NEW Faith in Action Ministry
A group met on Thursday, August 9, to start a team focused on supporting, organizing and participating in service trips (like work camps and mission trips). David Byers led the group with individuals from the group sharing how each has been impacted by service work. Suzanne and Carlos Schaudel both have served several times with Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM). Kathryn Riegen spoke about the impact of work camps on her children when they were youth. All who gathered agreed that they would like to continue the Brethren tradition of sharing faith through acts of service.
With the endorsement of the Outreach Ministry team and church leadership, this new ministry group began by speaking at the Thoughtful Life Sunday School class on September 9. They shared the vision for LCOB to begin regular involvement in these types of ministries. The team will be planning a trip through BDM sometime in the spring of next year.
The average service trip is one week long and engages the group in construction-type repairs to homes devastated by severe flood or hurricane. The serving group can be made up of people from one church or from several congregations combined. No construction knowledge or skill is necessary, just a willing heart to get dirty, sweaty, and work hard while reflecting the love of Christ. Volunteers usually stay at local churches or housing provided by BDM. Meals are often prepared by members of the serving teams and are at no cost to volunteers.
The great thing about serving through BDM is the cost of the trip is covered by the BDM. It does not cost anything for a participant to join in the work. You provide the labor and they provide the housing, transportation costs, and meals.
Serving with BDM is fulfilling and can give you an understanding of the needs of those who are not able to provide for themselves after facing disaster. It can truly be a time to deepen your faith, enrich your spiritual growth and build relationships within the body of Christ.
Volunteers should be in capable health and at least 18 years old; however, those over age 13 who are ready to work hard are able to join in with a parent or grandparent. It is a great time for families to work side by side in service.
If you would be interested in joining the planning team, please contact David Byers at 717-467-3775.