Celebrate volunteers!

This thought is from Kathy DeVore, who just recently returned from Slovakia. This was posted on her blog while she was still in Slovakia.

One of my recent daily readings, though, talks about the sacrifices others make so we can serve. I think of children and grandchildren being left behind for a season; of churches and individuals at home donating finances and prayer time; of helpful neighbors, relatives, and friends checking on the house, plants, basement, mail, car, and water; of the many gifts received during preparation for travel; of the sacrifices of the family where I am living--they welcoming a stranger right into the midst of their daily lives for such a long time; of the church family here donating toward covering all my needs and most of my wants--a cell phone, a car, Sunday and evening meal invitations, offers to travel, English school materials, and so much more. The generosity is absolutely overwhelming! I am truly blessed--because of you all and the people here. I can never, ever repay all the kindnesses--I just have to remember to pass them on to others as I am able.

Remember, you are an incredible gift to someone!  Whether you are volunteering internationally or in the USA, or you are enabling someone to volunteer through your generosity of time or gifts, you are serving our awesome God.

Some of the great opportunities God has for you around the world…..

Teach Elementary School in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Serve in beautiful Chiang Rai, Thailand, alongside Ruth Fox, American Baptist International Ministries missionary. Opportunities are available at the Chiang Rai International Christian School/Family Learning Center, Chiang Rai, Thailand. The Family Learning Center is "serving the servants" in the beautiful and tropical Golden Triangle area of Northern Thailand.

The school currently has opportunities for kindergarten and elementary teachers. Middle school and high school are in need of math, science, language arts and history teachers. They also have a growing ESL program and need additional teachers. Though certified teachers are desired, they are able to receive volunteers without teaching credentials for a minimum of 6 months, but preferably for 1-2 years. This is a Christian school that primarily uses Sonlight curriculum  The school currently has 80 students in grades K - 12. Teachers and students represent more than 7 countries!

Several opportunities in Japan, like this one!

Love to work with children?  Here’s your opportunity with kindergartners at Hakuai Kindergarten in Setoda town, Innoshima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture.  Using current Kindergarten curriculum, you’ll play in English and teach simple English.   

You’re needed for two to three weeks in the fall, preferably November. Housing is provided; meals cost approximately $12/day (one meal/day with Kindergarten staff).  A stipend from the Kindergarten is available, considerably reducing costs of meals and in-country transportation.

A young man is especially needed for this opportunity.  Children in Japan rarely see their fathers, so you would be a male role model as you play, teach and share the love of Jesus.

What are you waiting for?  Little children in Japan are waiting for YOU!!  
Call or email us soon about this and other Japan opportunities.  The teachers and pastors need to plan now!

Ministry Opportunity in La Paz, Mexico   December 2009 or March to June 2010

Volunteer in beautiful La Paz, Mexico, South Baja to fill in for Joyce and David Reed while they are on US/PR assignment.  Some of the time is already being filled by wonderful pastoral volunteers.  There are still a few months that are available, waiting for you to answer God's call to serve!
Joyce and David say: The ministry of Crossroads is unique. We minister to English-speaking Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans. It is ecumenical (we have protestants and Catholics worship with us) We minister to many people who are coming from the fringes of faith and who need lots of unconditional love. They have had negative experiences with the church and need a place to be affirmed in their journey and to be led gently back to God. In other words, we do not beat people up with the Gospel. We love them back with Jesus! In addition to preaching (and there are others who can preach too so it wouldn't have to be weekly), there are Wednesday Bible studies that need leadership. We need someone with strong pastoral care/counseling gifts because that is a huge part of our ministry during the week. There are Mens/Women's fellowship that have leadership but would need affirmation and occasional guidance. A Christ-centered heart, compassion, empathy, and good listening skills are essential.

BuildaBridge International  

BuildaBridge International travels the world to restore hope and healing to communities affected by cultural and religious conflict, environmental catastrophe, poverty, illness, and social injustice. Through its specialized team service projects and arts intervention programs, BuildaBridge International promotes dialogue, understanding, and community development with partners throughout the world.  Check out all the different ways you can connect your passion for the arts with your call to mission at BuildaBridge

If you ever have any comments or suggestions for our website or how we serve you, please let us know.  We love hearing from you and appreciate your input.  

Thank you all for your loving support of mission, missionaries, volunteers, as we all participate in God's work around the world!

For Eunice and Herb, too...

Angela