Reflecting The Light Ministry  Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reflecting The Light Ministry?

Reflecting The Light Ministry (RTLM) is a Christian ministry that provides practical construction and maintenance support to small Native churches and missionaries. RTLM works alongside pastors and missionaries through building maintenance, remodeling, grounds work, and other construction-related projects.

What does Reflecting The Light Ministry do?

Reflecting The Light Ministry helps small Native churches and missionaries with practical building and facility needs. Its work includes construction, building maintenance, remodeling, grounds work, and projects involving systems such as water, septic, heating, and appliances.

What is the mission of Reflecting The Light Ministry?

The mission of Reflecting The Light Ministry is to offer construction support to small Native churches and missionaries dedicated to reaching the lost in their communities.

RTLM seeks to strengthen ministries by providing the practical help they need to maintain and improve facilities used to serve their communities.

Who does Reflecting The Light Ministry help?

RTLM primarily supports small Native churches and missionaries who are serving their communities and reaching people with the Gospel.

The ministry comes alongside pastors and missionaries who have construction, remodeling, maintenance, or grounds-work needs.

Where does Reflecting The Light Ministry serve?

Reflecting The Light Ministry supports ministry projects in Native communities and reservations. Current and recent projects listed by RTLM include locations on the:

  • Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota
  • Nooksack Reservation in Washington
  • White Earth Reservation in Minnesota
  • Mille Lacs Reservation in Minnesota

RTLM’s project locations and needs can change as new ministry opportunities arise.

What kinds of construction projects does RTLM complete?

RTLM works on practical projects that help churches and ministries operate their facilities. Examples include:

  • Building maintenance
  • Remodeling
  • Construction
  • Grounds work
  • Bathroom installation
  • Water-system improvements
  • Septic-system projects
  • Heating systems
  • Appliance needs
  • Youth-center improvements

The type of work depends on the specific needs of the ministry being supported.

How can I volunteer with Reflecting The Light Ministry?

People can volunteer with RTLM by becoming what the ministry calls “Boots on the Ground.” Volunteers provide hands-on help with construction, maintenance, remodeling, grounds work, and other project needs.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact RTLM to learn about upcoming projects, dates, skills needed, and available opportunities.

Do I need construction experience to volunteer?

Construction and trade skills can be valuable on RTLM projects, but volunteer opportunities depend on the needs of each project. Contact the ministry to discuss your skills and how you may be able to serve.

What does “Boots on the Ground” mean?

“Boots on the Ground” refers to volunteers who provide hands-on labor and practical assistance on RTLM ministry projects.

These volunteers are an essential part of the ministry because RTLM relies on volunteer labor to complete construction, maintenance, remodeling, and grounds-work projects.

Can my church or Christian group volunteer?

Yes. Churches, Christian groups, individuals, and skilled volunteers who would like to participate can contact RTLM about current or upcoming projects.

Groups may be able to provide labor, skills, financial support, materials, or other practical assistance.

How can I financially support Reflecting The Light Ministry?

You can financially support RTLM by giving toward its current ministry needs. Financial support helps provide materials, equipment, systems, and other resources needed to complete projects.

The ministry currently identifies specific financial needs for projects, allowing supporters to contribute toward practical ministry work.

Where does the money donated to RTLM go?

Reflecting The Light Ministry states that all funds go to the missions. The ministry also states that it is not staffed or paid and operates through volunteers.

Financial support therefore plays an important role in helping RTLM complete projects for the churches and missionaries it serves.

Does Reflecting The Light Ministry accept prayer support?

Yes. Prayer is an important way to support RTLM, the pastors and missionaries it serves, the volunteers working on projects, and the communities where the ministry operates.

People who want to pray for the ministry can also contact RTLM to learn about current projects and specific needs.

How does Reflecting The Light Ministry work with missionaries?

RTLM comes alongside missionaries by providing practical construction and facility support. This allows missionaries and local churches to focus on serving their communities while RTLM volunteers help address building and maintenance needs.

How does RTLM support Native churches?

RTLM supports Native churches by helping with practical facility needs such as construction, remodeling, maintenance, grounds work, water systems, septic systems, heating, and other improvements.

The ministry’s goal is to provide practical support to churches and missionaries dedicated to reaching people in their communities.

Is Reflecting The Light Ministry a construction company?

No. Reflecting The Light Ministry is a Christian ministry rather than a conventional construction company. It carries out construction and maintenance projects as a way of supporting small Native churches and missionaries.

The ministry relies on volunteers and financial supporters rather than paid staff.

Does RTLM have paid employees?

The ministry states that it is not staffed or paid and operates through volunteers. Volunteers are an essential part of RTLM’s ability to complete ministry construction and maintenance projects.

How can a church or missionary request help from RTLM?

Churches and missionaries with potential construction, maintenance, remodeling, or grounds-work needs can contact Reflecting The Light Ministry.

When contacting RTLM, provide information about the ministry, location, project, type of work needed, estimated timeline, and any available resources.

RTLM can then determine whether the project fits its mission and current capabilities.

How can I contact Reflecting The Light Ministry?

You can contact Robert and Sandra Colbenson through Reflecting The Light Ministry.

Phone: 218-821-0756
Email: bobcolb@gmail.com

The ministry’s contact page also provides a contact form for people who would like to reach out about support, prayer, or volunteering.

Who leads Reflecting The Light Ministry?

Reflecting The Light Ministry is associated with Robert and Sandra Colbenson. The ministry’s contact information identifies them as the primary contacts for people interested in supporting, praying for, or volunteering with RTLM.

What organizations does Reflecting The Light Ministry partner with?

RTLM identifies itself as a ministry partner of Oak Hills Center for Indian Ministries (CIM) in Bemidji, Minnesota, and Awakening Hope Ministry in Baxter, Minnesota.

What is the best way to support Reflecting The Light Ministry?

There are several ways to support RTLM:

  1. Volunteer — Become “Boots on the Ground” and help with ministry projects.
  2. Give financially — Help fund materials, equipment, and project needs.
  3. Pray — Pray for RTLM, its volunteers, missionaries, churches, and communities.
  4. Share the ministry — Tell your church, Christian organization, friends, and family about RTLM.
  5. Provide practical skills — Skilled tradespeople and others with useful abilities can offer their expertise.

Why is volunteer support important to RTLM?

Volunteer support is essential because RTLM relies on volunteers to provide the hands-on labor necessary to complete its projects.

Volunteers can help transform financial donations and construction materials into practical improvements for churches, youth centers, and missionary facilities.

How can I stay informed about RTLM’s current needs?

The best way to learn about current project needs is to check the Reflecting The Light Ministry website or contact the ministry directly.

Project needs can change as work is completed and new opportunities become available.