Contributing

Thanks to the diversity of the projects in which our ELIJAH team is involved, the tasks are also very varied.
We welcome committed individuals who would like to volunteer. Long-term placements are also possible. What experience can you contribute?

VOLONTARY WORK

In the fire chariot of ELIJAH

Who is a prophet? Someone who breaks out to find themselves and God – and then returns transformed to fight for justice. As a volunteer, Father Georg Sporschill SJ and Ruth Zenkert will listen to your ideas, recognise your potential and help you where you are needed. So that you can follow your own path. If you want to make a difference in this difficult world together with us, then write to us.

Here you will find our information brochure and can download an application form. Fill it out, send it to office.wien@elijah.at and we will arrange the next step. Perhaps a taster week in Romania?

It is possible to apply through the International Volunteer Service, which also counts towards Austrian community service.

We offer:

An exciting project on the edge of Europe
A task that will challenge you
A community that will support you
Accommodation and living expenses
Spiritual guidance on your journey
Practical training in social and youth work

We work and pray together, study the Bible, and embrace adventure.

We expect:

You are looking for a Christian community with a simple lifestyle
You share your gifts in music, dance, crafts, languages, housekeeping, sports.
You will learn Romanian.
You are over 18 years of age.
You are willing to commit at least three months of your time.
You arrange your own insurance and travel to Sibiu. We will pick you up there.

Lillith

"My first day at work was further confirmation that I was in the right place. The people were not only friendly, but also professional and supportive. During the first two weeks, I began to settle into my new environment. The weekends were a time of bonding and community. Walking through the hilly countryside, we all quickly grew close. During this time, I experienced a profound change within myself. My self-confidence grew with each passing day. This experience helped me to recognise my strengths and define my goals more clearly. I discovered who I want to be and what I want to achieve in my life."

Fridolin

"Are you coming? Oh, surely you're coming to the social centre!’ On many days, Nicu finds a new reason why he unfortunately doesn't have time for me and my planned activities with him. But his eyes smile, and I realise that he just wants to be persuaded. Once I have convinced him with the help of many children, siblings and cousins, I hoist him into his wheelchair. Then we are ready to go. Our joint programme at the social centre begins: making music, drawing, occasionally writing. Nicu plays short songs on the keyboard. Now I can sense his desire to learn. An idyll emerges where it is not always easy to find one."

Hanna

"When I close my eyes, I see an inner image of the faces of the many wonderful people whom I will always carry in my heart. I hear the laughter of children, but also the manele music. Spirituality plays a big part at Elijah. Through daily morning prayers, Masses and Bible study, you can feel close to God here. Never before have I expressed my prayers to God in front of other people or shared my thoughts on the Gospel of the day. I will always be grateful for everything I have seen, experienced and learned here."

Ludovica

"At first, I couldn't speak Romanian, but the little ones had no problem with that and slowly I learned it from them. That wasn't the only thing they taught me. They taught me anew what it means to be tender, loving and truly happy. It became clear to me that the Roma children were my teachers and not the other way around, and that, paradoxically, they have an incredible amount to give. Compared to what I myself achieved, I received so many gifts that month. Prayer, life in the community and working with the children opened my heart and eyes to the infinite value and dignity of every human being."

Emilia

"My voluntary work in Romania was originally intended to last nine months, but it was difficult to say goodbye and I decided to extend my stay. I couldn't and didn't want to leave behind all the friendships I had made with different people. Children who rarely attend school, mothers who are victims of domestic violence, fathers who try to provide for their extended families... I am involved in one of the social centres, accompany the football team to the Elijah tournaments and help in the pottery workshop. I am also lucky enough to live with two girls aged 8 and 12, whom we took into our Elijah community, and to be able to be a big sister to them."

VACANCIES

Please contact us with a letter of application: office.wien@elijah.at