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For college students, spring break means road trips to big cities and balmy beaches. Northwestern students do that too, but some of them pack a hammer. Northwestern College annually sends more than 200 students, faculty and staff in teams to places like Nicaragua and the Netherlands, to California, New York, Mississippi and Florida. They repair homes, visit prisons, tutor youth, serve in soup kitchens, live alongside residents in homeless shelters and more.
Citation preview
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
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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.
6
To learn more about Northwestern College Campus Ministry and to watch a
video about this year’s SSP teams, visit: www.nwciowa.edu/faith.
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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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Non-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDNorthwestern
College
101 7th Street SWOrange City, IA 51041
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
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