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| Dr. Terry Goodwin and missionary Jason Calahan with a group of volunteers after a long day's work. |
Sun Ministries has hosted many work
groups over the years, and we hope to continue that. It helps us
with the heavy lifting (there's plenty of that) and it allows other
people to see what we're here. It's been our goal since the
beginning to be sure to communicate to volunteers the meaning of
their work with us. We don't want anyone going home thinking they
moved some heavy stuff. This is why we intentionally make time to
discuss the vision of Sun Ministries, and testify as to how God built
this from nothing. Just seven years ago, He called a few people out
of their fruitless lives and into the inner cities. From that, He's led us into starting 5 businesses, rehabbing 3 buildings (with 10 in the works),
as well as bringing employment, opportunity, and stability to many people. When volunteers come, we want them to understand that they are joining in a
work that God is doing, and that there is a spiritual impact to every
bit of effort.
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| Did I mention there was heavy lifting? |
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| Dr. Terry Goodwin sharing some lessons of urban ministry before we get to work |
Because we have clear goals for
involving others in this work, we engage volunteers in one of four
ways: 1) Planned Partnerships, 2) Scheduled work days, 3) Work
groups, and 4) Utilizing skilled workers
Planned Partnerships
We want groups such as churches,
colleges, or civic groups to interact with us. We understand that we
are on the front lines of a very progressive and unique work that is
addressing longstanding social problems. We are approached by many
groups that want to come and see what is happening in Hyde Park. We
want our interactions to be beneficial to both our work and your
group. If you have a desire to come and work with us or learn from
us, we require your group's leadership to attend a planning meeting
with us. Together we can best work out an interaction that
accomplishes our goals and benefits both groups.
Work Days
We host several work days throughout
the year. Anyone over 18 is welcome to sign up and attend these work
days. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Medical and liability release forms as well as a photo release is
required of all work group participants. Scheduled dates will be on
the website and facebook page. Sign up is by email
(terry@sunministries.org)
or phone (636-544-2151).
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| Some volunteers clear debris from a rehab property |
Work Groups
Our goal with hosting work groups is to
help people understand the great work that God is doing in our midst.
We can host work groups for one day up to multiple weeks. As part
of hosting a work group, we include educational sessions in our day.
Our staff will supply speakers, training, and music for your group.
We supply meals from Sun Cafe at a reasonable cost. We will work out
a trip plan as well as a lan to take home what you learn and apply it
to your own community. We do not work with third party organizations
that arrange trips for others. We only work directly with the
leadership that is bringing the group. We have lodging facilities
for up to 20 people.
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| Some professional bricklayers instruct our missionaries in brick repair |
Skilled Workers
We have a great need for training and
assistance in our work. If you are a person with a skill such as
plumbing, electrical, construction, accounting, graphic design, etc.,
we need your help. Please contact our Executive Director, Dr. Terry
M. Goodwin, and arrange to meet and discuss the many ways we can use
your help at your convenience.
To volunteer with us, please inquire by
phone or email. Call Terry at 636-544-2151. Stay connected through
our facebook page.
To learn about some of our past works involving volunteers, follow the links below
Hyde Park Festival and again in 2012
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