2014 Spring Service Projects Report

spring service projects

March 1–10, 2014

Haiti

by Eryn Schlote ’14 and Taylor Studer ’14

United Christians International • www.facebook.com/UCIHAITIFor the 3rd year, Northwestern students worked alongside missionaries Kristie (De Boer ’95)

and JeanJean Mompremier to paint and help lay cement fl oors in Haitian homes. They also

taught English to elementary students, attended youth group events,

and hosted vacation Bible school in two villages.

Riches in ChristThe Haitian people the Mompremiers serve are very poor. A lot of the children didn’t

have shoes, and they always welcomed a snack if we had one to off er. They walk miles to

school from rundown homes. Their fi nancial and physical needs are great, but we cannot

explain the richness of the lives they lead in surrender to Christ.

Undoing voodooHaiti is a nation spellbound by voodoo and intimidated by witchdoctors. Yet hope is

spreading as more and more witchdoctors renounce their practices and turn to Jesus. Our

team traveled with UCI church leaders to a small home on a hill to pray over a lady who

wanted to burn her voodoo fetishes and accept the saving love of Christ. Witchdoctors

are possessed by the spirits they serve, so as a powerful witchdoctor, this woman was

possessed by many spirits. As the church leaders cast out the demons taking a destructive

hold on her life and called upon the Holy Spirit to fi ll her soul with overfl owing grace, we

witnessed the power of Jesus’ name and felt the intense presence of the Lord.

Planting seedsA common discussion for short-term mission teams arises when members wonder

whether their 10 days of work leave any lasting positive eff ects. The Caiman community

we served hosts roughly 20 teams each year. This was the third time a Northwestern

team traveled there, and we were able to see projects we’d started had been completed

by other teams. It enabled us to see the bigger picture of our ministry to that community.

... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. Galatians 6:10a (NIV)

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Nicaragua

by Hannah Shie ’15

The Moravian ChurchFor the 12th time, a team returned to Bluefi elds, Nicaragua, to minister to the community

served by Reformed Church in America missionaries Rev. Adrian Bobb and Dr. Bernardeth

Kelly-Bent (www.rca.org/mission). The students arrived with more than 100 pairs of shoes

for Bluefi elds children, enabling kids without shoes to have a pair so they can attend school.

Team members also hosted a vacation Bible school, dug a water runoff ditch, and painted

at the Comedor, which serves daily meals to kids.

Sole supportOne little boy told us about the signifi cance of shoes. Bluefi elds children have to wear

shoes to school, and as he and his brother have just one pair between them, they must

take turns going to school. Because one of the pairs we brought with us fi t him, now he

and his brother can attend school together every day.

Family fi rstFamily is a high priority in the Bluefi elds community. Kids who came to the Comedor

would often bring their younger siblings. One boy, Eduardo, showed up every day with

his two-year-old sister, who he was responsible for. Rather than playing with the other

kids—even though it was obvious he wanted to—he just stayed by his sister’s side. As

he grew to trust us, we convinced him to let us take care of his sister so he could have a

break and play awhile.

Turning guilt into gumptionIt’s hard to visit a place like Bluefi elds and not feel guilty about being born into such

a wealthy and privileged society. As we talked and processed our feelings, one of the

things we concluded is that rather than spending time feeling guilty, we should spend

more time understanding and pursuing ways we can use our wealth and privilege to

serve communities like Bluefi elds.

The Netherlands

by Kelsey Doornenbal ’15

Shelter Youth Hostels • www.shelter.nlFor 16 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, aff ordable and welcoming accommodations for young

travelers. Team members worked in the hostels’ cafés and spring-cleaned the rooms. They also

led evening activities and Bible discussions for guests.

Red Light DistrictThe Shelter City is near Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District. We walked through the

area, and even in the midst of so much darkness and sin, we felt the Lord’s presence and

protection. Christ’s victory is more powerful than the sin and hurt we saw around us.

Service with a smileServing with joy isn’t always easy—cleaning and cooking aren’t always that fun—but we

were consistently reminded that any activity, when done with the joy of the Lord, is mission

work and can help spread God’s kingdom. We overheard a guest say, “I wouldn’t normally

stay somewhere Christian, but this place is just diff erent.” The diff erence is the commitment

of the hostel staff to further Christ’s kingdom through smiles and service.

Everyday faithThe hostels are an intentional community of believers who hold each other accountable

and are committed to serving Christ every day in any way. Everything at the hostels is

bathed in prayer and God’s word—and our team talked about incorporating that constant

seeking after the Lord into our daily lives back on Northwestern’s campus.

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Jonesboro, Arkansas Compton, California

by Andrew Hulstein ’15

Emmanuel Reformed Church | www.erc.laAlongside Kurt Korver ’12, members of Northwestern’s football team worked for Emmanuel

Reformed Church’s Compton Initiative, helping beautify the property of Faith Community

Church. They scraped, primed and painted a fence around the property as well as the

church, parsonage and fellowship hall. They also served at the Salvation Army and cleared

the trash and debris from an elderly woman’s backyard. This is the 3rd year Northwestern

students have served in Compton.

RefreshingEven in a place like Compton, which has a reputation for gangs and other community

dysfunction, there are good people who genuinely appreciate the help of outsiders. It

was great to see how much joy we brought to the community members through our

work. On our fi nal Sunday, we worshipped at Faith Community Church. During the

course of a three-hour service, we were called to the front of the church to be thanked

individually and acknowledged and appreciated in many other ways.

Kickoff The most fulfi lling part of our trip

was listening to Faith Community

Church’s Pastor Tim share his vision

for the church—how it will be a

beacon in the community and how

our menial work, scraping and

painting, was the important fi rst

step toward achieving that goal.

Sometimes one of the hardest parts

of a ministry is getting it started, but

when a big group like ours comes

and accomplishes a lot in a week, it’s

just the jumpstart that’s needed for

the people who will stay to continue

the work.

by Erin Van Horn ’15 and Hannah Wittenberg ’17

CityYouth Ministries • www.cityyouthmin.comCityYouth Ministries is an after-school ministry that provides a “safe haven” for kids where

they can play games and get homework help and a free, nutritious meal before being

transported home. This year a snowstorm in Jonesboro meant schools were closed all week

and after-school programs were canceled. As a result, NWC students spent their week making

a lot of progress on CYM cleaning and maintenance projects. This was the 14th Northwestern

SSP team to serve at CityYouth Ministries.

Snowstorms and stolen goodsSome of our biggest challenges turned out to be our biggest blessings. When a snowstorm

disrupted the main goal of our ministry, it was hard at fi rst for us to adjust to the fact we

wouldn’t be working with the kids. But we were able to be an encouragement to the CYM

staff and volunteers through our willingness to be fl exible and simply do whatever they

asked of us. In addition, during a day-off trip to St. Louis, our vans were broken into and our

things stolen. The experience bonded our team and deepened our relationships.

Staying strongThe CYM staff and volunteers were so inspiring. They serve selfl essly every day, and the

stories of how they are changing kids’ lives are incredible. Pray with us that they will

continue to have stamina for their ministry with these needy, sometimes neglected kids.

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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.

in short-term missionSTANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE


New Orleans, Louisiana

by Olivia Oleson ’17

Urban Impact • www.urbanimpact.orgFor the 18th time, a team of Northwestern students traveled to New Orleans to serve at Urban

Impact and Castle Rock Church. They scraped, painted and worked inside a house the church

plans to sell; the money will enable them to fi nish rebuilding their sanctuary. Northwestern

students also played basketball with kids from the community during the church’s Friday night

open court event.

Rebuilding communityAlthough Hurricane Katrina happened almost 10 years ago, many New Orleans

communities like the ones where Urban Impact and Castle Rock Church serve continue to

face rebuilding challenges. The people we met have withstood a lot of loss and hardship.

Yet they are a tight-knit community in which neighbors really love and care for each other.

Hope for New OrleansOur hearts were burdened for the youth of New Orleans. We’re praying they will be safe

from violence. We’re praying for the single-parent families and the families who are still

struggling because of the destruction they experienced from Hurricane Katrina. We’re

praying the people of New Orleans fi nd hope in Jesus Christ.

Denver, Colorado

by Elle Helmkamp ’15 and Madison Raska ’15

Mile High Ministries • www.milehighmin.orgFor the fi rst time, Northwestern students partnered with Mile High Ministries. The college

already has a connection with MHM, which is the host for the Denver Urban Semester, an

off -campus academic program. Students served at various Denver ministries for people

who are homeless, hungry, or in need of other restoration or reconciliation.

Real povertyNearly all the people we met were homeless or were impoverished in some similar way.

Yet the overwhelming impression we were left with was how joyful they were. They

seemed more thankful than us for much less. They have joy in Christ alone, where we

have joy in the material things we think God has blessed us with. We saw more genuine

life among people who had literally nothing than in some people who have everything

money can buy. We learned that sometimes the fewer material things you possess, the

easier it is to be closer to God.

Equally preciousOur eyes were opened to the value and dignity God sees in everyone, even the person

cast off and living by the side of the road. We tried to see what Christ sees: a person

with feelings and hopes just like anyone else. We’re equally worthy of respect and

should treat each other accordingly. The person on the street is God’s child and our

brother or sister.

Home missionsSince returning home, we realize how often we miss what’s happening—and who

needs a hand up—right where we live. Our team is committed to making our

community here aware of the fact that while mission trips are valuable, you don’t need

to travel to make a diff erence.

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Grand Portage, Minnesota

by Kaitlin Floerchinger ’15 and Isaac Veurink ’16

Mount Rose Community ChurchNorthwestern SSP teams have been traveling to Grand Portage since 2009 to serve the

Mount Rose Community Church on the Ojibwe Reservation. This year’s team cleaned and

hosted a game night for reservation youth; Vallen Cook ’13 is the church’s youth leader and

a tribal member. Students also spent time studying the Ojibwe culture and learning about

the ways in which Native Americans have been marginalized.

PeaceSpending time on the reservation and eating meals with the tribal elders, we learned

there is great value in silence and not being in such a rush all the time. First Nations

people are never rushed or overly loud, and our team tried to practice that patience

and stillness throughout the week. Relationships and family are also very important to

First Nations people, and sacrifi cing for them is paramount. In addition, the elders and

the youth have an important relationship as the elders try to preserve and pass along a

culture that is increasingly under attack.

WarmthWe felt the warmth of the Ojibwe community in ways that are diff erent from the

community we experience at Northwestern and in Orange City. The remoteness of the

location—coupled with the people’s willingness to sacrifi ce precious time and resources

to be with us and feed us was a direct example of God’s love. On Sunday we worshiped

with fewer than 30 people in a simple, genuine way that enabled us to experience the

congregation’s passion for Christ.

Opelousas, Louisiana

by Emma Westerholm ’14

Hope for Opelousas • www.hopeforopelousas.orgNorthwestern was the fi rst 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

painted a house in the neighborhood and cleaned at a women’s shelter. Team members

also hosted an all-night lock-in for 4th through 8th graders that included food, games, a

movie and worship.

Hard lessonsMost challenging for us was seeing the poverty many of the kids live in and the marginal

schools they attend. The schools are poorly funded and the curriculum is geared

toward standardized testing since the schools’ scores aff ect future funding, including

teacher salaries. Class sizes are large and many of the teachers seemed overworked and

understandably apathetic. Especially for the education majors on our team—who are

learning to be caring, invested teachers—it was hard to see the situation within which

these kids need to try to learn.

Love winsWe were most inspired by the people at Hope for Opelousas—staff and volunteers who

invest every part of themselves into their work. With after-school tutoring, counseling

services, retreats, summer camps, and organizing part-time jobs for their students, staff

members are never truly off the clock. Their love for their city and the kids in their city

is evident, even in the face of violence, crime, poverty and sadness. They fi rmly believe

in the power of prayer and the hope that Christ’s love brings. They inspired us all to a

greater trust and awe in our incredible God.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota

by Christa Curl ’14

Somali Adult Literacy Training • www.worldreliefmn.org/saltFor the 6th year, 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.

Language learningEach week day we visited diff erent places to tutor English. One day we went to an

adult day care and helped some Vietnamese people as well as a man from Egypt with

English. The rest of the week we traveled to apartment complexes to work with Somali

and Ethiopian women, ages 20 to 60. Some were just learning their ABCs, and others

were studying for college courses or to become U.S. citizens. We tutored one-to-one

or one-to-two. Sometimes a few of us would take care of children so their mothers or

other caregivers could focus on studying. Everywhere we went, our “students” were so

thankful for extra teachers who were willing to spend time helping them improve their

English.

Interfaith dialogueIn addition to tutoring, our team learned more about Islam and prayed for the beautiful

Muslim people we met throughout the week. We learned what Muslims think of

Christians, our Bible and Jesus. On Friday we visited a mosque and prayed that Jesus

would come there with us. The SALT staff member who accompanied us was able to give

a Somali Bible to a man who promised he would read it.

by Charlotte Richards ’13

Urban Ventures • www.urbanventures.orgThis was the fi rst year a Northwestern team volunteered at Urban Ventures, an

organization that seeks to heal community and family brokenness in south Minneapolis.

The students tutored at UV’s after-school center, the Learning Lab, and cooked meals for a

YoungLife group and men living at a homeless shelter.

Risky businessOur fi rst morning in Minneapolis, we attended an inner-city, charismatic church

connected with Urban Ventures. The pastor was a red-lipstick-wearing, cheetah-print-

skirt-twirling, constantly-laughing young African-American woman. “Faith is spelled

R-I-S-K!” she told us over and over. Her church is in a poor, rough neighborhood, but her

message gave courage to her congregation and us for the week ahead.

Dad classWe were invited to observe a parenting class at Urban Ventures’ Center for Fathering.

The class of around 50, mainly African-American males was taught by a loud, loving

older man who would describe diffi cult parenting situations and then invite the men to

shout out how they would respond. If the idea off ered was a bad one, the teacher would

say so. Rather than seeming off ended, the student would then throw out another idea.

Some of the fathers were ex-gang members or ex-drug dealers. Some lived with or had

custody of their children; some didn’t. All of them, though, seemed committed to being

better fathers and off ering better lives to their kids.

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To learn more about Northwestern College Campus Ministry and to watch a

video about this year’s SSP teams, visit: www.nwciowa.edu/faith.


by Marissa Hill ’17

Calvary Commission • www.calvarycommission.orgCalvary Commission (CC) is a ranch-like residence and educational center for ex-convicts

who are born again and desire to spend time growing closer to God after they are paroled.

For the 19th year, a Northwestern SSP team traveled to Calvary Commission to help with

yard work and maintenance, a garage sale and children’s ministry. Team members also

led a worship service at a Lindale prison.

Boundless loveLove for God just radiates from the people living and working at Calvary Commission.

They view their possessions as God’s and help each other raise funds so they can

participate in mission trips themselves. The CC residents taught us that the only love

we really need is God’s love and that we don’t need to search for it; he’ll fi nd us.

Freed by graceWe really felt God’s presence while leading worship in a prison. Some team members

gave testimonies about God’s grace that were met with openness and eagerness by our

inmate audience.

Equally redeemedThe world we live in is a beautiful place, but it’s full of sin. While some people spend

time in prison for their sins, in God’s eyes, no one sin is worse than another. God loves

us unconditionally and equally, no matter what.

Lindale, Texas

by Karlee Stubbe ’14

Cary Christian Center • www.carychristiancenter.orgCary community members apply to the Cary Christian Center (CCC) for specifi c help and

then negotiate a reasonable fi nancial or in-kind payment for services. As volunteers for

the multi-faceted ministry of CCC, Northwestern students worked at a thrift store, sorted

donations, and assisted with CCC’s after-school programs. Nursing and pre-med students

also conducted a prenatal health class. This is the 5th year an SSP team has served in Cary.

Backward thinkingThe experience was life-changing for many of us. For some of us, we saw poverty up

close for the fi rst time in our lives. Yet we were struck by the strong trust in Jesus among

many of the people we met. It made us realize both how fortunate we are and how

much we take our good fortune for granted. Those of us with lives of abundance and

privilege don’t always appreciate all we have, while those living in poverty seem to

credit God more and are thankful for everything they receive. It felt backwards.

Same time next yearAt times short-term missions can seem futile—how can anything big be accomplished

in such a short amount of time? We were just beginning to form the relationships that

would enable us to really understand the lives of our new friends when it was time to

leave. Yet through the experience of several team members who were on their second

or third trip to Cary, we saw it’s possible to build lasting relationships even if you just see

each other for 10 days each spring.

Cary, Mississippi

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Change Service Requested

HaitiMelinda Fjeld

Valor Gorans

Kari Hilbrands

Michael Mabee*

Kristina McGivern

Sherry Nelson

Jake Nessa*

Sara Nessa*

Lauren Rensink

Eryn Schlote

Taylor Studer

Gretchen Sutherland*

Scott Van Ravenswaay

Maria Vander Plaats

The NetherlandsDerek Brower*

Barb Dewald*

Kelsey Doornenbal

Sarah Edwardson

Jonathan Eveland*

Caleb Hawks

Josh Horstman

Na Heai Kim*

Jessica Locker

Lauren McDonald

Callie Nordahl

Evan Stoesz

Kelley Thurman

Sarah Wittenberg

NicaraguaRick Clark*

Erica Davis*

Jaclyn Dykstra

Stephen Dykstra

Brooke Folkers

Haley Ginger

Olivia Holt*

Patrick Hummel*

Sara Kooistra

Emily Kubbe

Breanna Mars

Claire Roesner

Hannah Shie

Natasha Slater

Jonesboro, ArkansasSavannah Clapper

Caitlin Hagerty

Justine Jackovich*

Jennifer Koehn

Trenton Korver

Claire McKamy

Samantha Nelson*

Amber Pater

Tasha Pierce

Caitlin Porter

Josh Potter

Jordan Samuelson

Regina Steff en

Sam Thomson

Erin Van Horn

Deidra Vander Woude

Natalie Wheeler*

Nathan Wheeler

Hannah Wittenberg

Tara Woodward*

Compton, CaliforniaKyle Achterhoff *

Miguel Alvarado

Craig Bruinsma

Brice Byker

Jay Elsberry

Collin Fast

Ross Fernstrum*

Brad Gaudy

Joe Gray

Ben Green

Isaac Heard*

Andrew Hulstein*

Paul Hutson*

Tate Kellenberger

Tyler Knobloch*

Micah Lassen

Levi Letsche

Ben Loftis

Richard Maris

Matt McCarty*

Brett Nelson

Sam Rall

Timothy Spykstra

Sam Van Ginkel

Marcus Van Zee

Joe Vander Stelt

Jake Zylstra

Denver, ColoradoMegan Cole

Karissa Fuerniss*

Aaron Haach

Elle Helmkamp

Mindy Holstad

Dakotah Jordan

Andy Powell

Madison Raska

Harlan Van Oort*

New Orleans, LouisianaAngela Adney

Mark Aldeman*

Michaela Ayers

Jackie Davis*

Shay Davis*

Miles Fletcher

Tim Henriksen

Josh Kester

Russell Klienveldt

Olivia Oleson

Naoko Oura

Melinda Raak

Henry Richardson

Tyler Robyn

Jessica Sawatzky*

Ben Schmidt

Nicole Staples

Taylor Stephens

James Teutschmann

Brody Van Roekel

Ashley Van Wyhe

Opelousas, LouisianaJulie Andersen*

Kyle Cleveringa

Brittany Elms

Angela Gornik

Jennifer Guthmiller*

Mckenna Halter

Aimee Harmelink

Skyler Hillnorby

Dana Kleinjan

Mackenzie Larin

Hannah McBride*

Emily Molko

Allison Reisma

Jessie Riley

Isaiah Twitty*

Taniya Weldon

Emma Westerholm

Cassie Westpful

Katilyn Zomer

Grand Portage, MinnesotaRyan Anderson*

Fineas Colta

Kaitlin Floerchinger*

Mariko Komatsu

Ashley Maloney

Alyssum Roe*

David Runia

Isaac Veurink*

Sean Wallenburg

Anna Zeutenhorst

Minneapolis, Minnesota (SALT)Jenna Beeson

Christa Curl

Shuen-En Ho

Michelle Holthaus*

Rachael Nysetvold*

Minneapolis, Minnesota (Urban Ventures)Kelly Burds

Daniel Cabrera

Ian Card

Jake Gilleland

Klint Kuntson

Charlotte Richards*

Yutaka Rodriguez

Amelia Thies

Jessica White*

Cary, MississippiLindsey Broek

Adrianne Burk

Callie Bushe

Sarah Christopher

Micah Czirr

Ethan Degroot

Cody Hughes

Kevin McMahan*

Lynne McMahan*

Mattie Ostrowski

Carly Rozeboom*

Kelcie Scarlett

Kristin Schmidt

Zach Schornack

Michael Simmelink*

Karlee Stubbe

Sarah Teske

Courtney Tucker

Joel Vree

Jerrica Wallinga

Lindale, TexasBen Boice

Denise Cowherd

Emily Culver

Laura Ecklund*

Lucas Fratzke

Ben Guhl

Mark Haselhoff *

Joseph Hendershott*

Marissa Hill

Erin Holle*

Whitney Jorgensen

Candra Penning

Joslynn Roth

Sophie Sandin

Brady Timmer

Megan Timmer

Caroline Trewet

Mikayla Vos

*Student, staff and alumni

team leaders

teamsSPRING SERVICE PROJECT


Documents

2014 Spring Service Projects Report