Service Trip 2011 7/26

Youth teams arrived at work sites today energized after a weekend of travel and play.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Kaitlyn Ellis, youth, 18, said today. "It's definitely a highlight of the summer."
Kaitlyn mixed and poured grout to complete tiling in a computer room at Hope United Church in New Orleans this morning with several members of her team while others laid tile. Hope United was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and their pastor perished in the storm. An assistant pastor moved into the pastor's position and has worked to restore the church facility with assistance from St. Paul's Homecoming Center, an Episcopal outreach center for Katrina recovery.

Connie Uddo, director, St. Paul's Homecoming Center, connected Rolling Hills youth to the Hope Church restoration project help as well as several other projects including cleaning and roofing Creation Full Gospel Baptist Church and retiling a private home. Uddo said she had been searching for a group of volunteers who had skills in roofing.

"This is a huge step," Uddo said. "This is really, really a Godsend."
Bishop Espy Cornin, pastor, Creation Full Gospel Baptist Church, said he is so grateful for the Rolling Hills effort he cannot find the words to properly thank them. A group of profession electricians recently installed new wiring for the entire church. Between the new electrical system and the youth group's effort to repair the roof, Cornin said he can move forward with new drywall, then see his way to full restoration.

"I feel I believe the Lord is going to fill this church again," Cornin said. "I never dreamed of getting help like I'm getting now in the last couple month. I appreciate it so much."

One small group spent the day facilitating Shake it Up Cafe vacation Bible school with 40 children at First Presbyterian Church in New Orleans. Youth demonstrated the affects of mixing water and oil, helped children design tall chef hats, taught contemporary Christian songs, and provided plenty of recreation for their active group.

Trey Hoefer, youth member, 16, helped with VBS today. Trey's second mission trip, he had never worked with children at VBS. He said he had fun this year helping children decorate hats, play games, and serve snacks.
"It's just awesome," Trey said, "It's really fun to work with friends and have fun at the same time."