To one Tallahassee resident, the youth from Bethel Baptist Church were an answer to a prayer.Twenty-nine members of Bethel Baptist Church joined more than 95 youth and their leaders June 7-14 for a World Changers national all youth project in Tallahassee, Fla.
Brad Tollison, minister to students at Bethel, said during the week, students spent their days painting and fixing porches in some houses in the Tallahassee community. In the evenings, the youth participated in worship, Bible study, and team building activities.
“One night, I was praying to God and asked Him to show me how to get the money to have my trimmings done on my house,” said resident Josephine Richards. “I received a telephone call about 10 a.m. the next morning. It was Ken Bass from downtown and he shared with me how First Baptist Church Tallahassee has a group of kids coming in every summer and they go around doing work for seniors who need some work done. He asked me if I would like to have my trimmings painted on the house. I told him I would love it. God had sent my angel one more time. I was so excited, I stayed awake all night thinking of what a joy it was for me. I just wanted to thank Jesus.”
A World Changers crew painted the trimmings and replaced the gutters of her house.
World Changers participants learn what being “On Mission” really means throughout the week: Becoming personally involved in meeting the needs of others while sharing the love of Christ.
The teenagers from Bethel said meeting students from other churches and learning how to serve as a team were highlights of the week. They also enjoyed getting to know the resident whose home they were repairing and being able to complete the construction.
“I have been to World Changers four times and every time I go it takes me out of my comfort zone and brings me closer to Christ,” said 17-year-old Brandon Smith.
Jessica Mayfield, 17, said, “Not only have I learned how to roof, paint, and dig trenches over my five years at World Changers, I have also seen God work in my life and in the lives of many other’s.”
This summer, more than 24,000 students were registered to participate in over 100 World changers projects around the globe.
“There's nothing more exciting than to watch students become excited about serving Christ,” said Tollison. “World Changers has taught our students that missions is not just a once a week event, it is a lifestyle of service.”
