers are responsible for round-trip transportation costs. Fee of $225 includes housing, food and registration. Scholarships are available.
New Jersey
Co-sponsored by American Baptist Churches of New Jersey, the Hurricane Sandy response effort “Coming Together for New Jersey…Rebuild, Renew and Restore” continues for the third consecutive year. This year’s dates are July 11-18 and Aug. 8-15. This effort includes hands-on building and the opportunity to encourage those in need. Neither construction skills nor training is required. The $250 cost includes housing and food; volunteers are responsible for transportation. Scholarships are available.
West Virginia
College groups and youth at least age 17 (age 16 with parent’s signature) are encouraged to participate in the Alderson Ministerial Association’s summer work teams that do carpentry and repair work in the homes of low-income, disabled and senior families. Work weeks begin on Monday mornings and end on Friday afternoons, June 28-Aug. 8. Cost begins at $275 per person for the week and includes a room at a community center with showers and kitchen facilities; three meals daily; and materials for use at the work site.
Oklahoma
Murrow Indian Children’s Home, a residential home in Muskogee for orphaned Native American children, needs volunteers to help with general construction, routine office work, grounds maintenance and landscaping. Volunteer opportunities are ongoing.
Washington, D.C.
Youth and adult mission groups are invited to participate in week-long urban ministry projects with City Gate, a multifaceted ministry that serves marginalized populations. Short- and long-term ongoing volunteer opportunities include tutoring/mentoring children and youth; staffing summer day camps; serving in the hunger ministry or international hospitality/language ministry; mentoring at-risk youth; and participating in repair/construction projects. A stipend and housing may be provided for summer and long-term volunteers.
For additional information and to register for volunteer mission opportunities, visit www.abhms.org and click “Volunteer,” or contact Victoria Goff, ABHMS national coordinator, Volunteer Ministries, at victoria.goff@abhms.org, 800-222-3872, x2449, or 610-768-2449.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.