Meet Myah!
I was inspired to begin volunteering with Summit Missions when I was assigned a service project for my Global Politics class at school. To complete the assignment, we were required to engage in a political activity and “think globally,” but “act locally.” During the time I spent brainstorming ideas, I felt that I wanted to use this opportunity to become involved in the community and commit to formally serving others on a regular basis. Summit Missions was recommended to me by a staff member from the Chapel in Green. It seemed not only to work perfectly for my project, but also provided a space where I could volunteer every week. Being a senior in high school, I have a busy schedule, but the staff there are accommodating and flexible. The jobs I have completed are not overwhelming (consisting of things such as sorting clothes, folding newsletters, and counting supplies). The workspace is comfortable, and it’s lovely to talk with all of the staff members. It is not uncommon that I stop to grab a coffee to drink while I work. However, I have been graciously offered coffee and snacks numerous times by staff members. I typically listen to music or a podcast while I work, which never fails to make the time fly. For all of these reasons, to any student seeking to fulfill the dreaded service hour requirements for school, or any person looking to serve in general, I would highly recommend getting involved with Summit Missions.
Volunteering has done a lot more for me than helping me meet my project requirements. In the time I have spent there, I have become a more grateful individual and have truly understood the value of giving to others. I remember being told a few months ago that there was a great need for winter gear because of the drastic weather conditions in certain countries. I have been blessed enough to have never had to worry about whether I will be warm enough in the wintertime, something that I take for granted. I cannot imagine not having a proper winter coat or a warm house to live in. I know the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to many people becoming displaced across various countries in Eastern Europe; each time I think about someone struggling, it of course saddens me, but also gives me a great deal of gratitude for the things that I have. In meeting the staff at Summit Missions, seeing the facility, and being personally engaged in the organization, my appreciation for nonprofit organizations and the people who run them has increased immensely. Volunteering has become a routine part of my life now, and I do not plan to change that, even as I leave for college this upcoming August. At the end of the day, we’re all equally human and there is so much value in giving anything we can offer to those in need, even if it's just an hour of sorting clothes per week. Though I began volunteering for academic purposes, I continue volunteering because I have learned the beauty and impact of giving my time and have genuinely enjoyed myself while doing so.
Meet Dan!
I moved to the Green, Ohio, area two years ago and began attending Maranatha Bible Church. Since I'm retired, my days were long, and my activities were limited. I began to pray that the Lord would provide me opportunities to serve Him. A friend from church suggested Summit Missions. So I thought I would investigate how I could serve the Lord there. I stopped to check it out, and the rest is history.
I am really thankful for the opportunity to serve at SMI in whatever capacity the Lord provides. At present, I serve by making sure the other volunteers have a continual supply of clothing to sort and fold. I also collect the folded clothing and place them in the baling boxes. When they are full, the items are made into bales for shipping.
Volunteering has opened my eyes to the abundance we have in the U.S. and the very real needs throughout the world. It is a blessing to be a small but important portion of the way God provides for the needs for so many.
I am thankful to serve at Summit Missions for the reasons previously mentioned, but in addition to those reasons, I am also blessed to serve alongside brothers and sisters in Christ. They keep me challenged in my relationship with the Lord and encouraged in keeping the faith. It also gives me a wonderful place to socialize in the company with people who have a Biblical worldview. I would encourage anyone who has time on their hands to come and join in the fun.
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Give Thanks Together
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Yulia: I am Grateful for the Path I’m Going Through
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Nadezhda: Thank You for Your Support at this Difficult Time!
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Because of the Tutoring Karina Has Received, She Has Sharpened-Up Her Studies
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Many Young People are Dedicating Themselves to the Service of the Lord!
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Tatyana: We are Not Alone in Our Weakness
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Julia: A Mother Grateful for God’s Goodness in Hopelessness
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Laura: I’m Grateful for the Adults and Mentors at the Feeding and Tutoring Program
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Practical Help a Conduit for Spiritual Hope
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Preaching the Gospel and Providing Support
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Childlike Faith
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Faithful Servant
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Going for the Goal
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Natasha: I Like Everything About Bible Club!
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Ministry on the Frontlines of War
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Sports: Building Meaningful Relationships and Sharing About Jesus
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Reaching Ukrainian Youth with God’s Word
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Your Support Prepares Leaders for the Growth of Churches in Ukraine
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Dasha: I Liked Hearing About God at Bible Club!
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Volunteers Make a Difference Serving at Our Warehouse in Ohio
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Three Prayers
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Belief Through Curiosity in the Local Church
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Ministry on the Sports Field
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Providing a Place of Safety
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An Opportunity to Hear the Good News of Jesus
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Making an Eternal Impact in the Lives of Hundreds of Young People
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Hope Amid Destruction
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2/29/2024
Teaching, Instructing, and Talking About God
Amber Schafer
2/29/2024
Ministry and Growth During War
Amber Schafer
2/28/2024
See the Smiles You Brought to Kids in Ukraine!
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Painting Joy for Ukrainian Refugees
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Nelya’s Story: Lord, Have Mercy on Me!
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Room for Dreams and Desires to Develop for Her Future
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1/11/2024
Adventure Camps Bring Spiritual Development
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1/11/2024
A Gift You Can Share
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12/11/2023
Snapshot From the Church Network in Ukraine: Helping Those Who Have Left Occupied Territories
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Sharing the Bread of Life
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11/29/2023
I Want Them to Come to Bible Club Because They Do Not Know a Lot About Jesus
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After Adventure Camp, I Began to Think More About Life and the Future
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Church Growth During War in Ukraine
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I Have Learned A Lot About God
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Bible Clubs: Building Long-Term, Promising Relationships with Children and Parents
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Larisa’s Story
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A Place of Safety and Growth
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10/23/2023
Halyna’s Story
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Smiles are on the way to Ukraine!
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Snapshot From the Church Network in Ukraine: Growing Young Faith
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Bible Clubs are Making an Impact at New Village Churches
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8/28/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Fervent in Spirit and Serving the Lord in Ukraine
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Showing Teens in Moldova and Transnistria the Path to God
Amber Schafer
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Flooding in Kherson Compounds the Devastation of War
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8/17/2023
Your Support Allows Us to Nurture Children
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Help the Children Agricultural Project: Giving At-Risk Families Food Security
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Last Hope
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8/11/2023
Bring Help and Smiles to Ukrainian Children
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Skepticism Erased
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8/1/2023
Natalia's Story: Attention Drawn to God Through Difficult Circumstances
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7/25/2023
Greater Sports Camp for the Gospel
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Simplicity and Faithfulness
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Mila Finds Meaning in Life
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Help the Children: My Second Home
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Bringing Refugees Back to the Path of Hope
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6/20/2023
Developing Young Leaders Through Bible Clubs
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God Changes Character
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6/8/2023
Character Development Through Adventure Camp
Amber Schafer
6/1/2023
Why Volunteer?
Amber Schafer
6/1/2023
Ukraine War Update
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Karina’s Family Finds Help and Friendship at a Church in Ukraine
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5/30/2023
Summer Break = Time for Bible Clubs
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The Russian Invasion: A Catalyst for Drawing People Into a Restored and Redeemed Relationship with
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5/24/2023
A Different Life Picture is Taking Shape Through the Children of the Street Program
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5/23/2023
Simple Things Bring About Great Change for Displaced Ukrainians
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5/16/2023
Not Your Average Dream Come True!
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5/11/2023
Like the Sun Shining in My Heart
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5/8/2023
Inside Church Without Walls
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4/25/2023
Vika Finds Hope Through Church Without Walls
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3/30/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Strength to Serve
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3/20/2023
Lida's Story
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3/15/2023
A Review of Ministry in 2022
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3/7/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Lord is Touching the Hearts of People
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3/6/2023
The Significant Influence of Mentoring
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3/2/2023
A Nebraska Grandmother Helps Bring Joy to Ukrainian Refugee Children
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Elena Finds Hope in an Unfamiliar Place
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2/22/2023
God Changes Hearts
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2/20/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Salt and Light
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2/16/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Thank you for your continued remembrance and support
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2/9/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: We Sincerely Thank You for the Opportunity to Serve
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2/2/2023
The Joy of Seeing
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1/31/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Precious Contributions
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1/17/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: God is touching many lives through your help!
Amber Schafer
1/5/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Darker it is, the Greater the Need for Light.
Amber Schafer
1/4/2023
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: When We Care for God's Kingdom, He Cares for Us
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12/19/2022
Jesus Was a Refugee Too
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12/19/2022
Loving and Helping Ukrainian Refugees this Christmas
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12/15/2022
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: The Lord is Working Miracles
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12/14/2022
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: You Helped Us Expand Our Boundaries
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12/13/2022
Snapshot From The Church Network In Ukraine: Maintaining Relationships
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12/6/2022
Snapshot from the Church Network in Ukraine: Sharing Spiritual and Physical Food
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11/29/2022
Snapshot from the Church Network in Ukraine: Thank You for Your Encouragement!
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11/28/2022
She Saw it as a Miracle!
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11/10/2022
Backpacks for Refugee Children
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Olga: A Refugee Sharing Faith
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Attention, Care and Love
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Serving and Helping Together
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10/19/2022
Zinaida and Ruslan: At First They Were Skeptical
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10/5/2022
Tanya: A Ukrainian Refugee Finds Support Through the Local Church
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9/22/2022
Andrey: A Refugee Boy’s First Step on the Path of Spiritual Awakening
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9/22/2022
Thank You for Responding to the Needs of Ukrainians
Amber Schafer
9/14/2022
Zhanna: She Did Not Want to Hear Anything About the Church
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9/14/2022
A Refugee Family Thanks Our Partner in Transnistria
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Tanya: Serving God by Working with Children
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9/1/2022
Olga: This Program is the Best Way to Tell Children About Jesus
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8/11/2022
Alla: This Church Has Become Like Family to Us
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8/10/2022
Varya: Serving Children with a Heart Full of Love
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8/4/2022
Olena: This Is My Story!
Amber Schafer
7/27/2022
Your Support Helped Refugee, Zlata, Receive a Food Package!
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Katya's Family Receives Shelter and Support from Help The Children
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Reaching the Hearts of Children and Refugees
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Seeking Hope and Security
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6/22/2022
Refugees Receive Care and Support
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6/7/2022
Refugees Experience the Care of the Local Church
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5/31/2022
Your Care Makes a Difference in Wartime
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5/19/2022
Fear to Faith
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5/13/2022
A Seed Planted
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5/2/2022
Opening Arms to Help Hurting Neighbors from Ukraine
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4/26/2022
Practical Help to Refugees of War
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4/12/2022
Refuge from War is Found at Churches in Ukraine
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3/31/2022
Transnistrian Partners Serve Like “The Good Samaritan”
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3/30/2022
The Ukrainian Church is Serving in a Time of War
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3/28/2022
Maybe There is a God!
Amber Schafer
3/17/2022
Help the Children is Providing Women and Children a Haven from the War
Amber Schafer
3/11/2022
Simple Blankets, Big Impact
Amber Schafer
2/24/2022
1,737 Children Hear About Jesus Through Bible Clubs
Amber Schafer
2/7/2022
Extreme Activities and Camping Make an Eternal Impact in the Lives of Teens
Amber Schafer
1/24/2022
Larisa's Family Is Helped Through The Local Church
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12/14/2021
Reaching Neighborhood Youth Through Sports
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12/14/2021
Family Food Pack Update
SMI Staff
10/5/2021
Vlad Gets Help Navigating Life
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8/4/2021
Thanks from Children of the Street
SMI Staff
8/3/2021
A Relationship Leads to Discipleship
Amber Schafer
8/1/2021
“The Foundation of My Life Was Laid” Through Bible Clubs
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6/1/2021
2020 in Retrospect
Esley Patsch, Founder
4/1/2021