During the summer months many youth groups take part in mission opportunities all over the world. This year, several local groups had out-of-state mission trips planned. But after the devastation in Alabama caused by the life-changing tornados, those groups quickly rerouted their trips to help those close to home. Even groups directly impacted by the storms joined forces with groups all over the country to help rebuild our state. We wanted to share with you what some local groups have done this summer to help those in need.

 

 

Pleasant Grove Assembly of God

Rebuilding Alabama One Volunteer Group at a Time

Two days after the storms that rocked Alabama on April 27, we, as a church, were reeling. The tornado had destroyed our church. We had no way to open our doors and serve the community. But, I was not disheartened. I knew I was supposed to help and post relief services to help residents who had little or no insurance to repair their homes. So, armed with only a Facebook Fan Page and the name “Rebuild Alabama,” I launched into the unknown. I had no idea what kind of response I would receive. After a day, a tweet and a Facebook post, the responses came rolling in from all over the country.

To date, I have worked with groups from Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Jemison, Ala., and I have several more groups coming in August from Fort Wayne, Ind., North Carolina and Florida. God has opened doors and connected me with strangers, now friends, to help meet the needs in Pleasant Grove.

The storm may have broken our building but it did not break our spirit. The work carries on and we will continue to find ways to host groups who want to come help. If you would like to be a host church for “Rebuild Alabama,” or you are interested in bringing a group and you’d like more information, please check out my blog at www.thediscipleproject.net or join “Rebuild Alabama” on Facebook.

Paul Turner

Youth Pastor

 

 

Hope Mission Trips

Bringing Hope to the Hopeless through the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We have seen God do some amazing things on our mission trips so far this summer. To date, Hope Missions has conducted projects in Costa Rica, New Orleans, Panama City and Manila, Ark. Almost 300 participants representing 15 churches from 6 states have come together for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry and construction projects at these locations.

During the week of July 17-21, Hope Missions will be conducting a tornado relief effort in Dora, Ala. Please be in prayer for teams coming from all over the country to participate in this relief effort. Learn more about Hope Missions at www.hopemissiontrips.com.

Shawn Doss

Founder and Director

 

 

What is your youth group doing this summer? We would love to share your stories. Please send stories to info@gofirstpriority.com.