Was June 20 - 26, 2004; We prayed daily for the members of our group!

Twenty-five youth and six adult leaders traveled via bus to Kinston North Carolina to assist in the task of building Grove Park Christian Church under the leadership of the Disciples organization - VISION. Our group was to be part of a summer-long blitz build for a church that had been destroyed by a devastating hurricane.

The first day, after shared devotions with two other groups residing at the North Carolina Baptist Men's Disaster and Recovery Camp, our volunteers became aware that there was not even a foundation laid yet. The transported hammers and tool belts were set aside for the needed work of that week.

Our volunteers were divided into three work groups:
(1) Painters - for the sanctuary of the local Episcopal Church sharing its building with Grove Park Christian for a temporary place to perform their worship service.
(2) A High School age team to remain at the Baptist camp to remove tar, vinyl and other undesirable elements from a huge portion of the warehouse roof.
(3) A Middle School age team working every day to rip out more trees and brush to clear the area for the new church.

Some of the special projects in which they participated included tearing out pine trees for neighbors of the church site who are allergic to pine and digging a ditch for folks being helped by the Baptist Men Association.

On the last day at the site, our volunteers were able to build walls that will go into the actual church building. The building is scheduled to be dedicated on September 26th.

Special thanks goes to the adult advisors, bus drivers, and congregation - many who covenanted in prayer daily for the mission group. Our church is blessed by ministers and members who reach out to the community - Columbus, the nation, and the world. After exploring the pictures from the youth mission trip, consider how you, as a youth or adult, could help share the spirit of Christ. Come explore our programs, interact with our youth and adults. Get involved and grow WITH us. Together we can!

This trip in pictures.