After a two-year interruption, the New Zion Youth Choir was able to travel for their 24th annual Mission Trip. Mountain Home, Arkansas was our destination for July 3-10.
While in Mountain Home, our 19 youth participants and six adults had the opportunity to serve at the home of Gladys. Unfortunately, neither she nor her sons could keep the outside area up. Our youth removed bushes and trees, cleaned up gardens and weeds, stacked firewood, and hauled metal and other material to the burn pile. Our new friend Gladys was so thankful for the time and for having the youth around.
We also worked at the local food bank and made 864 boxes that would go to senior citizens in the area.
Our final work day concluded with us singing at a few nursing homes in the area. This is always a highlight for the youth and the residents. First, we sing for them, but then the youth go out, sing old hymns with the residents, and then stay and visit. The stories the youth hear, the smiles on the residents' faces, and the blending of generations are the things that make for beautiful memories.
Finally, we were able to deliver the school supplies that VBS collected in June.
During our time away from work and singing, we spent time in small groups encouraging and learning about our uniqueness. We shared joy in games, exploring Bull Shoals Caverns, and a Tube Float on the Buffalo River.
We were blessed by our time in Mountain Home and are so glad we were able to serve with our hearts, hands, and voices. For seven days, the youth and adults worked, prayed, sang, served, and played together. Through this, we built community and friendships and were reminded that we all are greatly loved and are enough.
Thanks be to God!
