ABHMS announces 2017 volunteer mission opportunities
VALLEY FORGE, PA (2/3/17)—American Baptists are invited to join American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) in various 2017 volunteer mission opportunities. Serve as the hands and feet of Christ in diverse communities across the United States, as we seek not only to rebuild physical structures destroyed by natural disasters but also to restore human lives impacted by tragedy. Licensed contractors are needed as well as both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Also provided will be an opportunity to perform routine office and grounds work.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing…Baton Rouge, La.; March 12-18 and 19-25
In August 2016, Baton Rouge received more than 2 feet of rain within hours—an onslaught that resulted in severe flooding throughout the city and surrounding communities. Damage estimates exceeded $9 billion, and more than 150,000 properties were damaged with thousands of families displaced. Among those who remain displaced and struggling to rebuild are more than 80 American Baptist families. This effort is a partnership among ABHMS, American Baptist Churches of the South and American Baptist Men USA.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing…Rainelle, W.Va.; June 10-17 and 17-24
Rainelle and surrounding areas were flooded in June 2016 when 11 inches of rain fell in less than two hours. Mission volunteer host First Baptist Church, Rainelle, for example, accumulated nearly 5 feet of water during the flood, yet opened its doors to serve the community. In addition to the church, ABHMS and the West Virginia Baptist Convention collaborate in this effort.
Coming Together for New Jersey…Rebuild, Renew and Restore; July 8-15
This year marks five years since Hurricane Sandy made landfall. Bringing with it 80-mph winds, the hurricane devastated New Jersey when it traveled from the Caribbean to the U.S. East Coast in October 2012. People were stranded in their homes, as streets were flooded and power lines were downed. Beaches were littered with trash, and the boardwalk was ripped apart.
Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing…Muskogee, Okla.; July 16-22
Volunteers are needed to help with general construction, routine office work, grounds maintenance and landscaping at two organizations with American Baptist ties: Bacone College—the oldest continuously operated higher education institution in Oklahoma—and Murrow Indian Children’s Home, which serves orphaned Native American children. Bacone was flooded during the 2015 Christmas season.
Home Mission: ’Til the Work is Done, New Orleans; July 30-Aug. 5
Twelve years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, residents continue their efforts to rebuild. This week of ministry and fellowship will not only help those still experiencing the aftermath of the disaster but will also highlight the need for continued work and ministry in the region.
Visit www.abhms.org > Ministries > Mobilizing Volunteers to register for any of these volunteer mission opportunities. For additional information and a complete list of volunteer opportunities, contact Victoria Goff, ABHMS national coordinator, Volunteer Mobilization Ministries, at vgoff@abhms.org or 1.800.ABC.3USA, x2449.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists in answering God’s call to promote Christian faith across the United States and Puerto Rico to cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and heal and transform communities, by developing aligned action networks and programs.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with more than 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.
