Go and learn!
Serving and learning in the name of Jesus.
Under the motto: “Go and learn”, Christliche Dienste (CD) prepares and sends young people for one-year voluntary service assignments.
Together with our partners, the volunteers build the Kingdom of God, reaching out in practical ways to those in need of support in their service locations.
What motivates us
In a world characterized by constant change and increasing division, we follow Jesus’ call: Love one another! Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (John 13:34)
God’s love is the starting point for our faith and our actions. Voluntary service is an expression of this love towards all people, regardless of their faith, origin, nationality, gender or political views.
What volunteers learn
Volunteers expand their intercultural competence, learn practical skills and improve their language skills in volunteer placements with local partners. They gain an understanding of global connections and international cooperation. Getting to know their own limits is part of the learning process for the volunteers – growing personally and in their faith. Our partners benefit from the volunteers, who come wanting to learn from others as they support local people in accordance with the goals of the partner organization.
What we do
In order to ensure the best possible match between volunteers and placements, we get to know the volunteers personally. We prepare the volunteers for their service, accompany them individually during their assignments and provide assistance upon their return and in the integration of their learning experiences into life. As equal partners, we work together with our partners worldwide and maintain regular contact.
In our incoming program, we place volunteers, mostly from South American countries, in assignments with German partner organizations.
How we work
We continually reflect on and evaluate our work and implement high standards of quality. We actively exchange ideas with other voluntary service organizations and quality associations.
CD is a state-recognized sending organization for several federally-funded programs.
CD has been working as a Mennonite organization since 1986 and is connected to other Mennonite organizations and communities at home and abroad. Our volunteers belong to all Christian churches.
Impacting society and the church
Following voluntary service, many volunteers seek out opportunities to engage in social challenges in their home setting and recognize the Kingdom of God in a larger context.
They bring their experiences into existing initiatives and local communities or initiate new projects.
Volunteers have experienced what it means to be a stranger in a foreign culture. Many have developed a high value on continued interaction with other cultures and perspectives, practicing hospitality and gratitude after their return.
Following Jesus’ command, we are committed to testifying to God’s love, to an attitude of service, and to justice, peace and the preservation of creation.
Bammental, October 9, 2024