It wasn’t too hard of a choice: another day of world class diving or getting hot, sweaty and filthy doing a service project. Seventeen members of the Worldwide Christian Scuba Divers Organization gave up their underwater paradise to volunteer with Friends of Cozumel for a service day at Vida Abundante Church.
The backs of their paint-spattered shirts read “Scuba missions: two purposes, one trip.” Some of the shirts had seen more wear than others from Friends of Cozumel project work two years ago.
Bill (left) served as the WCSDO group leader.
“We’ve traveled to other places such as Honduras, Bonaire, the Bahamas,” said Bill, the WCSDO group leader. “This established partnership with Friends of Cozumel is working well for us. The project work has been so organized—a real blessing.”
Members of the WCSDO come from all over the U.S., bringing an array of talents and a willingness to help others. The service day included repair and construction work at Vida Abundante Church. The church uses an open-air structure they’ve been adding to a little at a time.
Denny and Heather of Texas are committed volunteers.
“We came two years ago and wanted to return because we fell in love with this church,” said Heather who traveled from Texas with her husband Denny who also volunteered. “I love that the pastors go out into the community to help people meet their needs.”
Mary Jo from Colorado has seen changes in the church since her first visit two years ago. “I came back because there’s great continuity in seeing progress. That’s hard to do in short mission trips. It’s great to invest in the people here to take it to the next level.”
Emile, Mary Jo (center) and Jan didn’t mind getting a bit dirty in their work.
The pastors, church member volunteers and WCSDO as well as FOC volunteers worked side by side. At the close of the service day they sat together and shared their thoughts.
Pastor Salomon (center) explains the goals of Vida Abundante.
“All of our efforts together have an impact on our community,” said Pastor Salomon through a translator. “You are all in our hearts. We are all on the same team.”
“It’s a powerful experience for this close-knit group,” said Bill from the WCSDO group. “They love to serve.”
~ Phyllis from Nebraska
Service Day photos of volunteer partners from FOC, WCSDO and VA Church.
