Solar Oven Partners' volunteers, says Associate Director Cathy Hoss, come from all walks of life and include a wide range of faith backgrounds and ages--from pre-teen to those in their 90s. Volunteers are comprised of women, men, children and youth.
"We have people cutting cardboard and foam or sewing black cloth bread pan covers in their homes, or heading to one of our workshops to cut wood, package measuring cups or water purification indicators, pack oven parts, make reflectors or pack shipping containers," she explains.
Solar Oven Partners volunteers are individuals with different skills and gifts, but who all share a common goal: to show the love of Christ by helping put solar ovens into the hands of those who most need them.
"Volunteerism is the ultimate expression of compassion," insists Cathy. "And this ministry is the perfect example. It could not exist without our many, many Partners who care so much and give so unselfishly. They are this ministry and we are so grateful to them."
Teams like this come to our Dakotas Solar Oven Partner workshops in Moffitt, ND, and Volga, SD. They stay for a few hours, overnight or a weekend. Call Rick Jost or Cathy Hoss (605-692-3391) to talk about opportunities and schedule times.
Volunteers like Luanne Napton and Carol Fahrni bring their own skill sets to volunteer teams in Haiti. Not only they did help build ovens, but they helped conduct surveys that provide information about effectiveness of training on use.
Gene Bethke and volunteers make bread pans in a mini-workshop in Raymond, SD. Dozens of women across the Dakotas have helped hem the black cloth bread pan covers that ensure lovely golden broad loaves.