Mount Calvary, Detroit and RAI Ministries, Inc. are excited to announce the formation of a partnership to bring Camp Restore to Detroit, Mich. in 2017, with the support of the Michigan District, LCMS.
Utilizing the proven Camp Restore model of partnering volunteer groups with local community organizations and churches, Camp Restore – Detroit will begin hosting volunteers at Mount Calvary in April, 2017.
Opportunities exist to join in the preparation work already taking place onsite. Those interested in learning more, volunteering, or making donations are invited to email detroit@camprestore.org, or call 313-527-3366.
Volunteer bookings will officially open on Monday, November 14, 2016.
“Our neighborhood is 75% unoccupied parcels … But that means we are 25% occupied homes,” said Rev. John Carrier, pastor of Mount Calvary. “Many of those homeowners feel abandoned by their community … Our neighbors need to see Jesus’ presence for them in us! I am called to ‘Go,’ so I need to go where I can make a difference for Jesus in someone’s life. Here I can clearly make a difference for Jesus. The question commonly asked about Mount Calvary at our 90th Anniversary was, ‘Will we be here for a 95th?’ Now, as we see this new ministry possibility, the question has become, ‘What will we be celebrating at 100?'”
“We have been blessed through the years with volunteers from across the country and with exceptional staff people in New Orleans to Restore Faith, Home, and Community,” said Rev. David Goodine, Executive Director of RAI Ministries. “We now have the chance to share what we’ve learned with folks who will be working together with people in the community to continue the work of restoring Detroit. As a native Michigander, I eagerly await the resulting changes that will take place in what I think of as one of the great cities in the US—Detroit!”
The initial Camp Restore – Detroit season is scheduled to run from April to mid-October, 2017. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with local Detroiters across a range of community-led volunteer projects, while experiencing the food, music, and history Detroit has to offer. The titles The Motor City, Hockeytown, Motown, The D, Rock City, and the Arsenal of Democracy represent a deep cultural heritage that comprises a significant portion of our core national identity.
Camp Restore – Detroit is the third Camp Restore to be established, following Camp Restore – New Orleans and Camp Restore – Baton Rouge. All three will be welcoming volunteer groups in 2017.
The Camp Restore model grew out of the response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2006. In the past 10 years, nearly 30,000 volunteers have contributed more than 1,000,000 hours in the Greater New Orleans area, completing work on over 500 homes and working with over 100 local nonprofits, churches, and schools.
Press inquiries may be directed to Kurt Jostes at kurt@camprestore.org.
Rev. John Carrier Interview
Photos courtesy of Camp Restore – Detroit
