World Changers in West Memphis

World Changers in West Memphis

Student mission workers return for summer community service projects

news@theeveningtimes.com

As has become an annual tradition, a cadre of young people from the Southern Baptist youth organization World Changers flocked to West Memphis last week to undertake home improvement projects for some of the less fortunate in the community.

Haley Holgan came up through World changers first as a student and spoke to city council for World Changers as crew staff coordinator.

“We have eleven crews working on eleven different houses here in West Memphis,” said Holgan. “I was a participant here two years ago. I fell in love with this place. It is amazing here.”

The World Changers were caught hot and paint covered at a McAuley Street address one day last week.

The group was busy replacing rotted fascia boards and painting the exterior of the house. The work did a world of good for Mrs. Bailey, the homeowner.

“I haven’t been able to qualify for homeowners insurance for two years because the boards were in such bad shape,” said Bailey. “When they are done (with the work) I’ll be able to get the insurance back. I sure appreciate the work these kids are doing.”

The 122 participants and 11 crew leaders at World Changers weren’t the only group practicing the love your neighbor message of the Good Samaritan parable in the city this month.

The group followed on the heels of an Ozark Mission Project Methodist student group which undertook similar projects a week earlier. The 75 Ozark Mission and United Methodist teenagers likewise aimed to lift people spiritually by meeting housing needs, “striving to meet social and emotional needs by encouraging our campers to spend time visiting, sharing lunch, and praying or sharing a devotional with their neighbor.”

Repairs are funded through the city by a portion of the community block development grant fund.

Both groups were recognized with proclamations during the June 22 West Memphis City Council meeting.

“I think it is amazing that so many would come to work for free,” said Mayor Bill Johnson. “It is going to be hot; it’s West Memphis in the summer.”

“It makes the city, the houses look beautiful, what we all strive for,” said Building Inspector Donnie Blair as the proclamations were presented. “These groups are doing their part.”

By John Rech