News : 2024 Faith in Action assists area residents

Part of this year's Faith in Action included pouring cement in a couple of locations

Blessed Hope Community Church completed its 8th Annual Faith in Action, an "in-town mission trip." The purpose of the project is to lend a hand to those in the community who have a need for repairs around the house, lawncare needs, or other tasks that the homeowners just can't accomplish on their own. 

Requests from the community had been submitted months ahead of time. A team began sorting through the requests and began to make plans for meeting the various needs.

Beginning on a Thursday morning and running until Saturday afternoon, more than 100 people showed up to pull off these monumental tasks. The days began at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast, a short devotion and prayer before heading out. 

Teams are organized and sent out with an address and the needed equipment to complete the tasks at hand. A total of 42 different projects were completed in 21 separate locations.

The church accomplished the following tasks in the area:

-demolished and rebuilt two porches

-shingled a roof

-poured two concrete pads and a sidewalk

-painted the inside of 4 homes and the outside of 2

-provided deep cleanings to 6 homes

-built a retaining wall

-cleaned and weeded 10 yards

-took down one tree

Part of the fun includes the children. approximately 25 children spent the days with fun tasks to do like decorating the walkways of one of the senior care canter with chalk. One of their outings included a trip to Windsor Manor to play Bingo with the residents. Of course, they also kid tested the parks and library during these three days. 

As the adults continued their work around town, support workers go along to visit with the homeowners to make sure there aren't other needs that can be met while they are there.

A robust kitchen crew started the day with breakfast for the workers. Throughout the day they made sure to keep everyone hydrated and delivered snacks to the workers on site. Around noon the crew prepared boxed lunches for delivery to the work sites. not only the workers, but for the homeowners to enjoy. The day wraps up around 5:00 p.m. with a hot meal at the church, All the workers and the homeowners are invited back to the church for a time of fellowship. 

A large white board maps out the week, showing jobs that are accomplished and what is on the agenda for the next say.   

Behind the scenes, senior members of the congregation have a task as well. A group of these folks travels through the town simply praying for the town and the residents or any other needs they might see. 

The week is exhausting, but there is never-ending laughter and conversation between the workers and those they are assisting. The church loves to serve where it can and hopes that this week has brought some smiles and relief to those they served. 

Be sure to stay tuned for next year's events. If you have elderly family members or friends who need a hand, note that throughout the year and then submit an application next year on their behalf. 

A short video of some of the projects completed through the event can be seen here.

Well done, Blessed Hope Community Church!