Putting their hands on hammers, paintbrushes, scrappers and wrenches, a group of 35 Christians are putting their faith into action renovating historic Lynn Hall on the campus of Concordia College, Selma.

Most of the volunteers hail from the 2,000-member St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wis., which put together its first “Mission Relief Team” in December, 2005, heading to the flooded New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

“It was mostly mucking out work, cleaning up houses,” said project leader Leif Gigstad, a farmer. The mission team, also known as “Leif’s Raiders” returned to the Big Easy five more times. The trips in 2010 and 2011 were in a slightly different direction– Alabama. Last year, they repaired the roof of a Lutheran church in Mobile, with a young enthusiastic pastor who was building his flock.

That young pastor, Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo, asked them to consider a project this year at his new ministry site, Concordia College, where he serves as president.

“We are very grateful for our brothers and sisters in Christ and their gift of service to our school,” Mendedo said.

Renovating the large two-story Lynn Hall, which has served as dormitory, classrooms and administrative offices over the years is an “overwhelming monumental challenge multiplied many times,” said Gigstad, who pointed to a collapsed sewer line, common to old clay pipes, and other renovating challenges unique to older buildings. “I set insurmountable goals and the volunteers respond with overwhelming enthusiasm and determination that God is good and we will get the job done.”

Looking over his group, which ranges from ages 17 to 72, including high school students, an exchange student from Thailand and retired farmers and business owners, Gigstad is amazed that “Jesus always finds the people and skills we need. We are not missing one skill.”

There are licensed plumbers, electricians, carpenters and painters. And there are computer analysts, pianists, teachers, machinists, a pastor and a college student from sister school, Concordia University, Mequon, Wis.. In addition, students and staff from Selma have lent a hand. “I want to show our volunteers that I care about my school, too,” said Senior Simon Ajak, while scrapping paint off the 86 year old building.

Over the years, Gigstad has found the key to success in mission trips is to remind volunteers why and who they are serving. “We serve out of thankfulness and joy for all the gifts God has given us.

“When we leave Saturday night, we are one worn out tired group of volunteers but there is such a good feeling inside, to know you gave it your all and there is so much satisfaction in knowing you did it for Jesus, the Master Carpenter.”