Fish Clubbers Hike the Appalachian Trail
Back in June, 13 adventurous middle-schoolers and eight brave adult sponsors left the Hope Church parking lot for the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. The group hiked 43 miles in four days and three nights in wonderful weather, just one afternoon of rain! The trail had lots of ups and downs, literally and figuratively. There was a rattle snake sighting, the expected aches and pains, and lots of balm administered to blisters. But the group of courageous hikers hiked on, sang songs, and enjoyed the beautiful views and being in God’s creation.
Thank you, Hope Church congregation, for your warm send-off, prayers, and support for this group. If you would like to hear some first-hand accounts, talk to one of the youth who went, they would love to share more details of this adventure with you.
High Hopes in New York
A month later, in July, 13 youth and six adults met in the Hope Church parking lot at 5:00 a.m. to begin the drive to Greenpoint Church in Brooklyn, New York. This was the fourth time Hope Church has partnered with Greenpoint.
On Sunday morning the group worshiped with the congregation, then set off to Manhattan to visit the Museum of Modern Ar and Central Park. Early Monday morning began the work week. Part of the crew went to First Reformed Church in Astoria to tackle a jungle of trees and bushes that they called a back yard. It took three days to clear out, but it was worth it! The crew also helped remove parts of an old organ from the basement. It was dirty and hard work, but very rewarding.
Other jobs throughout the week included painting, cleaning, unloading a semi-truck of food, packaging the food, and then distributing the food to almost 500 neighbors in need.
On Thursday evening, the group was invited to a Muslim Youth Center to participate in a discussion of poverty in New York City, and join them in breaking fast in Ramadan. It was very meaningful, educational, and the food was fantastic! Other evening activities included China Town, Little Italy, and “Newsies” on Broadway. The group also enjoyed nightly devotions and song, lots of laughs, some tears, and a renewed commitment to each other and their place in God’s plan.
The entire team is so thankful for safe travels and the support and prayers of the congregation.