Volunteering
Thank you for considering being a RSM volunteer!
Step 1
Investigate
Step 2
Whether you are a group of one or seventy-five, groups of all size are welcome at Rancho Santa Marta.
Group Size
Small Group
Individual, Married Couple, or Single Family, 1-7 people
Medium Group
Multiple Families, Multiple Married Couples, 8-34 people
Large Group
Youth Group, Church Group, Humanitarian Group, 35-75* people
*The maximum number of volunteers RSM can house at any one time is 75. If the number of your group exceeds this, reach out to Rod.
Step 3
Organize Your Trip
This might look like fundraising, budgeting*, creating a meal plan, recruiting group leaders, enlisting other volunteers, mapping your trip or asking for prayer support.
*RSM does not have a cover charge for your stay but we do ask for a materials donation to cover materials expenses for the project your group will be assigned .
Step 4
Rod Struiksma is the Director of Ranch and Home Operations. He is also the main contact for volunteers at Rancho Santa Marta. The best way to contact him is via email at: rsmranchosantamarta@gmail.com
Contact Rod
By this step in the process you should have dates in mind. Please email Rod so that he can make sure there aren’t any conflicts with your selected dates. Reservations are given on a first come, first serve basis.
Reserve Dates
Every person has a unique set of skills, whether you can pour cement or play with kids, whether you can cook or paint, dig or fix cars, vacuum or rewire a panel box, there is a need for everyone’s skills. Please send Rod a filled out checklist of you and/or your group’s skills.
Skills Checklist
As of 2016, the Mexican government requires all new visitors over the age of 18 to have a background check on file. At least two weeks prior to your arrival please email the following to Rod.
A copy of a government-issued photo ID.
A roster of your group.
A copy of a background check.
Background checks are good for 3 years.
Paperwork
If you would like to obtain a background check from our partners, Sterling Volunteers, please follow the link below. A fee will be charged to cover the cost of the background check.
Our Good Deed code is: xfm95p1
For more information, please contact theadvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com
Step 5
Prepare Your Hearts
Modesty
…you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Cor. 6:20
Children are always watching and learning from others. At RSM, we adhere to a modest dress code. Please download and share our dress code prior to packing for your trip.
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do… Eph. 6:7-8
Servanthood
In 1 Sam., the prophet Samuel is looking for a man to anoint. He sees several strong-looking prospects but he passes them up for service because God sees their hearts have not been prepared.
“...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”
God directs Samuel to anoint David a man “after God’s own heart.” Preparing your hearts for servanthood is a necessary part of mission work. Whether it’s a Bible study, commission, or prayer support, a little preparation goes a long way.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
Patience
Another word we use is flexibility, sometimes plans change. A pipe breaks, rain comes out of the blue or the tractor battery is out of charge. God gives us the gift of his eternal peace if we only ask him for it.
Optional Step
Planned Activities
At least one month prior to your arrival, if you want to plan activities for the children, please contact Rod so he can make sure there are no conflicts with the children’s school schedule.
In the past, groups have planned: VBS, cook outs, science fairs, medical services, dental services, cooking classes, and more!
Final Step
Come Down!
Once you arrive, unpack and settle in. Rod will come meet with you, plan a tour of the Ranch and review some of the rules listed in the handbook.