days of service - Northwestern College

DAYS OF SERVICE
CAMPUS MINISTRY
SPRING SERVICE PROJECTS
March 2–12, 2013
God has given each of you a gift from this great variety
of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
BRAZIL
by Nathan Mastbergen ’13
Atletas de Cristo • www.atletasdecristo.org
New game plan
Members of the Raiders men’s soccer team spent several days in Rio
de Janeiro, home of two of their teammates, before traveling to Belo
Horizonte, where they worked with an after-school soccer program
in the slums. They served as referees and ball boys for elementary
through high school games, then competed against college-age
players in the evenings.
The language barrier, adjusting to a different perspective of time,
and plenty of travel “hiccups” along the way forced us to relinquish
control of the trip to God’s lessons and timing. Soon our own
frustrations were eclipsed by witnessing the extreme poverty in
Brazil and realizing more deeply how we in the U.S. benefit from
the same systems that oppress our southern neighbors. As we
struggled to formulate a Christian response, we gained a new
perspective and understanding of God’s plan for redemption.
Down-home hospitality
As Pedro and Gabriel showed us around their hometown, they also
shared their culture with us. We ate Brazilian food and experienced
the importance of family and the unimportance of schedules.
During our opportunities to pray and worship with our new
Brazilian friends, we were amazed by their passion and longing for
God—something that often seems to be lost in our own culture.
HAITI
by Kate Eick ’14
United Christians International •
www.unitedchristiansinternational.org
Alongside missionaries Kristie (De Boer ’95) and JeanJean Mompremier,
Northwestern students helped lay cement floors in Haitian homes,
painted, roofed and visited families in the Caiman community. They
also practiced English with elementary students, taught Sunday school,
and assisted at UCI’s nutrition centers and medical clinics.
Follow their lead
During our stay in Haiti, we witnessed the Haitian people living out
their passion and joy, and we’ve been challenged to do the same
in our own lives. We also witnessed their struggles and realize that
people’s spiritual lives, whether theirs or ours, are not perfect. We
all need to work on our hearts daily. We experienced the Haitian
people as persistent, joyful and prayerful, and we urged each other
as teammates to follow their lead.
Cleansing fire
Our second day, we were invited to accompany the Mompremiers
and elders of their church to a man’s house to pray over him as he
renounced voodoo. He presented his voodoo relics and told us
about the bad things he’d participated in and the hurtful actions
he’d committed. After much prayer, reading of Scripture and songs,
he gathered up his relics and burned them. Watching this put
burning questions in our own hearts—it prompted us to ask what
“relics” or practices are holding us back from devoting ourselves
wholly to Jesus.
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THE NETHERLANDS
by Leslie Stover ’13 and Sara Van Gorp ’14
The Shelter Youth Hostels • www.shelter.nl
For 15 years, Northwestern students have spent spring break alongside staff and volunteers
at Shelter City and Shelter Jordan in Amsterdam. The hostels seek to demonstrate hospitality
and Christian love by providing clean, affordable and welcoming accommodations for
young travelers. Team members worked in the hostels’ cafés and spring-cleaned the rooms.
They also led Bible discussions for guests.
Believing in stories
We met people from all over the world, believers and non-believers. Most of us had
rarely been in situations where Christianity was questioned, so boldly sharing our faith
and finding the right words to express our beliefs were common challenges among our
team members. As we showed our willingness to listen and learn about other cultures,
we were listened to as well. We learned how important it is not to discredit anyone’s
story, including our own.
Faith journey
Navigating language and cultural barriers, many people told us stories of how God has
changed their lives. One Christian man, for example, was headed back to his Muslim
family in Iraq. He told us about the dangers of being openly Christian in Iraq. During
evening prayer time, we prayed for him and were amazed by his steadfast faith in God’s
strength.
Simple hospitality
We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Christian hostels’ mission. The
staff and volunteers are focused on Christian hospitality and sharing God’s love with
everyone. It’s so easy and simple, but it’s something we often forget to do. It was an
awesome reminder of how we should live day-to-day.
NICARAGUA
by Kaitlyn Anticouni ’13
The Moravian Church
Neighbors in the barrio
For the 11th time, a team returned to Bluefields, Nicaragua, to minister
to the community served by Reformed Church in America missionaries
Rev. Adrian and Dr. Bernardeth Kelly-Bent (www.rca.org/mission).
Students cleaned and painted at the Tabitha House for boys, hosted a
vacation Bible school, and served meals to kids at the Comedor.
As team members, we shared with each other how extremely hard
it was to witness Bluefields residents’ living conditions: small shacks
made with scraps of plastic and wood; no electricity or running
water; hungry, barefoot children dressed in dirty clothing. I think
one of the reasons God took us on this trip is to impress us with
how immensely blessed we are—and how undeserving. We didn’t
choose the economic situation we were born into any more than
our brothers and sisters in Bluefields. But we can choose to be
there for this community and help them in a variety of ways.
Delicious moments
The most fulfilling part of our 10-day mission was serving at the
Comedor. For many of the Bluefields kids who walked the dirt
road to the Comedor, it was their only meal each day. For us, it
was a time to set aside other work and just enjoy their smiles
and giggles. When they arrived each day, the kids would tackle
us, latch onto legs and just want to be held. We loved them. The
most challenging part of our trip was saying good-bye. It was
heartbreaking to pry their little hands from around our necks.
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JONESBORO, ARKANSAS
by Renee Hurley ’16
City Youth Ministries • www.cityyouthmin.com
After mornings of doing cleaning and maintenance tasks at City Youth Ministries’
facility, students spent the afternoons engaged with children and teens who
spend their after-school hours at CYM’s “safe haven.” Team members helped with
homework, led a Bible study and played games. CYM kids were fed a free supper
before vans transported them home. This was the 13th Northwestern SSP team to
serve at City Youth Ministries.
Poor circumstances
City Youth Ministries is located on the edge of downtown Jonesboro, just blocks
away from some of the city’s most poverty-stricken neighborhoods. It made us
sad to know that the kids we played with and built relationships with lived in
these neighborhoods, returning to homes that were unstable and even unsafe.
Hero worship
We listened one afternoon as Cincinnati Bengals recruit Brandon Joiner spoke
to the kids, telling them how he grew up in a single-parent household like many
of them. He told them how he went to Arkansas State on a football scholarship
but then got into trouble and landed in prison, where he gave his life to Christ.
His powerful story of God’s redemption encouraged the CYM kids and us as we
served them.
Repair work
Seeing firsthand the brokenness of Jonesboro’s communities and families
broke our hearts. We were impressed by the need to keep working and seeking
opportunities to serve God’s kingdom daily wherever we find ourselves.
COMPTON, CALIFORNIA
by Jonathan Taves ’13
Emmanuel Reformed Church • www.erc.la
Kurt Korver ’12, working for Emmanuel Reformed Church, Paramount, arranged for
Northwestern’s team to stay at the Salvation Army in Compton and assist with the
church’s Compton Initiative. The initiative is aimed at rescuing Compton from gangs
and restoring community facilities and spirit. Students painted at a Samoan Adventist
Church and were rewarded with wonderful meals prepared by members of the
congregation.
Different worlds
The population of Compton is overwhelmingly Hispanic and African American.
Many residents rarely travel outside their zip code for fear of drawing the attention
of the rival gangs who’ve claimed various Compton territories. When we told the
people we met about life in Orange City—how we rarely lock our cars or dorm
doors—they were as shocked about how we live as we were about their lives.
Thank you gifts
We were taken aback by the overwhelming hospitality and gratitude of the
Samoan church members. We all worked hard and diligently painting their
buildings, but we felt like we were on the receiving end of all the giving. As a team,
we were inspired to think about and discuss how we could show more hospitality
and gratitude in our lives back home.
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
by Breanne Cleveringa ’16
2nd Mile Ministries • www.2ndmile-jax.com
2nd Mile Ministries seeks to increase Jacksonville social capital by
placing financially stable, committed Christians in neighborhoods
in which they might not otherwise live or invest. SSP team members
assisted teachers at two Jacksonville elementary schools and helped
staff three after-school programs. They helped kids with homework,
served snacks and played games.
Head of the class
Home work
We really enjoyed interacting with the teachers, volunteers,
parents and children. Although the kids’ attitudes were challenging
for us at times, it was also eye-opening. We have renewed respect
and appreciation for the special, caring teachers who devote
themselves to schools in underprivileged neighborhoods. It was
our pleasure to lighten their loads a little for a week.
After traveling all the way to Florida to spend a week serving, we
were reminded how important it is to explore volunteering and
helping out right in our own communities. In Orange City, places
like the hospital, nursing home and The Bridge transitional housing
for women and children all are places where we can help further
God’s kingdom.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
by Sarah Jones ’13
Urban Impact • www.urbanimpact.org
Story time
For the 17th time, a team of Northwestern students traveled to New
Orleans to serve at Urban Impact. They joined a “Blight Buster” effort,
picking up trash and cleaning up and mowing empty lots. They also
dug a trench for water pipes and installed sheetrock before priming
and painting new walls. Later in the day, the team helped with Urban
Impact’s after-school tutoring program.
We heard a lot of peoples’ stories while we were in New Orleans—
beautiful stories by Urban Impact staff members about leaving
New Orleans and then being called back by God to serve the
community they’d once abandoned. It led us as a team to discuss
the importance of story. One team member said: “The power of
story teaches us how God works in each and every life, even when
we don’t realize it ourselves.”
Hope for the broken
The reminder that we live in a world so broken was a little hard
to take at times. Nonetheless, we were also reminded that God is
good everywhere, and there is hope, even in the broken places.
Daily devotion
Since returning, many of us have recommitted ourselves to
spending time in devotions each day. “During spring break, we
were able to have personal devotions every morning,” one team
member said. “At college, I spend so much time studying and
putting off time with the Lord.” We were reminded that no matter
how crazy school gets, we need to devote time to God every day.
To learn more about Northwestern College Campus Ministry visit:
www.nwciowa.edu/faith.
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OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA
by Tyler Farr ’15
Hope for Opelousas • www.hopeforopelousas.org
Thinking change
Northwestern was the first college to send a service team to Opelousas
in 2008, and teams have returned every year since. In addition to
tutoring in Opelousas schools, students also hosted a block party for
neighborhood children and painted a resident’s house a bright, cheery
green. Team members also helped staff “A Night on the Town,” a sleepin-the-park simulation to raise awareness for homelessness.
Many of us are now questioning where God might take us in
life. Our eyes were opened to possibilities in communities like
Opelousas that need committed Christians to work and live there.
Our SSP experience is making us think differently about our plans
and dreams for our futures.
Love changes everything
Hope for Opelousas’ mission statement is “Love Changes
Everything,” and we experienced the truth of that. In a community
where parents are absent, and drugs, prostitution and violence are
everywhere, the people of Opelousas need to be reminded that
there are people who care, and they are loved. We saw how even a
little bit of love can change everything for an individual.
Teaching evaluations
Team members worked with kids in middle school who’ve already
given up on their education. But after just a week, the students
were responding to us. We wanted to stay and keep making a
difference in those kids’ lives.
GRAND PORTAGE, MINNESOTA
by Linden Figgie ’13
Coldwater Initiative • www.coldwaterfoundation.org
Coldwater Foundation is a non-profit leadership and community
development organization that facilitates individual and
community transformation through faith-based wilderness
programs and community initiatives. This is the fifth year that
Coldwater has sent an SSP team to Grand Marais and the Grand
Portage Ojibwa Reservation of northern Minnesota, where
students participated in service projects and community events.
Up north
“Spring break” makes most college students eager to pack a suitcase
with shorts and swimsuits. But our team packed our snow pants and
parkas and headed to the frozen north where snow carnivals, dogsled races and snowshoeing are on the schedule. We learned about
the Ojibwa culture through conversing with elders and community
members, interacting with youth, and participating in church services.
We also stacked wood, repaired wooden chairs and spent time in the
breathtaking wilderness along Lake Superior.
Story power
Perhaps the most significant takeaway for our team was understanding
more deeply the power of silence and the importance of our stories. It’s
so easy to get caught up in schedules and deadlines. The Ojibwa people
reminded us that slowing down and taking the time to listen and share
stories with one another is transformative. We had the opportunity to
have lunch with some of the elders in the community, and it was both
heartbreaking and inspiring to witness their hopes for their youth and
culture amidst historical trauma and brokenness.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
by Kory McMahan ’15
Somali Adult Literacy Training and Urban Ventures
www.worldreliefmn.org/salt • www.urbanventures.org
Students served as tutors at SALT, an organization with a mission to serve Somali refugees
in Minneapolis by teaching English to adults, helping Somali kids with their homework, and
showing hospitality and God’s love. The team also volunteered for Urban Ventures, which seeks
to heal community and family brokenness in North Minneapolis.
Interfaith dialogue
Many of the Somalis we met are Muslim, and we found ourselves in conversations where
they sought to teach us about Allah and Islam—not trying to convert us, but simply telling
us about their beliefs. Some of them knew the Bible better than we did, which challenged us.
Focused on fathers
One evening we were invited to Urban Ventures’ Center for Fathering, where we had a meal
with mostly African American fathers and mothers who want parenting information and
support. We were humbled by the honesty of the people there. They were open about their
own histories of abuse and abandonment and said things like, “I’m here because I want to be
a better father to my children.” Many of them grew up in single-parent homes and admitted
they don’t know how to behave as parents. We were touched by their desire to do better and
break the cycle of dysfunction and brokenness.
CARY, MISSISSIPPI
by Taylor Studer ’14
Cary Christian Center • www.carychristiancenter.org
Male models
Cary community members apply to the Cary Christian Center (CCC)
for specific help and then negotiate a reasonable financial or in-kind
payment for services. As volunteers for the multi-faceted ministry of
CCC, Northwestern students sorted donations, painted and performed
construction. They also assisted with CCC’s after-school programs.
One night, one of CCC’s co-directors, Dorsey, came to where we
were staying to tell us how much our work was appreciated. He
especially thanked the students of color in our group for being
good role models for the kids who came to the Cary Christian
Center, and he particularly challenged the men in our group to rise
up for God.
Hard work
Most challenging was feeling like we weren’t doing enough to
repair all the brokenness in Cary. The families we helped don’t fix
things the way we’re used to—often because they can’t afford to.
It was hard to simply paint over walls that really needed to be torn
out and replaced. We learned about not expecting other people to
have the same cultural values we have.
Helping hands
We also learned that handouts don’t help people escape poverty.
They need to be empowered and built up so they can help
themselves. We learned to value rather than pity the people
we were serving because they showed us they can serve just as
enthusiastically as we can.
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JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
by Sarah Wittenberg ’14
Voice of Calvary • www.vocm.org
Good medicine
Voice of Calvary (VOC) is a Christian community development
organization with a mission to rebuild people and communities
through service and the gospel. The students assisted VOC with home
maintenance projects, and a group of nursing students led by Crystal
Clark ’02 conducted four health fairs in Jackson complexes. This is the
14th year Northwestern has sent an SSP team to Jackson.
Many of the nursing students were able to connect on a spiritual
level with the health fair clients. At one, I spent an hour with an
older woman, listening to her stories of the tremendous hardships
she’s faced throughout her life. Praying with her was incredible; I
could feel the joy of the Spirit radiating through her body as she
rocked back and forth, adding her own petitions as I prayed. It
reminded me that prayer is active and exciting—it’s a conversation
with God!
Redemptive response
During lunch with John Perkins, the founder of Voice of Calvary,
he asked us to share what we think is a major issue facing the
world today. We voiced concerns like apathy, selfishness, being
too busy, knowing too much and being too comfortable. Then Mr.
Perkins challenged us to think about where and in what situations
God might be calling us to minister. It made us think, and
throughout the week, we continued talking about how we might
bring God’s redeeming power to some of the biggest problems in
the world today.
LINDALE, TEXAS
by Josh Horstman ’15
Calvary Commission • www.calvarycommission.org
Calvary Commission (CC) is a ranch-like residence for ex-convicts who
are born again and desire to spend time growing closer to God after
they are paroled. For the 18th time, a Northwestern SSP team traveled
to Calvary Commission to help with yard work and maintenance, a
yard sale and babysitting. In the evenings, team members participated
in CC’s outreach ministries at an area homeless shelter and prison.
Captive audience
The most memorable part of our experience was visiting a prison
to lead a two-and-a-half-hour worship service. We sang, presented
a drama and shared our testimonies. One team member, junior Erin
Holle, gave a sermon. The service ended with an altar call during
which 70 prisoners gave their lives to Christ.
Finding freedom
We agreed that none of us had ever experienced such a Christfilled atmosphere. We witnessed society’s outcasts serving and
praising God and being joyful in a dark and desolate place. We
witnessed church as a place you come to find freedom through
Christ. Jesus’ salvation, hope and love are for everyone, even
rough-looking, tattooed prisoners and ex-offenders. Our team will
never look at prisoners the same.
STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
IN SHORT-TERM MISSION
stmstandards.org
Northwestern College Campus Ministry is committed
to Standards of Excellence (SOE) in Short-Term Mission.
The SOE criteria were developed by representatives
from many U.S. mission agencies, schools and churches
who send short-term missionaries. The common set of
standards helps ensure that individuals or teams sent
by U.S. organizations are excellent.
Training, resources, peer input, data collection and
accountability are all components of SOE membership.
As a member, Northwestern is serious about doing
short-term mission well—from preparation through
follow-up.
7
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Change Service Requested
SSP TEAMS
Brazil
Taylor Biggs
Pedro daFonseca
Matt Dowie*
Brian Duffey
Ben Fetter
Gabriel Goncalves
Nick Hengst
Nathan Huyser
Justin Lehman
Nathan Mastbergen*
Jesse McCann
Austin Mulder
Ethan Raysby
Michael Simmelink
Paul Smith*
Austin Stoesz
Dan Swier*
Travis Sytsma
Haiti
Katherine Eick
Ray Gibler*
Kaycia Hettver
Kate Kosters*
Andrew Lichter
Dan Locker*
Mike Mabee
Ali Mathis
Sara Nessa*
Eryn Schlote
Nathan Sexe
Gretchen Sutherland
Scott Van Ravenswaay
Anna Zeutenhorst
The Netherlands
Rebecca Boon
Kaylee Brugioni
Barb Dewald*
Jonathan Eveland
Logan Gooch
Kim Na Heai
Rachel Kosakowski
Kirsten McConnel
Rachel Muilenburg
Kenton Pauls*
Megan Rustad
Leslie Stover*
Catherine Thompson
Sara Van Gorp*
Nicaragua
Kaitlyn Anticouni
Rick Clark*
Cory Cunard
Alyssa Currier*
Collin Gingerich*
Holly Hassman
Krissa Hetletvedt
Shuen-En Ho
Olivia Holt
Carrie Krohn*
Kippen Larson-Gulsvig
Valerie Luppen
Claire Roesner
Charity Springer
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jaclyn Dykstra
Amanda Hulstein
Renee Hurley
Sharon Kampman*
Wendell Kampman*
Allison Klabo
Mariko Komatsu
Brett Kroschell
Jeremy Lansink
Sarah Lardy
Sarah Lindell
Abigail McDonald
Shohei Mizobe
Samantha Nelson
Diego Quintana
Sam Santos*
Megan Timmer
Ishayah Wainscoat
Emma Westerholm*
Natalie Wheeler
Compton, California
Michael Andres*
Hannah Andres
Drew Hackenmiller
Abby Hoekstra
Emily Horstman
Abby Korthals*
Kyler Mulder
Janet Pitsenberger*
Emily Skartvedt
Jonathan Taves
Jacksonville, Florida
Brett Amiotte*
Breanne Cleveringa
Rachelle Cole
Erica Davis
Haley Ginger
Adam Potter*
Rachel Thornton
Harlan VanOort*
Pat VanOort*
Anthony Wubben
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mark Aldeman
Liz Burton
Jackie Davis*
Mariah Davis
Mackenzie Driscoll
Miles Fletcher
Eli Groenendyk
Sarah Jones*
Don Keith*
Luanne Keith*
Rachel Krause
Arynn Maznio
Jackie Niewenhuis
Candra Penning
Caitlin Porter
Katie Raab*
Tyler Robyn
Hannah Stark
Brody Van Roekel
Jennifer Welch
Lindsay Wissink
Opelousas, Louisiana
Julie Andersen*
Nathan Corlew
Chad Den Hartog
Derek Drenth
Tyler Farr
Miranda Fischer
Brandon Frick
Jennifer Guthmiller
Jenna Harms*
Darci Jansen
Layce Johnson
Amanda Kirsch*
Dana Kleinjan
Sara Kooistra
Jill Lemke
Mattie Ostrowski
Natasha Slater
Michael Stokes*
Vanessa Stokes
Laura Tellinghuisen
Kaitlyn Zomer
Grand Portage,
Minnesota
Andrea Andersen*
Cristina Bodarev
Linden Figgie*
Kaitlin Floerchinger
Matt Gray*
Logan Hovland
Laura Jonker
Alex Plagge
Alyssum Roe*
Isaac Veurink
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jenna Beeson
Lindsey Boulais*
Derek Brower*
Kelly Burds
Brittany Caffey*
Ross Hoekstra
Mawuli MacDonald
Kory McMahan
Leah Rekow
Tec Sun*
Deb Wassink*
Jessica White
Morgan Schaap
Andrew Scholten
Kristen Schuler
Jordan Staples
Sarah Wittenberg
Jacob Vermeer
Cary, Mississippi
Ryan Arendse
Ben Boice
Sara Edwardson
Karisa Fuerniss
Mark Haselhoff*
Valerie Heaton
Joey Hendershott
Erin Holle
Josh Horstman*
Aubrey Lindgren
Kelsey Martinez*
Melinda Raak
Amy Rahlf
Bruce Roetman*
Monica Rustad
Lauren Spranger
Kelley Thurman
Deidra Vander Woude
Connor Butson
Rachel Franklin*
Rahn Franklin*
Mica Graves*
Spencer Groeneweg
Cody Hughes
Dakotah Jordan
Trenton Korver
Kalli Kuipers
Paul McCleary
Sun Mudiavita
Carly Rozeboom
Pedro Ruiz
Jessica Sawatzky
Taylor Studer*
Genesis Torres
Isaiah Twitty
Joel Vree
Bethany Wood
Yurika Yamaguchi
Jackson, Mississippi
Sarah Achterhoff
Nick Bogaard
Kelsey Brouwer
Crystal Clark*
Michele DeJarnette
Abby Frey
Patrick Hummel*
Monique Johnson
Chad Kischer
Bennett Mabee*
Jill McInnis*
Emily Molko
Rachel Nysetvold
Amber Sandbulte
Lindale, Texas
*Student, staff and alumni
team leaders