ABOUT US
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Build and Restore International has been committed to organizing volunteers in service all around the world to help restore and build churches, schools, orphanages, residences, and the like to improve their overall quality of life physically and spiritually.
Our History
In 1992 my father and I immigrated to the United States. I was just a boy at the time and my greatest task before me was to learn the English language. By the mid-90s, I was well on my way in speaking English and with the help of my middle school teacher, I was excelling in speaking, reading, and writing. As I entered high school, I was active in my local church and participated in several facets of the church from reading scripture to collecting offering and singing in the youth choir. One day, I was invited to a Bible Study by our youth pastor. I was excited to join the class. I learned so much in those first few Bible studies.
I continued to study the Bible. On March 22, 2003 the Lord moved upon my heart to fully commit my life to Him through the waters of baptism. It was an amazing day filled with tears of joy as I committed my life to the Lord. As time progressed I continued to serve in my local church; the Lord laid a heavy burden on my heart to get involved in service for others through mission work. I had the privilege of going on my first international mission trip to Mexico in 2006. This mission trip changed my outlook on life and the Lord opened doors, blessed our efforts, and exceeded our expectations beyond our wildest imagination. I was hooked and continue to travel around the world on different international mission trips. As soon as I would come back from a mission trip, I would begin thinking about my next trip and where the Lord would have me to go.
Today, I continue to have the same passion and burden for those who are hurting, hungry, ill, and helpless. Every year in faith we go as volunteers to Build and Restore churches, schools, chapels, orphanage homes, life style centers, centers of influence, residences, and the like. We present evangelistic meetings, lead children’s programs, church revival seminars, week of prayer seminars, free medical health clinics, home and hospital visitations, and free local community events. I believe that through God’s leading and our self-sacrificing efforts, we can share the Love of God with a hurting and dying world through different acts of kindness while sharing the Gospel with people that we come in contact with. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 143
Every day I’m thinking of new ideas and projects where we can share the Love of God with others. As the needs of many arise and difficult challenges are ahead of us, we seek to do God’s will in Building and Restoring people through compassionate acts of service. Change starts with us and through our combined efforts in volunteering and serving others, we can make a difference in the lives of many people around the world. Please pray for our worldwide ministry that many more can come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord!
Our Vision
To provide spiritual growth through real life experiences, hands on training, discipleship, teaching, mentoring, and leadership to equip our volunteers with the opportunity in serving others through the placement of meaningful mission projects in our communities and around the world to spread and fulfill the Gospel of Jesus Christ as is written in Isaiah 58:12, “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” To seek the lost, restore the broken, care for the needy and poor, and to support and grow the next generation.
Our Purpose
The specific purpose of this non-profit charitable corporation is to lead people closer to Jesus Christ and His saving truths, as written in the Bible, especially the Three Angels’ Message of Revelation 14:6-12. The general public, families, friends, Christians and non-Christians alike will benefit from the corporation through the activities listed below. We believe Build and Restore International will also improve the quality of human lives as people overcome addictions, restore broken families, and improve their overall physical health. Our desire is to share our faith through our actions by providing spiritual growth through real life experiences, hands on training, discipleship, teaching, mentoring, and leadership to equip our volunteers with the opportunity to serve others through the placement of meaningful mission projects in our communities and around the world to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as is written in Isaiah 58:12.
“…This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Matt 21:42
BRI Board Members
Ostap Dzyndra
President
Richard McSherry
Board Member
Mary Johnson
VP of Operations
Vitaliy Shtefanitsa
Board Member
Jon Ferguson
Advertisement and Marketing
FAQ
How can I become involved in Build and Restore International’s (BRI) projects and programs?
We rely on the support and donations of private individuals, churches, schools, corporate partners, and volunteers to fulfill our mission. We invite new developing ideas and partnerships with our supporters to represent BRI in their communities and around the world. Join us to learn how you can spread the word about BRI’s work in your neighborhood and beyond. Prayerfully consider joining our team to go forward to Build and Restore the lives of those who are hurting and in need.
Are donations to BRI tax-exempt?
Yes, BRI is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations are deductible for income and estate taxes. Tax deductions only apply to donations given by individuals and entities filing for taxes within the United States. Anyone giving a donation directly to BRI will receive a receipt from BRI at the year-end tax statement.
How are donations used for mission work around the world?
BRI uses all donations and contributions to further current and future projects around the world. Every dollar given to BRI, goes to supporting our global mission efforts, projects and programs. Each gift you make is a contribution to missions. Private sponsors and donors help to offset the overall operating costs so that your donations can go into the mission field to support the efforts of missionaries and volunteers worldwide. We thank you for your generosity and support.
How can I volunteer with BRI?
Locally, we rely on our donors, volunteers and ambassadors to spread the mission and vision of BRI. We encourage you to write to us for opportunities to volunteer as an ambassador with BRI. Internationally, we rely on the service and skills of local volunteers to help us build and restore. Please prayerfully consider joining us on our team or as a volunteer. All volunteers are equally important in helping us reach more communities that are in need.
How can I join the BRI team?
We are currently looking to grow our team. Our goal is to find like-minded energetic talented Christian men and women who want to help us to Share the Love of Christ with others. We rely on volunteers to help us move forward and to do more projects. We encourage everyone who feels called to sign up on our website to be a volunteer and to help us spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How is BRI funded?
We rely on contributions and donations from private individuals like you, corporate partners, foundations, grants, crowd funding, independent business owners, and the like. We also partner with other organizations and charities that share the same passion and vision as we do. At times, various churches that we have worked with in the past, will make contributions to help us meet our goals.
Can I sponsor a church building project through BRI?
Yes! Church building projects are a major part of our programs, which are designed to benefit entire communities. As such, BRI has opportunities to seek out much needed areas of development where a new church building is needed. We work with existing churches in the area as well as conference leadership to provide the best possible solution.
Does BRI accept clothing and goods?
BRI does not accept used clothing, merchandise, goods, or building supplies. Often, these items are too costly to ship internationally and are costly to keep in storage for an extended period of time. Yet, if arrangements can be made for safe keeping of such goods until they are needed, we can work with individuals and other organizations to utilize these valuable resources for future projects.
Can I sponsor a clean water well project through BRI?
Yes! Clean water well projects are a part of our mission here at BRI. We want to partner with you to provide safe clean drinking water to those in need around the world. We have ministry partners that we work with to provide clean water projects in areas of need.
Does BRI accept projects from individuals and congregations?
Yes. For projects outside of North America, requests must go through the Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership for that region. This can be the local conference, Union, or Division offices. At times we accept projects from individuals or congregations that are in much need of support. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for volunteers like yourself to serve in their communities and beyond.
Does BRI accept projects in North America?
Yes. BRI organizes volunteers to work on renovation, expansion, and building projects at retreat centers, lifestyle centers, orphanages, schools, churches, and the like. We rely on local congregations, schools, centers of influence, or the like to help us with fundraising to cover the cost of building materials, supplies, tools, and equipment needed to get the work completed.
Does BRI accept speaking engagements in North America and around the world?
Yes, BRI is involved in Evangelistic Campaigns, Vacation Bible School Programs, Health Evangelism Seminars, Week of Prayer, Revival Weekends, and similar events. We are happy to be able to work with you to organize an event that is right for your church, school, recovery home, orphanage, residences, lifestyle centers, retreat centers, or the like.