Profile in Mission: Jay Harsevoort MINISTRY
Coordinator for Volunteers LOCATION
Grand Rapids, Michigan PARTNERS
RCA Global Mission Partners What Need Is God Showing Us?
Throughout the world, volunteers are needed to build and empower the church. Volunteers of all kinds are needed: teachers, construction workers, computer experts, doctors and nurses, social workers, and consultants, among others. What Is God Telling Us to Do?
The RCA Mission Volunteer Program works to meet that need by connecting willing and able volunteers with mission partners around the world who have expressed particular needs. Volunteers receive cross-cultural training and learn how to work with local churches and strengthen relationships with RCA mission partners. 
How Are We Doing What God Is Asking?
Jay Harsevoort, RCA coordinator for volunteers, promotes the RCA's volunteer program and helps coordinate mission opportunities, including disaster response rebuilding, short-term mission teams, and long-term volunteer positions. He also oversees the Summer with a Purpose program. Jay works to educate volunteers about cultural differences and the lasting impact mission work makes, both in their own lives and in the lives of the people they're volunteering to help. "Mission is not just something that happens 'over there,'" Jay says. "Hopefully it's a part of what everyone is every day." Who Is Our Partner?
The RCA's mission partners are involved in relief and development work, education, medical programs, evangelism, administration, and peace and justice work. They are located in Asia, Africa, Canada and the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Up Close and Personal
Jay was born and raised in Wisconsin, and he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with a degree in elementary education. After serving as a volunteer in East Africa for four years, Jay began working with the Mission Volunteer Program. He has two daughters, Lilly and Paige. He enjoys fishing, bicycling, kayaking, and bird-watching. 
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