Minded For Missions: Part 2

I have spent the last few days recuperating and reflecting on last weeks mission trip with our churches youth group. It was a week of hard work, giving and receiving blessings from many wonderful people.

     Englewood First Baptist Youth Group & Sponsors

     We left Sunday after out morning church service to Appalachian Outreach in Jefferson City, TN. AO is a wonderful ministry near Carson-Newman College that has many ways in which to help folks in need. For more info: Appalachian OutreachThey always have homes in need of repair and this is the type of job our youth did this year.

Introduction and prayer                                                           Getting ready to remove the shingles

 Roofing in progress                                                                  Almost to the flue

We started our first day meeting Sandra, whose home we were working on, and praying. This home was an older home and in need of many repairs. It needed a complete new roof, which our youth removed all old shingles, replaced some damaged boards, and place the new shingles, in two days! A few of our youth had the job of removing part of the chimney flue. One of the bedrooms had severe damage to the ceiling tiles. That's where I worked mostly. We removed tiles, cleaned the walls, and repainted the ceiling. I also repaired a few dresser drawers that were broken. I also planted her some vegetables. A group of girls repainted the front of the house, the eaves, and pressure washed the awning. 

     Removing the floor                                         Scraping of the old paint

The hardest job had to be a bedroom in which the floor was sinking in. After removal of the floor, three inches of water was found underneath and the floor joices were severely damaged. This group of guys had to jack up the house, replace the joices, replace the floor, and lay the carpet. The reason for the water was the incline of her backyard causes the water to run to the house. A drain was installed four years ago, but obviously doesn't work. It was only six inches underneath the ground. We rented a backhoe to dig a two foot deep trench for a new drain. Unfortunately, we hit solid rock about 8 inches down, so we had to rent more heavy equipment.

     Busting the rock                                                                           Covering it back up

We worked from Monday to Thursday, finishing all jobs. We headed out Friday morning to spend the day relaxing on Tellico Lake. The kids enjoy fun on the lake with wake boarding and tubing. I spent the day on a float in a quiet cove soaking up some serious sun.

      Coming in for dinner                                                             Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill

Sandra is a special lady. I am truly blessed to have been able to meet and help her.

      Sandra                                                                                   Our youth pastor presents Sandra with a Bible

      Beautiful sunset on the lake

Next I will be leaving to go to South Dakota for the EFBC adult mission trip. Stay tuned for the 3rd part of "Minded for Missions."