VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/22/18)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is seeking volunteers to help rebuild, restore, renew and bring God’s healing love to families and communities across the United States mainland and Puerto Rico.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico: Determine your own work week, beginning March 1 or later Join ABHMS and the Iglesias Bautistas de Puerto Rico region in hands-on work to restore Seminario Evangélico de Puerto, churches, schools, missions and ABHMS Christian center partner Corporación Milagros del Amor. Because the need in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico is so great, ABHMS is not limiting its volunteer-mobilization efforts to predetermined work weeks on the island. To register to volunteer, complete the “Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico” online registration packet, indicating your preferred volunteer work week, beginning March 1 or later. Then either email it to Kim Wilkins at kim.wilkins@abhms.org, or print it and send it by postal mail to American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Attention: Kim Wilkins, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA, 19482-0851. Or contact ABHMS’ Victoria Goff at 800-222-3872, x2449, or Kim Wilkins at 800-222-3872, x2413. Volunteers can create their own work group or be placed with a group. Cost of $150 per person per week includes housing, food and supplies. Volunteers are responsible for transportation to, on and from the island.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing . . . Texas: March 4-11; March 11-18; March 18-25; June 17-24; and June 24-30
When Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast in late August 2017, it brought with it 130-mph winds and torrential rain. The result was flooding, power outages, downed trees and signs, major property damage, displaced residents, injuries and fatalities. Join us as we help to rebuild and assist those impacted in the area.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing . . . Muskogee, Okla.: June 17-23
Murrow Indian Children’s Home is a residential home for Native American children in crisis. The oldest continuously operated institution of higher education in Oklahoma, Bacone College enjoys strong American Baptist ties. Both the home and college need volunteers to help with general construction, routine office work, grounds maintenance and landscaping.
Coming Together for New Jersey…Rebuild, Restore, Renew: July 14-21
Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey when it hit the East Coast in October 2012. Join ABHMS and American Baptist Churches of New Jersey in hands-on efforts to rebuild homes, communities and lives, while encouraging and supporting those in need and worshiping with American Baptist Churches of New Jersey congregations.
Home Mission: ’Til the Work is Done: July 29-Aug. 4
Thirteen years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, residents continue restoration efforts. The faith community was there as first responders. We will continue to be there for the survivors of these storms until the work is done. Come to New Orleans, as we worship, witness and work together to help those in need, as they rebuild their homes, churches, communities and lives.
Neither construction skills nor training is required for any of the volunteer efforts.
For additional information and to register for one or more of these volunteer opportunities, visit abhms.org > Ministries > Mobilizing Volunteers.
For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, contact Victoria Goff, ABHMS’ national coordinator, Volunteer Mobilization Ministries, at vgoff@abhms.org or 800-222-3872, x2449.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.