Recently, a group of MND students traveled to Liberty, Kentucky, for a rural plunge experience, vested in community service. This was the fifth trip for MND students where they diligently worked on an organic farm and did other service acts throughout the Liberty community.
Students worked at the home of Jerome and Paula Lange, reconstructing it into a place for ‘transitional housing’ for women who need a place to stay after being released from prison. Additionally, they helped with construction projects on Nathan and Julie Dunlap’s land, helping with their construction of a new church. Students also learned about the Mennonite lifestyle, worked at the Galilean Children’s home, and helped other residents throughout the community by doing home repairs, cleaning up outside, and performing other tasks where needed.
Liberty literally means ‘freedom’ and this opportunity provides freedom from the craziness of city living and offers hope to a community in need. Each Liberty, KY, rural plunge attracts a wealth of students willing to help and drives leader Todd Forman of Anderson to keep going back for more. He has been taking students on this trip for the past twenty years, most recently with MND in the past two years.
Frannie Sparer, daughter of Heidi and Ronald Sparer of Loveland, noted how she learned the true value of hard work and how important it is to help those in need. She said, “We can leave a positive or negative influence on the world, depending on our actions. With trips like this one, I think we can say that we have truly left a positive impact on Liberty, which is a small step in making the world a more pleasant place.”
Fellow servant Renee Stanton, daughter of Dennis and Tonia Stanton of West Chester, added, “I was very happy that I had this opportunity. The people were incredible and the overall experience was amazing!”
Forman is currently planning another trip—a summer immersion—to Liberty, KY, this July. He is excited for the journey, as with all of his trips. He truly inspires his students with MND’s motto of “live, lead and serve” and exemplifies being a servant leader in his service to Liberty. There is more work to be done at the Lange farm and Dunlap residence, including work throughout the Liberty community, and students are more than willing to sign up for the challenge!
