Repairing Homes and Sharing Hope
2025 Mission Trip
West Lawn UMC Serves in North Carolina
From July 27 to August 3, a team of 44 people from West Lawn UMC traveled to Bertie County, North Carolina, to serve with Carolina Rebuilding Ministry (CRM). For 20 of our participants, this was their very first mission trip—and what a week it was!
Carolina Rebuilding Ministry serves multiple counties in northeastern North Carolina, where 1 in 5 homes are substandard. Frequent severe storms have left many houses with damaged roofs, siding, windows, and doors—often leading to unsafe and unhealthy living conditions. Founded in 2011 after Hurricane Irene, CRM began as a ministry of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Today, they provide critical repairs such as plumbing restoration, roofing, siding, window and door replacement, flooring, and wheelchair ramps—restoring safety, stability, and dignity for low-income homeowners.
Of our 44 participants, 40 people worked on homes and project sites, while 4 were dedicated to our kitchen crew—providing delicious breakfasts, hearty lunches, and satisfying dinners every day. The kitchen crew, led by Frank Godwin, included Paul Dodge, Nancy Howell, and Ava O’Donnell, whose hard work kept our teams fueled for service.
We divided into six work crews, plus the kitchen crew. Four teams worked on homes, focusing on bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom repairs, along with siding, window, and door repair and replacement. Two other teams served at the CRM Volunteer Center—one on a shower and toilet expansion project, and the other building a chicken run for CRM’s new flock. These chickens will soon provide fresh eggs to homeowners as CRM continues its ministry.
Throughout the week, youth and adults learned new skills—from installing flooring to repairing siding—while discovering that patience and flexibility are key on mission trips. All of it was done for the sake of sharing God’s love with others while also undergoing a personal transformation that may shape how we view the world for years to come.
The CRM Volunteer Center quickly felt like a home away from home. After long, hot days on the work sites, we returned to cool, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds, a kitchen and cafeteria that always seemed ready for the next meal, plenty of showers and restrooms, and open spaces where we could unwind, share stories, and simply breathe. It was the perfect place to rest and recharge before heading back out to serve each morning.
Each evening, we gathered for worship, with Andy Hoffert leading in song on his acoustic guitar, and Pastor Chris or Trisha Rabold (Youth Pastor) sharing a short message. These times of reflection, discussion, and prayer helped us process the day’s work and grow in faith. Evenings were also filled with laughter, games, and conversations that deepened relationships among the group.
After five days of hard work, we enjoyed a day of rest at Nags Head Beach. While the ocean was too rough for swimming, we marveled at the beauty of God’s creation and savored the fellowship of our team.
CRM’s staff are passionate about their mission, and they were outstanding hosts for our group. We’re heading back to North Carolina to serve with CRM, July 26–August 2, 2026—and we’d love for you to join us!
We will be looking for adults with handy skills or leadership abilities, as well as adults willing to drive their personal vehicles (gas reimbursement provided). Whether it’s your first mission trip or your fifteenth, you’ll help make homes safer, families stronger, and communities more hopeful—while witnessing how service transforms not only those you serve, but also your own faith and perspective.
From July 27 to August 3, a team of 44 people from West Lawn UMC traveled to Bertie County, North Carolina, to serve with Carolina Rebuilding Ministry (CRM). For 20 of our participants, this was their very first mission trip—and what a week it was!
Carolina Rebuilding Ministry serves multiple counties in northeastern North Carolina, where 1 in 5 homes are substandard. Frequent severe storms have left many houses with damaged roofs, siding, windows, and doors—often leading to unsafe and unhealthy living conditions. Founded in 2011 after Hurricane Irene, CRM began as a ministry of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Today, they provide critical repairs such as plumbing restoration, roofing, siding, window and door replacement, flooring, and wheelchair ramps—restoring safety, stability, and dignity for low-income homeowners.
Of our 44 participants, 40 people worked on homes and project sites, while 4 were dedicated to our kitchen crew—providing delicious breakfasts, hearty lunches, and satisfying dinners every day. The kitchen crew, led by Frank Godwin, included Paul Dodge, Nancy Howell, and Ava O’Donnell, whose hard work kept our teams fueled for service.
We divided into six work crews, plus the kitchen crew. Four teams worked on homes, focusing on bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom repairs, along with siding, window, and door repair and replacement. Two other teams served at the CRM Volunteer Center—one on a shower and toilet expansion project, and the other building a chicken run for CRM’s new flock. These chickens will soon provide fresh eggs to homeowners as CRM continues its ministry.
Throughout the week, youth and adults learned new skills—from installing flooring to repairing siding—while discovering that patience and flexibility are key on mission trips. All of it was done for the sake of sharing God’s love with others while also undergoing a personal transformation that may shape how we view the world for years to come.
The CRM Volunteer Center quickly felt like a home away from home. After long, hot days on the work sites, we returned to cool, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds, a kitchen and cafeteria that always seemed ready for the next meal, plenty of showers and restrooms, and open spaces where we could unwind, share stories, and simply breathe. It was the perfect place to rest and recharge before heading back out to serve each morning.
Each evening, we gathered for worship, with Andy Hoffert leading in song on his acoustic guitar, and Pastor Chris or Trisha Rabold (Youth Pastor) sharing a short message. These times of reflection, discussion, and prayer helped us process the day’s work and grow in faith. Evenings were also filled with laughter, games, and conversations that deepened relationships among the group.
After five days of hard work, we enjoyed a day of rest at Nags Head Beach. While the ocean was too rough for swimming, we marveled at the beauty of God’s creation and savored the fellowship of our team.
CRM’s staff are passionate about their mission, and they were outstanding hosts for our group. We’re heading back to North Carolina to serve with CRM, July 26–August 2, 2026—and we’d love for you to join us!
We will be looking for adults with handy skills or leadership abilities, as well as adults willing to drive their personal vehicles (gas reimbursement provided). Whether it’s your first mission trip or your fifteenth, you’ll help make homes safer, families stronger, and communities more hopeful—while witnessing how service transforms not only those you serve, but also your own faith and perspective.
About Carolina Rebuilding Ministry
Carolina Rebuilding Ministry (CRM) serves North Carolina’s northeastern counties—Washington, Chowan, and Bertie—where one in five homes is substandard. Many families face health risks, academic struggles, and financial barriers, while storm damage often goes unrepaired, creating dangerous living conditions.
CRM responds by providing critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for low-income homeowners. With mission volunteers, they repair plumbing, heating systems, roofs, windows, doors, and flooring, and build ramps and pathways for individuals with disabilities. Typical projects include drywall restoration, subfloor replacement, re-roofing, wheelchair ramps, plumbing and electrical repairs, and weatherization.
Founded in 2011 after Hurricane Irene, CRM began as a United Methodist outreach for storm victims and has since expanded to help families live in safe, healthy homes for generations to come.
CRM responds by providing critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for low-income homeowners. With mission volunteers, they repair plumbing, heating systems, roofs, windows, doors, and flooring, and build ramps and pathways for individuals with disabilities. Typical projects include drywall restoration, subfloor replacement, re-roofing, wheelchair ramps, plumbing and electrical repairs, and weatherization.
Founded in 2011 after Hurricane Irene, CRM began as a United Methodist outreach for storm victims and has since expanded to help families live in safe, healthy homes for generations to come.
Carolina Rebuilding Ministry (CRM) puts faith into action by providing home repairs for low-income homeowners in the northeastern North Carolina Counties of Bertie, Chowan, and Washington by making homes stronger, safer, and healthier and providing transformational service experiences for volunteers.
General Information for Volunteers
Volunteers will stay at CRM’s Main Office and Volunteer Lodging at 819 Governors Road, Windsor, NC. The facility has heating, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing with individual showers. A fully stocked kitchen allows volunteers to prepare and clean up their own meals, and the center offers spaces for lounging, meetings, and worship. Sleeping quarters consist of smaller rooms with cots; air mattresses are welcome for extra comfort. CRM follows the United Methodist Church’s Safe Sanctuary policy.
CRM’s staff includes a Construction Program Director, Materials Handler, Chief Operations Officer, Volunteer Coordinator, Senior Case Manager, and Chief Executive Officer—all experienced professionals who guide the work and support volunteers.
Projects come through an application process in which homeowners request assistance. After approval, CRM visits the home to assess needs and meet with the homeowner. The construction manager then schedules the project and ensures all materials are ready before volunteers arrive. While tools are provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own.
Our team will travel on Sunday, work Monday through Friday, enjoy a Saturday trip to the Outer Banks, and return to West Lawn the following Sunday.
CRM’s staff includes a Construction Program Director, Materials Handler, Chief Operations Officer, Volunteer Coordinator, Senior Case Manager, and Chief Executive Officer—all experienced professionals who guide the work and support volunteers.
Projects come through an application process in which homeowners request assistance. After approval, CRM visits the home to assess needs and meet with the homeowner. The construction manager then schedules the project and ensures all materials are ready before volunteers arrive. While tools are provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own.
Our team will travel on Sunday, work Monday through Friday, enjoy a Saturday trip to the Outer Banks, and return to West Lawn the following Sunday.
The LORD has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8