25 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com JANUARY 18, 2023 Supply &Hardware Mobile Home Special Orders Available Ask about our daily Manager Specials! PETECO, INC. 2911 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 956-787-2847 petecotransport@gmail.com We Do Tie-Down Certification SAVE 10% OFF Your Entire Purchase When You Bring In This Ad *Conditions apply, see store for details. Offer expires March 31, 2023. TRANSPORT • Sales & Installations • Vinyl Skirting & Tie Downs • Custom Steps made of Wood & Metal • Door & Windows • Plumbing & Electric • Used Mobile Homes Sales Financing Available petecotransport@gmail.com Ph: (956) 787-2847 or (956) 787-0413 We Buy Mobile Homes 2911 N Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 Family Owned & Operated Over 30 Years ish. Even with the lack of communication, there is a connection there, Sara said. It takes some of the students nearly a year to learn English. Sara, a volunteer, said that the students often call the volunteers, who are mostly Winter Texans, abuelas (a person’s grandmother). Ones that get closer to the volunteers use the more affectionate term abuelita (little grandmother, granny). The RGBM exists to develop Christ-centered leaders with a biblical worldview for the global church. The schooling is entirely paid for through donations, fundraisers, and work study programs the students participate in. The facilities are designed to help students spiritually, through academics, and help improve personal discipline. The volunteers are there to support the students and keep the grounds moving. The volunteers are always positive, said Sara. It helps that there is always a focus in everything we do, she continued. The schooling costs anywhere between seven and nine thousand dollars per student. Again… all paid by donations and time volunteered. Even the craft show items are donated – with all the proceeds going to the students and programs. All of the fabric and supplies have been donated for the items that were being made. Then you have the time and talents shared by all of the volunteers. Kevan Soderberg, Winter Volunteer Coordinator, said that not only do volunteers bring their talents, but they are also willing to learn new skills. There was one volunteer, a retired math teacher, that wanted to learn how to do electrical work. By watching a professional, he was able to learn what he needed to redo the lights in the hall where the ladies were quilting. During the 2021-2022 season, 101 volunteers completed nearly 25,000 volunteer hours. And that is just from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. While plenty of the volunteers stay on campus, some volunteers also come from other parks in the area. Each year, around 40 to 50 couples volunteer at the conference grounds. Soderberg says he is amazed when he considers the ministry of the Winter volunteers. Most of them arrive after Christmas and leave by mid-March, “it’s astounding what is accomplished in those three months.” “Any amount of time volunteered is greatly appreciated,” said Soderberg. If you are interested in volunteering, call (956) 380-8123. You can also email wvolunteers@riogrande. edu for more information or visit their website at riogrande.edu and click on the Ministries tab. Just part of the sewing room at RGBM where ladies were working on items to be sold.
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