John Kublank became Youth Minister at Northern Hills United Methodist Church in San Antonio in January.

As Youth Minister, his job is to find ways to not only lead youth in learning about Christ, but also living life in a Christ-like manner.

Typically, high school and middle school age groups go on Mission Trips during the summer months, usually to remote areas, and for a lot of Texas churches, they go to Mexico.

John wanted something smaller, closer to home, that could be the stepping stone for bigger things with this youth group.

Kublank grew up in the Bulverde area, and attended church under Trinity Lutheran’s very own Pastor Bobby Leggett. So when he set about organizing the trip, he sought out the help of his old mentor and his wife, Dayna Leggett.

It was decided that John and his group would come to Blanco and, along with area youth groups, would work to clean up areas of need.

John said it was slow going at first, but in the last few weeks before the set date, projects started rolling in.

The group started at the Henry House on Monday, went to the Blanco Cemetery on Tuesday, and will split up for the remainder of the week, tackling whatever projects they can find.

“We are excited to be here,” said John. The girls bunked at the Methodist Church and the boys stayed at the Lutheran Church. They were allowed the use of the showers at the Blanco State Park.

They will leave on Thursday, but plan to return next year. In total, there were 20 kids from San Antonio and 9 from Blanco.