Spring Church Special
Youth Mission Trip Makes A
Difference In Small Miss. Town
By Mima Mathews
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
We are surrounded by outstanding young people in our parish. They love summer mission trips and work during the year to raise funds so the trips can happen.
Last July, 11 teenagers and their adult chaperones
participated in a Youthworks Mission in the impoverished Mississippi Delta town
of Coahoma, Miss. Mission activities included painting and refurbishing houses
in the community and staffing “Kids’ Club,” which involved crafts, games,
music, etc. for the local children.
Several groups from other areas of the country also participated in this mission, giving our youth the opportunity to make new friends. This year these groups were from Minnesota and Michigan. Our group had a great time interpreting the Minnesota accent – and they had fun with our Southern drawl.
The evening hours were spent participating in activities
with the local people experiencing their culture – visiting a county museum,
attending a one-man blues concert at the Delta Blues Museum, attending a
worship service at a country church, and enjoying a potluck dinner provided by
the community. The youth worked hard and had lots of fun as well.
Many memorable and moving events occurred during the week. One that made a tremendous impression on all happened on Fourth of July. The group was refurbishing a well-worn house as the neighbors prepared their July 4th barbeque. The neighbor continually complemented the group on their great job and their big hearts! He then asked if the group would like to share his barbeque. All were touched by his desire to share with us.
Like everyone else in the community, he had very few worldly possessions but a very giving spirit. Knowing this, the group tried to decline, but he insisted. All enjoyed a great Fourth of July feast – much better than the usual sandwich lunch. His kindness and generosity made a deep impression on the group and it will not be forgotten.