For the past 12 years, the Fernhout’s have served with World Renew anywhere from 3 months to 2 and 1/2 year assignments in areas of the world that have experienced natural or man-made disasters from Pakistan to Haiti. Compelled by God’s deep passion for justice & mercy, World Renew joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation. World Renew ministry is three-fold: Community Development, Disaster Response & Rehabilitation, and Peace & Justice. George and Toni volunteer as International Relief (project) Managers in Disaster Response.
Currently the Fernhout’s are serving a 4-month assignment in Uganda at Bidibidi Refugee Camp where 250,000 refugees from South Sudan are being resettled in a refugee camp in Northwest Uganda. South Sudan is a country amid a civil war with reported deaths up to 300,000 people. Over 80% of the refugees are women and children as the men and boys remained behind to protect assets such as cattle or to fight or have been killed or abducted.
One of the most critical needs remains that of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) in order to prevent water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. World Renew in partnership with Here is Life, a local Christian humanitarian aid agency, is overseeing the construction of 350 latrine/bathhouse units.
As members of the Christian Reformed Church, the Fernhouts began this work as a lifelong dream and calling after retiring from their careers in education
(Toni) and social work (George). They see this as an opportunity to continue serving others who may be less fortunate using their continued good health and
the skills learned during their careers. While recognizing that this type of work requires considerable commitment and sacrifice of home life comforts, they strongly encourage others to consider it. They have found it very rewarding and would recommend it highly.
When asked to comment on their experience with Jim Hummel, their primary financial investment and pension management advisor for the past 20 years,
they clearly describe it as a positive and essential component of their busy lives. "Jim brings an important clarity, comfortable and trusting quality to the management of our financial well-being and responsibilities. We are impressed with his expertise, his advice, and his sincere commitment to our well-being. He has allowed us to pursue our interests without worry or concern about the effective management of our financial resources. When Jim decided to begin his own practice, we decided to stay with him because of his excellent service and support”.
For more information about World Renew visit www.worldrenew.ca