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-Information and photos courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
More than 160 youth and their leaders took part in Rebuilding Hope’s seventh annual Servants on Site week.
The summer mission camp provides opportunities for teams to use home repairs to meet the physical needs of people in the community while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Youth and their leaders gather on the first day of camp to hear instructions for the week. (RHI photo)
The 2019 workload included replacing 13 roofs, building six wheelchair ramps and making three home repairs.
“By sharing the gospel through both actions and words, we seek to demonstrate the hope and power of the living Christ,” said RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson. “Our goal is not only to rebuild homes, but also to rebuild lives and hearts.”
Participants, who were organized into 16 crews, came from around the state and South Carolina
The group from Windy Gap Baptist Church in Franklin, N.C., numbered 23.
Brian Browning, a Windy Gap member, says SOS has “tremendous value” as it “lets kids have the opportunity to work together. The greatest opportunity is sharing Jesus.”
Mitch Callaway and 13 others came from Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in State Road, N.C.
SOS teens and leaders build a wheelchair ramp on Hargrove Street in Henderson. It was one of six ramps campers built in our communities. (RHI photo)
Clarence Bigler from Norlina Baptist Church participated in his first SOS.
“I’m impressed and enlightened,” he said. “I’ve been so many places and seen so many things, and this is encouraging.”
Students enjoyed themselves, too.
Dillan Carter from Norlina Baptist Church, on his first SOS mission, said, “I find it very joyful. I don’t mind the hard work and doing for people who can’t.”
Carson Ball from Franklinton Baptist Church, also on his first SOS trip, said, “People have an abandonment feeling and our job is to tell them they’re not alone.”
Abby Callaway of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in State Road has been to all seven camps. “I’ve grown up doing this,” said Abby, who is now a crew motivator.
Reiley Green from Newman Chapel Baptist Church in Franklin was on her third SOS mission. “I like it. Meeting new people and having fun while learning about Christ.”
Following dinner, campers gathered for a time of praise and worship at Central Baptist Church. (RHI photo)
Younger SOS participants are seventh through twelfth graders. Older participants through college-age serve in leadership roles. Lodging is provided at Crossroads Christian School in Henderson. The SOS staff includes security and medical personnel.
Breakfast and dinner are provided at Central Baptist Church, where evening worship services are held. Host churches provide lunches at the job sites.
SOS is an extension of Rebuilding Hope Inc. and is a tool for churches to mobilize, equip and disciple students and adults in an evangelistic effort to impact a lost and fallen world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.