Location: Apache Lutheran Mission (WELS), East Fork, Arizona
Dates: September 9 - October 30, 2026
Number of volunteers needed: 40 total
Project Manager: Wade Steiger
The East Fork campus of Apache Lutheran Mission (WELS) has gone more than 30 years without consistent maintenance, leading to significant deterioration—including the loss of a former dorm building. Today, the campus serves 100 students and 250 church members, and this project is a critical step in restoring the facilities needed to support that ongoing ministry.
Work will focus on restoration and general maintenance across the campus, helping establish a sustainable foundation for future care. The project calls for an average of 12 volunteers over 40 working days, with a Tuesday–Saturday schedule (optional Mondays as needed). Each day begins at 7:00 am with devotion and planning, followed by work from 7:30 am to around 4:00 pm. Lunch and snacks are provided, while breakfast and dinner are on your own.
Volunteers can stay on-site in available teacher housing, apartments, or dorm rooms, with laundry facilities provided. Limited campsites will also be set up for those bringing campers (reservation required). This is a hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact while building community through service and shared faith.
A noon meal, snacks, and water will be provided each day. Volunteers are responsible for their own meals in the morning, evening, and on non-working days. Anyone not involved with the day-to-day building process is encouraged to assist the congregation with the meals and break snacks as needed.
Read the Volunteer Procedures and Safety Manual
Each phase of the project requires different skills and numbers of volunteers, so if you’ve never lifted a hammer, you can still volunteer! Our experienced volunteers happily provide on-the-job training to those who need it.
While bringing your own tools and safety equipment is encouraged, it is not a requirement. We understand not everyone can access the necessary tools or safety equipment. If you have your own items, feel free to bring them. This would include safety glasses, a hard hat, appropriate shoes, hammer, tool belt, 1″x25′ tape measure, speed square, utility knife with blades, bird’s foot/cat’s paw, pencil(s), and chalk line. If you’re traveling by plane and find it difficult to pack these items or don’t have them, we have them covered.
Anyone 16 years of age or older may serve on a Builders For Christ project. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an adult chaperone who will volunteer as their supervisor. Only volunteers age 18 and older are permitted to operate motor vehicles and power tools, climb ladders and scaffolding, work on a roof, or engage in any other hazardous activities.
