Sharing God's Love During Spring Break

Folding hundreds of green t-shirts. Packing boxes to be mailed across the country. Conversing about background checks, disaster recovery partners, and stories of hope and love entering people’s lives.

What’s causing all this hustle and bustle? At World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS), these are the happenings at our office during our spring break volunteer season.

During March and April, DRS’ Groups Program sends churches, schools, and universities across North America for one week to repair homes impacted by natural disasters. This year, 31 groups totaling more than 450 volunteers were the hands and feet of Jesus with DRS during spring break.

“We are sending groups to volunteer with disaster recovery partners in Iowa, North Carolina, California, and many other places, including six new DRS sites,” Chris Gibson, DRS Director and acting Groups Program Manager, shared. “Spring break is an inspiring time around our office when we get to see churches and many young people bring a lot of heart into hurting communities. People put a pause on their busy lives to volunteer with us and are expectant for God to put people in their paths to show them his love.”

One of these volunteer groups is from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Ten students traveled to Las Vegas, New Mexico, to assist local partners providing wildfire recovery to the community. They installed, mudded, and painted new drywall; installed new fencing in yards; and built many relationships within their team and with community members. One student, Madison, remarked, “This week, I learned that God gives hope in the good and even in the struggles.”

She and others saw this reality through the life of Mason. Mason was one of many generations in his family to own the land he lives on in Las Vegas. Yet, the fires that came through the area put this in jeopardy. Mason spoke of his faith which brought him through the recovery journey and expressed his thankfulness for the repairs done by Northwestern students and others.

Thanks to the invaluable prayers and support from CRC congregations and efforts from the denomination for DRS, Mason’s story is just one of the 31 testimonies of God working through volunteers during spring break this year. “The work done by DRS volunteer groups in communities affected by disasters is truly invaluable,” Anna Scholma, DRS’ Groups Program Administrative Assistant, explained. “Not only is their volunteer service providing hope and help to homeowners in need, but it also transforms lives and shapes futures. Along with plenty of stories and new skills from their week of serving, volunteers often take home a newfound sense of community, faith, and a reignited passion for service. We are so thankful for spring break groups and the good work they do!”

So, we press on with the seemingly endless administrative tasks like folding t-shirts and packing boxes. And we press on with hope, knowing God is preparing a bountiful harvest as he draws disaster-impacted communities toward experiencing his endless love.