Every summer, youth and adults from Central Texas join together through CTCYM, Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission, to become the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. This week, 64 junior high students and adults are serving the community of Blanco as well as groups serving in Burnet, Edna, Junction, Mason, Menard, San Angelo, and San Marcos.

Our group serving here in Blanco is made up of participants from five different United Methodist churches: Foundation UMC in Temple, FUMC in Colleyville, FUMC in Corsicana, King Memorial UMC in Whitney and Trinity UMC in Arlington. The churches come together to form one living center. We eat, sleep, play and worship together as one family. When it’s time to head out to the work sites, we are divided into 6 work teams, with each team having its own job to complete. Some of our tasks this week include tearing down and rebuilding a porch, completing a wheel chair ramp and creating a side walk, building a gazebo and several picnic benches.

When asked why they decided to come on this mission trip? Courtney Rainwater, a 7th grader from Arlington, replied “to help people and to grow closer to God.” As a part of these trips, everyone participates in a morning devotional, lunch devotional and evening worship. These activities help us deepen our faith and learn how to share that faith with the world.

Parker Jackson, an 8th grader from Corsicana, said he wanted “to witness and to show them someone cares.” Many times, those we are helping struggle to understand why students and adults would give up a week of their summer to work hard in the heat. Not only do they work without pay, but they actually pay to participate. Natalie Spencer, a 7th grader from Colleyville, and Alicia Alvarez, an 8th grader from Temple, both agree it is hard work, but very satisfying.

We come to serve and show Christ’s love, because Christ first served and loved us.