Volunteer Spotlight, Communication Tips, and More
April 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to the Cross Exchange Newsletter. You can learn more about our platform by visiting our website.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
In this edition, we are highlighting a volunteer using Cross Exchange to serve children halfway around the world from his home, addressing a common dilemma hosts and volunteers face when starting a conversation, and more!
Volunteer Spotlight: Morgan in Nairobi, Kenya
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we’re changing things up by highlighting Morgan, a volunteer who’s serving in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morgan traveled over 8,800 miles (14,000 km) to work with children in need, serving them physically and spiritually. As with any work exchange, Morgan has faced unexpected obstacles and new challenges, which ultimately serve as a testament to his character, adaptability, and heart of service.
Way to go, Morgan!
Interested in joining him? View this work exchange or search all opportunities
Mailbag Q&A
A reader recently asked:
I’ve received a message from a volunteer and I think we’d like to host her, but I’m not 100% certain. What should I say since I’m not sure yet?
This is a common situation hosts find themselves in. Everything might appear positive in a traveler’s initial message, but the host isn’t sure yet whether they will open up their home/ministry/project to them. A similar situation often applies to volunteers: a host’s profile might look interesting, but the listing alone often isn’t enough information to decide whether to agree to a work exchange.
Here are some best practices when navigating a new connection:
1. Don’t Feel A Need to Decide Right Away
Instead of feeling like you need to say yes or no immediately, we recommend starting with something like “This sounds interesting, let’s chat more so we can get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.”
2. Schedule A Call
A video call goes a long way toward identifying whether a volunteer would be a good fit. Take a few minutes to ask them about themselves, share what’s important to you, and see how you feel. Remember, the person on the other end is trying to decide if they want to do a work exchange with you, too.
3. Trust Your Gut
If you’re still not confident about a potential work exchange after a video call, that might be a sign that y’all are not the right fit. Tell the other person you respectfully decline and wish them the best on their journey!
Have a different question about Cross Exchange? Let us know - we’re happy to help.
Join Us on Instagram
We’re excited to announce that our Instagram is officially up and running! Check out all the countries Cross Exchange users call home (so far), why we started this platform, and more. We’re excited to use this medium to share more about Cross Exchange and the behind-the-scenes of building a global Christian platform.
If you haven’t already, please follow us :) We’re also sharing this content on Facebook.
A Note from the Word: The Heart of a Builder
When considering the call to service, the example of Nehemiah in the Old Testament stands out as a testament to the power of dedicated, selfless labor. In the book of Nehemiah, we find a man who was comfortably established in a position of prestige, yet he was deeply moved by the needs of his people in Jerusalem.
“Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’” (Nehemiah 2:17)
Nehemiah did not just offer sympathy from a distance; he left his security, traveled to a place of hardship, and organized a community to accomplish a daunting task.
Volunteering embodies that same willingness to step into the “ruins” - the places where help is needed most - and to offer one’s time, skills, and heart. Like those who stood beside Nehemiah, may we all be encouraged by the example of the builders before us to commit our hands and hearts to the work of restoration wherever we are called to serve.
Explore, Serve, Grow,
Trent & Bethany
Further Reading
A miscellaneous collection of what we’ve been chewing on.
Should Christians Looksmaxx? Peptides, Bonesmashing, and LIES Told In Christian Dating (Taylor Ransom / Ransom Notes)
Taylor may be best known for his Christian mega-church comedy sketches, but he knows how to provoke thought as much as laughter.
Were Past Christians Unthinking Supporters of Colonialism? It’s Actually The Opposite. (Will Maxson)
Will continues to shed light on the imperfect (but largely sanctified) history of missions.
Dragon Slaying IV (Dan Braga / Seeing Sparrows)
Slaying the beast of gluttony, in its many subtle forms, points us back to the cross.
The Shape of a Human Life (Eugene / Becoming Formed )
Looking forward to New Jerusalem.