New and returning yearlong volunteers start their work in North Carolina

Two new yearlong volunteers—Simon Martin, 20, from Chugiak, Alaska and Lukas Houben, 19, from Dusseldorf, Germany—and returning yearlong volunteer Mary Joyce Wise, 28, from Auburn, New York, are starting their year of service by spending a month in West Asheville, North Carolina, where they will repair homes damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Martin, who graduated from high school and had been working with a lawn-mowing service for two years, was looking for a cross-cultural experience of some kind. “I had planned on doing just a couple of months with MDS, but changed my mind,” he said, committing to a year during which he will move to different MDS responses about every month.

“I’d like to gain some leadership experience, because I don’t do a lot of leading in my everyday life,” he shared. Martin’s father, Gary Martin, is chair of the MDS Alaska Unit, and Simon Martin had previously volunteered for MDS with his father.

Houben, who after finishing high school did not want to go to college immediately, wanted to hone his English-speaking skills, while at the same time strengthening his faith in God through action.

“I also wanted to see as much as possible in the U.S.,” he added “I hope I can help as many people as possible while I get real-life experience.”

Wise said she is returning for another year because she likes the type of work MDS offers, particularly the opportunity to serve as a crew leader. She also shared a bit of advice for the two new yearlong volunteers: “Be aware at all times,” she said. “You  never know who you will run into and you never know what to expect!”