Faith Stories: Youth Mission Trip Summer 2014
This summer the St. John’s UMC youth group took a mission trip to Shreveport, LA. While there, we worked with Common Ground Outreach, an organization that deals with supporting the surrounding Cedar Grove Community. They conduct various programs helping the community such as a pantry, clothing closet, a weekly meal, and camps and after school programs for the children. The youth helped with some building and garden upkeep as well as supporting the summer camp for the kids. Our youth worked very hard and went above and beyond what was expected of them.
Brycen Daniels, Interim Youth Ministry Coordinator
Below are comments from some of the participating youth.
During the Shreveport mission trip I drew on a chalkboard for the kids’ summer camp. The theme was Christmas in July, and Catherine Leblanc and I drew Christmas trees and presents. We also wrote the kids’ names. I was happy when we saw the kids’ faces light up in delight. It was amazing.
Ceci Caputo
While on the mission trip I got to help people. That made me feel important and like I was doing good for others. Overall what I got out of it was a sense of godliness.
Nico de La Fuente
During the mission trip I organized a closet with school supplies for children who could not afford to buy them. I realized how we take for granted the simple things like that when there are kids out there who do not have the luxury that we do. This really opened my eyes to the needs of others.
Hannah Green
On mission trip we got to paint doors and help organize the food pantry. I felt grateful for what I did for the program at Common Ground. God called me to do something good for them, and I felt good about it.
Joshua Green
During the mission trip I got to play with kids at Common Ground outreach. We played a game called garbage bin ball. The kids connected with me, and I enjoyed connecting with them. I got a lot out of it.
Stephen Leblanc
During the mission trip we got to work at Common Ground and help them paint doors and clean up. I felt this was very important, and I got closer to God. I was very glad I got to go on this trip and get closer to my youth group and youth leader.
Rebecca Lively
On the mission trip Catherine, Rebecca, Justin and I got to clean and repaint the church doors. I felt like that was a meaningful thing to do because the church was very important to them, and it was nice to give the outside a new, nice look.
Haley Stubbs
While on the mission trip we played some games with the neighborhood kids. We got to help teach the kids about teamwork and working together.
Mason Stubbs
Check out photos from the youth’s mission trip on our Flickr account.