Family legacies are deeply meaningful. You may look back on past generations who passed down cherished traditions, or family members who created lasting impact through their work or passions. For many Christians, these legacies may also include a shared commitment to serving God’s kingdom.

A Legacy of Serving Together

For Ron and Jessica Grassmid, their family legacy is rooted in volunteering together to bring hope to others. In 2011, Ron began volunteering with World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS). Over the next nine years, he used his skills in chainsaw work, siding, drywall, and more to help repair homes in communities affected by disasters. His volunteer work took him across the United States—from New Jersey to Alabama—and even to Puerto Rico, where he was joined by his granddaughter, Jessica.

By his mid-seventies, Ron paused his volunteer work when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted DRS’ volunteer program. Yet even during and after the pandemic, communities across North America continued to face the devastating impacts of natural disasters—events that uproot lives and leave many in urgent need of support.

Answering the Call Again

More recently, an EF-2 tornado struck close to DRS’ Michigan headquarters in Cass County. When Jessica saw the destruction affecting a nearby community, she reflected on her previous experience volunteering alongside her grandfather in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. She knew it was time to step in once again.

“It’s important to be a light in the world and help people when their lives are abruptly turned upside down by a disaster,” Jessica said.

Jessica joined a DRS clean-up team heading to Cass County—and encouraged Ron to join her again. Together with other volunteers, they spent several days cutting down fallen trees and clearing debris from homeowners’ yards. A few months later, Ron continued serving with a clean-up team in Iowa following severe flooding. Over two weeks, the team worked in Hawarden, mucking out basements and offering both practical help and hope to the community.

During that time, a homeowner named Mike shared the challenges he was facing after the flood.

“Mike first approached us for advice on mould treatment. But as we spoke, he shared more about the struggles he was experiencing in his life. He described feeling weary after the flooding of his home, and how this hardship made him realize his need to draw closer to God. We were able to pray together for his recovery and for God’s plans for his future.”

Strengthening a Family Legacy

More recently, Ron and Jessica volunteered together again in West Virginia, assisting communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Alongside their team, they helped clear some of the estimated 1,000 trees brought down by the storm’s powerful winds.

These shared experiences have been meaningful not only because of the opportunity to serve, but also because they have strengthened their relationship.

“Through strenuous clean-up work like this, I’ve seen my grandfather’s heart for others during these rich volunteer experiences with DRS. What a fantastic legacy to try to live up to,” Jessica said.

For Ron, these trips have created invaluable time together. “I don’t know what better time there could be than to volunteer alongside my granddaughter to help others.”

World Renew DRS’ work of rebuilding homes and restoring hope is only possible because of the dedication of compassionate volunteers like Ron and Jessica. If your family is interested in volunteering together—and perhaps starting a legacy of your own—we invite you to connect with us today.