“The best mission camp trip, EVER,”
is how Jessica Morgan (15) described this year's summer youth trip to
West, Texas.
Ten youth and two adults from Baptist
Temple/Family
Deaf Church/Betel
family of churches took part in Texas Baptist's first student
disaster recovery ministry, BOUNCE.
This new, pre-packaged student mission experience provides youth
the opportunity to assist communities in their efforts to BOUNCE back
from the devastation that exists after disaster has struck.
In West, Texas a fertilizer
plant explosion in April 2013, killed 15 people, including a
dozen first responders, and injured 160. More than 1200 Baptists
joined the army of volunteers who have converged upon this small town
from the beginning. A year later, the cleanup phase is done and the
rebuilding is underway.
The Baptist Temple team joined several
other churches in a variety of projects. One group framed a new
house, while another group finished a house framed last week. Others
worked on repairs, roofing and other projects.
Days
were filled with meaningful work and evenings featured times of
worship and reflection designed to help participants encounter and
respond to God. Brianna Haddock (17) said, "I can't believe I
took part of such an amazing project. The work in one week is
absolutely astounding! If you're wondering, God is good and West is
blessed!"
Team sponsor,
Steve Grinnell reports that the town's people expressed gratitude for
the Bouncers presence. FBC West's pastor told the teams, "You
are doing more than just painting a wall, you are restoring lives.
You are demonstrating what real Christian love looks like."
Heather Fisher,
also a team sponsor, said that the teens felt they were doing
something worthwhile in helping West recover. Carmen Zayasbazan (15)
suggested that we register for next year right away so we can reserve
a spot.
In addition to
West, BOUNCE will also go to flood damaged Austin and Moore,
Oklahoma, where a tornado struck last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment