Ozark Mission Project in town

Ozark Mission Project in town

Youth group working wonders in the Wonder City

news@theeveningtimes.com

Some hands on servant style ministry made an impact in West Memphis last week. Sixty youth came together under the banner of Ozark Mission Projects (OMP) to do some service work.

The Methodist teenagers met physical needs like installing wheel chair ramps, repairing porches and mowing lawns. Opportunities to visit with home residents, and share lunch and prayer came up many times through the work week.

The crew also worked on a community garden.

The improvement projects at a home on South 18th Street included replacing rotted fascia boards, a fresh coat of paint and new window screens to keep mosquitos out. While the efforts covered the outside of the house, the biggest impact was made inside the heart of resident Linda Price.

“I found out about this group by the grace of God,” said Price. “My neighbor across the street called and said he had an application for me. I filled it out that night and turned it in the next morning at 8:30 when the doors opened.

“A week later I met with Heather of the OMP,” said Price. “She walked through the house and took pictures of the rotten wood and stuff.”

Price works for a modest income and was delighted for the chance to get some much needed home improvements. The group worked on her house for four straight days.

“I said whatever you can do for me, I don’t care what it is,” said Price. “I just cried. I was so happy. They have been here everyday since Monday.”

The City of West Memphis reviewed applications and approved home maintenance for 33 qualified households. The OMP took on 16 of those projects in the east part of the city. Six of campers worked on the Price home everyday during the project.

Blessings ran both ways during the work week.

While Price benefited from the home improvements the youth on the project were shaped by the experience.

The campers put their faith in action helping maintain the home. Committing to work together teenagers developed teamwork and commitment. In the giving of their week of summer break they grew spiritually and emotionally. Serendipity spread sweetly.

The OMP has grown since its inaugural year with one camp location and 35 participants in 1986. This years Arkansas will be home to 12 OMP camps and over 1,000 students.

By John Rech