Philippi, West Virginia (Mennonite Mission Network) – Former leaders and past participants in Service Adventure joined with local community volunteers June 6-7 to celebrate 25 years of partnership with Philippi Mennonite Church.
The event was held at the Heart and Hand’s Market Place, one of the SA unit work locations. Participants toured the unit house, played lawn games, and – amid plenty of pizza – enjoyed sharing stories and reminiscing.
The celebration lasted into the evening with a bonfire and hot dog roast, storytelling, tractor rides, and a fire flinging performance. During Sunday morning worship service, participants also shared what they are currently doing in their lives now. Among the participants were Richard and Linda Mininger, leaders of the first SA unit. The couple said they applied for the volunteer position after seeing an article in The Gospel Herald about unit leaders being needed in Philippi.
“Service Adventure has become a primary ministry of our congregation,” said Lester Lind, a spiritual director at Philippi Mennonite. “On one hand, the service to the community that the young adults offer is profound. On the other hand, the impact that serving among the poor, as well as participating in a small unconventional church, has on the SA participants, changes these young people.”
Philippi Mennonite initiated a conversation with Mennonite Board of Missions (a predecessor agency of Mennonite Mission Network) at the suggestion of a member of the congregation who had had a wonderful experience with Mennonite Voluntary Service. Philippi became one of three pilot locations for Service Adventure.
Some SA participants who were not able to attend the event shared notes expressing the profound impact that serving had on them. James Redinger, who served in Philippi from 1996-1997, wrote:
“My experience in Philippi did not just open my eyes to the struggles of others. It gave me a better glimpse at who God is, as he made all people in his own image. Working in Philippi kick-started a passion not just for helping others, but for living in community with others and living life with others. I came in to Philippi perhaps a little entitled, but left very different, and the experience continues to impact me.”
Kaylene Miller, who served from 1994-1995, wrote that she became a nurse because of her term in Philippi.
“Service Adventure helped me become more independent in life and, through some challenges in unit life, helped me to be more confident and assertive in expressing my beliefs,” she wrote. “I also learned a great deal about the medical world with my job at the clinic.”
