By Mackenzie Karel, Volunteer Program Administrative Assistant, Disaster Response Services

One of the many privileges of being a World Renew employee is the opportunity to spend a week volunteering in service with a CRCNA-ordained ministry. This spring, I joined my church community in Mayfield, Kentucky, through the World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) groups program.

In late December 2021, Mayfield was struck by a devastating EF-4 tornado. With winds reaching 305 km/h, the storm destroyed much of the city overnight and claimed 57 lives. Years later, I witnessed the resilience and strength that continue to define the Mayfield community.

The Mayfield Graves Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) quickly organized after the storm and continues to partner with organizations like World Renew to help rebuild. During this service week, I served as both the administrative and spiritual leader of our team. I could sense the Spirit at work among us each day.

While many of us felt the physical strain—sore muscles and growing fatigue—God provided us with the stamina and motivation to press on. Over the course of the week, our team of 20 volunteers worked on reconstruction projects, including hanging and mudding drywall, insulating walls, scraping floors, and installing appliances and framing.

Serving Through Community and Family

Volunteering alongside my dad and brother made the experience especially meaningful. With 30 years of framing experience, my dad was an incredible teacher, and it was a joy to learn from him. I also had the opportunity to witness my brother grow spiritually through the fellowship we shared as a team. Serving together with our church community was a powerful reminder that this work is part of God’s calling for us—to come together in service and love.

Each evening during devotions, we reflected on where we saw God at work that day. Time and again, the answer was found in the people of Mayfield. We were deeply encouraged by the stories of homeowners and their journeys toward recovery, as well as their enduring love for their community.

One particularly meaningful experience was working in the home of two brothers who had recently lost their mother. After a few days of repairing their home, they began to open up to us and felt supported enough to start going through their mother’s belongings. One of the brothers had once volunteered in a similar capacity, and he shared how humbling it was to now receive that same care and generosity.

Recognizing Strength in All Who Serve

This experience also reinforced the importance of recognizing the skills and contributions of women in construction work. Too often, women are underestimated on job sites, despite their ability to handle demanding physical tasks and operate tools with confidence and skill.

Throughout the week, another young woman and I worked alongside the men on our team—lifting large sheets of drywall, carrying floor joists, and installing subflooring. We used sledgehammers, nail guns, and a mitre saw, contributing fully to every stage of the work. Some community members expressed surprise at our strength and capability, a reminder that perceptions still need to shift. It is my hope that, over time, more people will recognize that both men and women belong in the construction industry.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to step out from behind a desk and take part firsthand in the work of World Renew. In a world filled with stories of hardship—conflict, hunger, and disaster—there is a growing need for transformation and hope. It was a privilege to witness that transformation in Mayfield and to be part of the ongoing work of restoration.