This past summer our group had the opportunity to travel to Detroit, Michigan to participate in the 2015 National Youth Gathering. Us and about 30,000 other people were able to help give life back to the city of Detroit. We were also able to meet up with our synod and reflect on our week. With 4 days and 30,000 people, here's what can be done: *1,847 mural boards painted * 600 neighborhoods affected * 319 vacant homes boarded up * 3,200 vacant lots cleared of debris * 1,425 backpacks distributed * 36 urban gardens installed * 99 picnic tables built * 26 dumpsters filled God's Work. Our Hands.
Elizabeth City, North carolina 2013
Our long drive (and I mean over 20 hours of driving total) to the east coast brought us to a charming little town on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This was our second and last mission trip with Lindsay and it was a trip we will never forget. We were split into smaller groups and were sent to different work sites. Some of us painted, cleaned and organized clutter, and one group even made a wheel chair ramp! We grew very close with our residents and even got to visit each other's sites! We participated in a talent show and blew everyone away with our multicultural song and dance skills!
Cass Lake, Minnesota 2014
Our first mission trip with Pastor Josh, we embarked on a journey to Cass Lake, Minnesota. We were enchanted by the native american culture that enriched us with tradition and community during our visit. We were able to participate in a traditional pow-wow where the whole community gathers for food and a drum circle. We also helped served at the community center by repainting rooms and cleaning up the garden. A lot of our time was spent with the elementary and youth kids who lived there and getting to know them throughout the week. Not only did we serve the community, but we served each other by making meals for each other and taking turns cleaning our living quarters.
West virginia 2012
Our first mission trip as a youth group, we traveled to West Virginia with our interim pastor, Lindsay Mack. We met a charming, elderly woman who insisted we called her "Granny Irma," invited us into her lovely, history filled home. A lot of clean up, repair, and painting was needed, but all the work was worth getting to know Irma and each other throughout the week. Our biggest moment was on our last day with Irma, we built a new, safe staircase for her and her granddaughter to use!