Do you want to be better prepared for your future career? Community Action and Relief Experience (C.A.R.E.) weekends might give you valuable real-world experience.
MJ Metuli, a senior theology major at Walla Walla University, discovered a whole new facet of ministry at a CARE Weekend event in March. "I used to think being a pastor was just about preaching and taking care of the church. But this experience taught me that engaging with the community is just as important.” On this trip to Everson, Washington, he found a home in this community very different from his own.
MJ heard about this opportunity in his Community Engagement class taught by David Lopez, director for Center of Humanitarian Engagement (CHE). To MJ the C.A.R.E Weekend in Everson was more than just an opportunity to serve—it was an experience of connection, growth, and rediscovery of community values that felt like home.
Having never attended a C.A.R.E Weekend before, MJ entered the experience with an open heart. MJ Metuli and 15 others traveled to support our C.A.R.E student missionary Sadie Elias who was serving at the Everson Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. MJ was immediately welcomed by Sadie and Ms. Cheryl who leads the Watered Garden Community Center. "Even though it was late at night they stayed up to help us get settled—from the moment we arrived to the moment we left, it felt like home," MJ said. "Back home in American Samoa, my culture emphasizes respect for elders and others, love without bounds—not just for neighbors but for everyone—and I saw that reflected there. Even as visitors, we never felt like outsiders.”
The Watered Garden is an Adventist Community Service Center founded by Cheryl Brown. It focuses on adult and family education, offering programs such as English as second language classes (ESL), Spanish classes, U.S. citizenship preparation, and GED support. The center aims to empower families and foster community transformation through education and outreach. Though the community doesn't really know about the Watered Garden Community Center, MJ mentioned “If the local community disappeared, would the church even notice? That question has stuck with me." Learning this from class, he wanted to bring this point of view into this service opportunity.
The heart of the weekend was a door-to-door survey project, aimed at listening to the needs of the community and raising awareness about the Watered Garden Family Learning Center. "It was a blessing to see what I've learned in action. Some people were hesitant at first, but as we explained our purpose—raising awareness about the Watered Garden community center—they opened up. It was an eye-opening experience to see how we could connect and help." said MJ.
The weekend wasn't just about service; it was also about joy and camaraderie. MJ helped lead the Adventist Youth (AY) program in the afternoon, “We didn’t expect so many people to show up, but it was a full house! It was so fun to see everyone engaged, smiling, and being competitive.”
Through this first C.A.R.E. Weekend, Looking back, MJ described the experience as transformational, particularly in how it reshaped the way they view ministry and community service. “The kindness, respect, and warmth we experienced throughout the Sabbath, from the service to AY, game nights, and dinner, made it an incredible experience. It truly felt like home."
Want to experience faith in action and make a real impact? Join us for the next C.A.R.E. Weekend and be part of a community that serves, connects, and grows together. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference, sign up today!
