September 12, 2025, 12:00 PM MDT
Pueblo, Colorado – Elder Joeylen, 20-year-old service missionary who serves on the Colorado Colorado Springs mission, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award by Pueblo’s Habitat for Pwebro at the ceremony on August 27th.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Cordova explained that Elder Wren was selected for the award for his dedication, hard work and professionalism at Habitat for Humanity Restore in Pueblo, Colorado.
Elder Ren said, “I am ready to work with a positive attitude and a willingness to help,” Cordoba said.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds homes for low-income families. Habitat for Humanity Restore has been running at Pueblo for over a decade.
Restoration accepts donations of building materials, electrical appliances and furniture. The donated items are for sale and the proceeds are used to build homes in the city.
Elder Wren has been working as a warehouse worker to restore the service since the service mission began in January. Elder Wren has contributed to the restoration of over 800 hours of service, including unloading donated items from trucks and testing and repairing donated tools.
“He’s a quiet young man, but his work stands out,” said Jason Hollis, the store’s supervisor.
Elder Ren, who drives from his family home in La Junta, Colorado for more than an hour each day, said his inspiration came from Mosha 2:17.
He said, “It feels good to help others and affect their lives.”
Elder Wren is no stranger to his active work. Prior to his service mission at Habitat for Humanity, Elder Wren served as a missionary at the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. When Hurricane Helen struck, he was assigned to the area, causing widespread devastation in his homes and businesses. Elder Wren has removed fallen branches from the structures and roads in Asheville, North Carolina, where disasters are the most severe.
Derek Wren, father of Elder Wren, said, “I am proud of what he did and how he committed himself to Christ by serving the people.”
Habitat for Humanity has recognized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for continued support through its service mission. The Service Missionary Missionary Adviser Elder and sister Nancy Slade were recognized on behalf of the Church. Cordoba expressed his gratitude for the work being done by the Church’s ministry.
Service missionaries serve as their primary responsibility, as opposed to teaching missions. Colorado Colorado Springs Mission has 24 full-time service missionaries. Three of these missionaries work in Pueblo County.
Among the ministry missionaries, Sister Slade said: “They are the hands of the Lord, and they serve the Savior as he does,” she added: “Elmer Wren is on his way to become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. He falls to a good place here and serves the Lord.”
– Jenny Mead is Pueblo Colorado Stake Communications Director.
