Changing the world can start right here at home. That’s something Steve Eddleman knows to be true. Eddleman first got involved with World Changers in 1998.
“I’m what is considered the site coordinator. I am the one who requested the project here,” he said. “I work with the local churches who provide meals and things for the kids, along with the City of Cullman who helps provide materials for the projects.”
World Changers started in 1990 and has served communities every year since with the exception of the pandemic year of 2020.
Said Eddleman, “We mobilize students to do repairs on houses for people – mostly senior adults, single parents, handicapped people and widows.
“We do all of these things with the pretense of being the hands and feet of Jesus so that we can show what God has done through us and we can give it back,” said Project Coordinator Aleycia Skelton of Holly Pond.
Each volunteer has a specific job while serving. Roles consist of break masters, safety team, medics and devotional leaders.
Students from youth groups and colleges across the country comprise the world changers staff.
“These kids come out here, they work hard, they pay for the expenses of their lodging, food and everything else. They are paying to work. We just help them get them out of their comfort zone and share Jesus with people….That way when they go back home, they can do the same in their own community,” stated Eddleman.
The students who volunteered to serve in Cullman community projects were graciously hosted by Holly Pond High School. Principal Dr. Nate Ayers served as a World Changer himself in 2006-2007. All volunteers were able to use the facilities at HPHS to set up air mattresses as their lodging and home base during their stay.
The World Changers organization relies heavily on a supportive community to make projects a reality. Over the course of six weeks, the World Changers complete five projects in various communities. On Sunday mornings, the volunteers attend worship services at numerous churches, which provide them lunch. Many churches also provide lunch for the students as they work throughout the week.
The City of Cullman also played a huge role in supporting World Changers’ projects financially.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs told Eddleman, “I can’t speak for future mayors and councils, but we will fund it as long as you’ll come.”
“In reality, this is a week to help homeowners who cannot repair their own home, and take the time to minister to them as Christians and connect them to a local church,” said Summer Staff Team Leader Ben Smith.
This year is the second year that World Changers has visited Cullman.
“This year we have worked on five different houses in the city of Cullman. We are doing wood replacements, painting, deck repairs, vinyl siding and flooring in areas such as Fourth Street and Cliff Road,” stated Construction Coordinator Mike Skelton. “We total about 120 people serving this week.”
For anyone interested in getting involved in World Changers, whether it be as a student volunteer or adult coordinator, information can be found at world-changers.net.
“We have projects taking place all across the East Coast – anywhere east of Missouri…You can serve as coordinators, by giving financially and by prayer,” shared Smith.
Skelton said the most important thing for the community to know is: “It doesn’t stop here. This is the way we used to be – people helping one another. We hope that after we leave it opens the door to get back to that. All while showing God’s love.”
