February 16, 2012

Jillian Foerster grew up outside of Harrisonburg, Va., just one mile away from Mill Creek Church of the Brethren where her family attended worship services. She had always loved learning, and immersing herself in newspapers and conversing about what she read became her regular practice.

Jillian's particular passion for world news and economics was fueled by her studies of international relations at Roanoke College, and after returning from a semester studying in Uganda, she knew she wanted to work internationally.

Right after graduation in May, it was time to start exploring options.

"BVS is something I always knew about," said Jillian.

"But my perception was that it was a really small program that trained volunteers how to be camp counselors"-not exactly what she had in mind. But because her mother encouraged her to do so, Jillian decided to investigate.

She concluded that Brethren Volunteer Service was a bigger operation than she thought, and perhaps was even the next step toward her dream.

"When I first looked through the assignment book I immediately flipped to Africa," said Jillian. One of the projects listed there was RECONCILE, an organization that works to rebuild war-torn communities in South Sudan. RECONCILE's emphasis on civic education and social transformation seemed to make it a perfect match.

"The political science aspect of Sudan is really interesting to me," said Jillian. "You can't really understand Sudan from sound-bites and clips, because it's such a complex place."

So after completing her BVS orientation, Jillian packed her bags for a two-year term with RECONCILE.

As someone who hopes to work in international development someday (a field that is particularly difficult to enter), Jillian believes that this volunteer opportunity is an important step in the right direction. "Volunteering is a good way to figure out exactly what I want to do," she said. "And it's a good thing to do. I hope to learn a lot, and to walk with the people of South Sudan."

Jillian has been in Africa since December, and back at home in Virginia her Mill Creek congregation has been a great encouragement by sending cards and offering financial help with student loans.

"It's nice to know that I have that support," she said. "And it reinforces my choice to serve through BVS."

Brethren Volunteer Service is a ministry of Global Mission and Service, and a core ministry of the Church of the Brethren. If you are interested in volunteering through BVS, visit http://www.brethren.org/bvs . To give to BVS visit http://www.brethren.org/givebvs , and to support Jillian through Global Mission and Service visit http://www.brethren.org/globalmissions .

Newsline: Church of the Brethren New Service