Published: June 21, 2008 12:11 am            

Teenagers from all over visit Meridian and become servants

It's summertime again, and like most all summers, school is out, and sweet freedom is realized for teenagers all over the country. It's time for the beach, theme parks, road trips, and roof work?

Typically teenagers don't even want to hear the word "work" when referring to summer activities; but that's exactly what many decided to do with one whole week of their summer. And they did it with World Changers.

This past week Mayor John Robert Smith proclaimed this week, World Changers Week, as 75 students from all over the country came to Meridian to help those in need.

What exactly did these students do during the week? Well, the work ranged from yard cleanup, construction work, and re-roofing houses.

But why give up a whole week of summer to do manual labor for others?

"The Lord says we should live with a servant heart," said 17-year-old Kirstie Cantrell of Louisiana. "I just want to do what the Lord says His will is for me to do."

"I just want to share the love of Christ. He's blessed me in so many ways, and I just want to give back," said Trevor Rushing also from Louisiana.

Kirstie and Trevor were in one of the many groups working throughout Meridian. Their specific task was to re-roof a house located on 33rd Avenue.

"Roofing has been scary for me. I was afraid of heights before I did this, but luckily the Lord has given me the strength to get up on the roof and act like it was easy," said Cantrell. "I was able to defeat a fear with the Lord's help."

Vonda Nutt has been working with World Changers for close to 10 years, and says she's loved her time with the organization.

"I have a passion for telling students about the opportunities they have in missions. There are so many students, youth groups, and churches that have no idea that they can make a short-term commitment by themselves or with a group of other people to go to places like Africa or India," Nutt explained.

Vonda also said that just because something is called "missions" does not mean you have to leave the country.

"There are two kinds of people in the world; people who are redeemed by the love of Jesus Christ; and people who are not redeemed. We need to view people who are not redeemed through one lens; and that means that this person can be redeemed. You don't have to be in Africa to meet people like that. You can meet people right here who need that," Vonda said.

The group left today after a week full of work in Meridian, but this year also marks the tenth year that World Changers has picked Meridian as a location to go and minister. Over the last several years World Changers has worked on 150 houses all over Meridian.

If you know someone who could benefit from World Changers in the future or if you yourself would like to be involved you can visit their Web site at: www.world-changers.net.

        

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