Many Hands Make Lighter Loads

Many Hands Make Lighter Loads

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

The AMAZING volunteers at Klein Ranch ~ by Teri Gayer, Klein Ranch Director

Every year I am continually in awe and inspired by the volunteers of Lutherans Outdoors in SD. This year is no different. I have been blessed to get to know some AMAZING adults, who not only have come to Klein as a youth directors, drivers, advisors and some are even campers who have grown up and are now adults bringing their kids to camp…but they also come to camp to VOLUNTEER!

This spring an incredible group from First Lutheran in Marshall, Minnesota, wanted to give more to Klein Ranch. They wanted to help get the camp ready for summer. Held back a day by a powerful storm, the pickups were packed and they were ready to go, only a massive storm rolled through town and they needed to stay home and clean up the mess…at least until they knew the power would come back on!

They headed west to SD. After supper in Mobridge, they come upon an accident, and offered assistance and comfort until EMS arrived. One little girl wasn’t eager for our volunteers to leave, but with some goodbye hugs, our volunteers were back on the road.

FINALLY, the lights of Klein were seen, and our volunteers were now “home” for the weekend! It was a “Many hands make lighter loads” type of weekend. All the horses were vaccinated, dewormed and their teeth were floated; fence line was ripped out, trees were cut down or trimmed and hauled away, chairs were assembled, signs painted, buildings unpacked, dishes washed, kitchen cleaned, laundry (washed AND dried), quilts & fire extinguishers were distributed, batteries charged, lawn mowers started, recycling loaded and even an oat grinder was assembled…

WHEW what a day! The crew stayed through part of Sunday before they needed to head home to finish the cleanup at their own places where the storm had left.

This group: Tonya, Erin, Dr. Scott, Cliff, Justin, Katie, Alexis & Deb, in one weekend had an incredible impact on the life of camp! Thank you, First Lutheran in Marshall & THANK YOU to all our volunteers! When we gather in Christ’s name, we change the world for our neighbors. Thank you for abundantly blessing the camps, the staff, the campers, and all who come to camp!