Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/82

Contributor - John Strik

Title - Opportunities for Volunteers in the Mission Fields

Topic - Missions

At our Annual Classis Men's Conference held last fall, three panel participants shared with us their mission experiences as lay people on a volunteer basis for a short period of time.

During the discussion they pointed out that they had gone out into the mission field as volunteers not through our own Reformed Church but through some other denomination because as they said, "our own church doesn't give lay people this opportunity".

Having just completed our own mission weekend in which three lay persons shared with us their experiences through the R.C.A. on a volunteer basis, I stood up and told the panel participants "that they were mistaken because the Reformed Church does provide the same opportunities for lay persons".

Following the conference several people approached me and asked me to support my comments by writing an article in our Pioneer Monthly. And SO the following is a brief presentation of how lay people have been, and are, presently being used in the Reformed Church all over the world.

From the material that I received from our denomination Reformed men and women, young and old, rich and poor, are deeply involved in volunteer work all over the world. To give a few examples: Dr. Chester W. Taylor, a retired dentist and his wife worked as medical missionaries in the remote reaches of Chiapas, Mexico. The Hope College basketball team painted a chapel, pews, chairs and classrooms at the Tzeltal Bible Centre in Mexico. Jack Huisingh, a college student, spent a summer of service at Annville, Kentucky, trying to reach children of the community for Christ. Jim Poppen, a carpenter, and his son, Marvin, used their skills at Macy. Young people from the Sixth Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan learned as they taught Bible School in Nebraska. Others dug wells, shingled roofs, painted halls, welded posts, cleared a landing strip or built a prayer teepee. As a matter of fact, 90 people served as volunteers during this past year from Michigan alone ... in addition to the many church groups which travelled to various locations. Thus, if you want to be used by the Lord there is plenty of opportunity for you in your own denomination!

Now let me answer some specific questions:

Q. How long does a volunteer serve?

A. This varies with the situation, and with your availability. Appointments are rarely less than one month, preferably they range from three months and longer.

Q. Where may I serve?

A Volunteers may serve wherever the Reformed Church is in mission (local, regional, worldwide).

Q. What are the qualifications for volunteer service?

A. 1) A commitment to Jesus Christ and to participate in His mission, 2) a skill or particular ability or simply willing to work, 3) no age limitations, but preferably between 20 and 70 years, 4) adaptability, 5) sensitivity to people, culture and customs, and 6) interest in people.

Q. Does being a volunteer mean I must pay all of the expenses involved?

A. Specific financial obligations vary with the particular situation. Receiving fields can sometimes provide housing and make other provisions, such as board. On occasions volunteers are given assistance by their home church or other inter churches or individuals.

Well, I have tried to answer as many questions as the Editors of our excellent Monthly have allowed me. For additional information write to: Miss Beth E. Marcus, AVS

Reformed Church in America

475 Riverside Drive

New York, N.Y. 10027

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