The Builders Group of Roseville Lutheran began in the Spring of 2003 giving much needed physical labor and spiritual uplifting to the Martin Bible School in north central Slovakia. Religious teaching had been all but eliminated in this small communist country. Truly this was a mission field, open for the Lord’s Word to be spoken freely once again. Since that first group in 2003, there have been over 80 individuals with willing hands and hearts that have been called to be a part of a Builders Group team and venture on to Martin, Slovakia. Many team members have made return trips to Martin, reconnecting with Slovak friends, and making even more friendships with each mission trip.

Some of the projects worked on in the past 11 years are: parquet floor installation, refurbishing a 3-bedroom apartment, building interior cement-block walls, painting (lots of painting!), window trim sanding/varnishing, ceramic tiling, wall plastering, and even a pictorial representation of the Seven Days of Creation! There is always something for everyone to do who is called to the team!

The team often begins the mission trip adventure with the thought of “us giving to them,” but the opposite is often the case. With the Builders Group motto of “RENOVATING ROOMS . . . RENOVATING LIVES!” we not only help to create a good learning environment for the kids (Renovating Rooms), but we are impacting their lives and the lives of their families along with our own lives (Renovating Lives). We are Christ’s Hands and Feet, and are looked upon as servants who ask for nothing in return from those we are helping.

The 2014 Builders Group of 15 team members from four Twin City area churches will depart on March 28 and return on April 12. The projects include renovating 6 classrooms for the newly formed high school (aka gymnázium), wall plastering, exterior trim varnishing, and staff office refurbishing. Contributions to the Builders Group for building materials and supplies are always welcome (To: Roseville Lutheran with Memo: Builders Group). We ask for your prayers of safety, health and building relationships.

RENOVATING ROOMS . . . RENOVATING LIVES!

2014 Builders Group Team members:
Roseville Lutheran, Roseville
Bob & KJ Bach
Tana Isaacson & Jim Roth
Dave & Vicky Lorenz
Don & Marge Severson
Rich & Julie Wendland

St Mark’s Church, Circle Pines
Pastor Steve Sampson
David Wigdahl

Hosanna Lutheran, Forest Lake
Kathy Damon
Mary Gookins

St. Andrew’s Lutheran, Mahtomedi
Linda Thueson