Maranatha Volunteers International’s most recent project in North America took place in the southern United States. Volunteers gathered at the Phenix City Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alabama to undertake some major renovations. This congregation’s building has needed updates for years and is now finally receiving them with Maranatha’s help. “[It’s] a total transformation of … the church,” said the project’s coordinator, Jeanice Riles. “[There’s] just a brightness.”
Volunteers tore out old carpet and wall furnishings in the sanctuary. They also removed two large accordion partitions from the fellowship hall and installed new flooring. But the largest task on this project was painting. The team added several new coats to the sanctuary, fellowship hall, hallways, and foyer. And now the Phenix City congregation enjoys much brighter spaces. “It made it pop; it was beautiful,” remarked Riles.
This volunteer group had 19 members, a number slightly smaller than normal for Maranatha’s domestic projects. Fewer volunteers often results in a smaller job scope, but this group was dedicated to their cause. They rallied together to not only make a big impact but also strong connections with each other.
After six years of experience organizing Marantha projects in North America, Riles believes smaller groups are better for bonding. “I see that community and vulnerability most of the time, especially in the smaller groups when you don’t have 60 to 70 people.”
What type of person dedicates their time and energy to aid others they don’t even know? To Riles, the answer is simple. “They love Jesus, and they just do it,” she says of her volunteer team. “They want to serve. That’s what I see. It’s a Christ-like character.”
Each year, Maranatha works with organizations in the United States and Canada to provide volunteer labor for various construction or renovation projects at summer camps and retreat centers, schools, and churches. Work ranges from renovations of existing buildings to new construction, and saves thousands of dollars in labor costs.