Allen County is taking Atlanta by storm this summer, on a mission to help those in need.
Youth Works, a Christian mission group, is made up of 23 youths and five leaders from area churches. The group will be serving in Atlanta July 20-29. They will have the chance to work in a restaurant-style soup kitchen, a furniture donation outlet and different children’s groups.
“It brings you closer to God, and makes you feel good about yourself,” group member Karlie Lower said.
Members have been planning their trip since September, and are nearing their goal of $18,000 for expenses — around $700 per student. They will be hosting a rummage sale and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Iola.
All of the youths are Iola High School students, with the exception of one student from Humboldt High School. While most of the meetings have taken place at Wesley United Methodist, several area churches are represented.
The theme for this year’s mission trip is “Desirable,” taken from Luke 19:10. The United Methodist Church provided two grants for the program, totaling $1,300.
Organizer Lori Cooper said the students will spend the entire nine days volunteering from “6 a.m. until 11 p.m.,” with a bit of free time to explore Atlanta.
Youth taking mission into Deep South
