EDIFYING CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERS
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23
WINTER VOLUNTEER SEASON
For the Winter Volunteers, a special group of friends from the North who come to campus each winter, Rio Grande Bible Ministries provides a place to serve the Lord. These industrious volunteers have built most of the campus buildings, enabling the Institute to be better stewards of the finances God provides. Their contributions in a variety of areas – from office work to quilting and from landscaping to plumbing – are greatly appreciated by staff and students alike.
God has raised up an army of enthusiastic volunteers to serve during the winter months at Rio Grande Bible Ministries. The Winter Volunteers come from all over the United States and Canada to share their time and talents. More than 100 volunteers offer services to RGBM each winter while living on campus in RVs and mobile homes. During their time at RGBM, they form long-lasting relationships with the students, who call them “abuelitos” (grandparents).
MISSION TEAMS
Are a group of people, varying in number, and usually from the same church or service group. They tend to be specific project oriented with a defined start and stop date. The length of service varies from a couple days to a couple weeks. Very often Mission Teams bless Rio Grande Bible Ministries by supplying not only the work talent, but also the funding needed for a specific project. Mission Teams come throughout the year, but this report covers only the Winter Volunteer season.
VOLUNTEERS
Are a valuable resource that serve occasionally or for short periods of time on any project as needed. Some stay on campus in their RV or in guest housing if available. Some stay at Bibleville or in other off-campus housing. They do not commit to, or meet, the qualification of a Winter Volunteer, but they are still a greatly appreciated help in completing projects. Anyone who does not qualify as a Winter Volunteer is classified as a Volunteer.
WINTER VOLUNTEERS
Make up the core of our volunteer program. This is a distinct group of volunteers that are here by invitation. They commit to work a minimum of 4 weeks for 28 hours per week. For those who make this commitment, RGBM provides RV connections with sewer, water, electric, and wi-fi at no charge.
Most Winter Volunteers live on campus in their RV’s, which gives them opportunities to interact with students beyond the work day. Living as godly examples, engaging students as conversation partners, or tutoring them in English provides multiple blessings to the students as well as to the Winter Volunteers. This interaction results in friendships which last long beyond their time at RGBM. Winter Volunteers become so thoroughly dedictated to this ministry that many return year after year. Those who do not have an RV, can rent housing at Bibleville or other locations.
It is important to note that most of our Winter Volunteers are senior citizens, retired from a variety of careers, and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. The average age of the men in this category is just over 75 years, which makes all they accomplish even more remarkable.
I was recently told the term “Volunteer” does not adequately capture the essence of this dedicated group of people. I pondered this for a while, and soon realized the students had already solved this issue. They affectionately call this group “abuelitos,” a term of endearment meaning grandparents. How fitting, since grandmas and grandpas have a natural vested interest in the success of their grandchildren. They perform tasks and sacrifice time and resources, all from a heart of love. This defines what we officially call Winter Volunteers, but they truly are “abuelitos,” many returning year after year to witness firsthand how Christ is working through the ministry of RGBM in the lives of these dear students.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER?
THOSE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THIS TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION TO THE CORRESPONDING OFFICE IN THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
FROM THE UNITED STATES
Rio Grande Bible Ministries USA
4300 S US Hwy 281
Edinburg, TX 78539-9650 – USA
Phone: (956) 380-8123
Email: wvolunteers@riogrande.edu
FROM CANADA
Rio Grande Bible Ministries Canada
103 – 2005 St. Mary’s Rd
Winnipeg, MB R2N 4P1 – Canada
Phone: (204) 254-3639
Email: afriesen@riogrande.edu