Apostolic Christian World Relief

On February 28, 2009 a downed power line sparked a raging wilderness wildfire in Bastrop County, about 25 miles east of Austin, Texas. Fanned by strong winds and fueled by dry grass and pine needles, flames roared through nearly 1500 acres of land destroying 28 homes and 17 small businesses. In a matter of a few hours, homes became nothing more than a pile of smoldering embers.

Beginning in January and continuing through March, there will be an opportunity to help in the rebuilding of homes for families who suffered loss in this disaster.

Modest homes that will meet the needs of these families will be built by volunteers under the direction of experienced tradesmen. Materials will be purchased with monies donated to the World Relief Disaster Fund. Recipients will be chosen based on their financial need.

Thirty to forty volunteers will be needed each week. Skilled tradesmen, general laborers, kitchen helpers and just a willing servant heart are all needed to complete this project. There will be something for everyone to do. Work days will be Monday through Friday with Saturday and Sunday as travel days.

Volunteers will be housed in dormitory style housing on the site of the Austin Apostolic Christian Church which is located in Bastrop. A limited number of RVs will also be on site. All meals will be provided either at the church or on the job site.

Bring twin sheets, towels, pillow cases, a blanket, (or sleeping bag) and a minimal amount of clothing. We will provide bunk beds with a mattress and pillow. There will be a few blankets available for those flying and having limited luggage space. The weather is variable and cool to cold at night. Bring a coat and plan to dress in layers as it does warm up during the day.

Meals will be provided from Sunday evening through Friday evening.

We encourage teams to stay at the provided housing. If you want to stay in a hotel, you are responsible for the cost as well as making your own arrangements. Please let Les Schambach know if you do not plan on staying at the church housing.  Click here.

Teams are asked to be at the church for registration by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Following registration, dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. There will be Sunday evening worship services beginning at 7:00 p.m. The services will be similar to home. Please refer to the World Relief Work Team guidelines manual for appropriate wearing apparel both for church and at the work site. We will have Bibles, Zion’s Harps, and Hymns of Zion for everyone. Orientation will be on Monday morning following breakfast.

Evening fellowship, singing, and/or Bible studies will be under the direction of the visiting ministers. We will have four tool trailers full of tools. You may want to bring your personal tools. We have the larger tools including saws and air tools. We also have hand tools for those who wish to come without tools.

If you will be needing transportation from/to the airport, please send your travel plan details via email to Les Schambach at usa@acwr.org. We would also like to know if your plans include attending the regularly scheduled worship services @ 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Each volunteer will be required to sign a Wavier and Release of Liability form. This form can be downloaded from www.acworldrelief.org. Forms will also be available at registration.

If you have questions, please contact Les Schambach.  Click here.

If you are interested in working on this project, please check the work team schedule for available dates and register on this web site. Please fill out the skills portion of the registration form.