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Aug 13, 2013

St. Christopher's Youth Take Mission Trip to Bayou La Batre

labatreSt. Christopher’s, League City, sent their youth to serve in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, July 14-20.  Bayou La Batre is a leader in commercial fishing and the seafood industry. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina washed away much of the town and disrupted residents' typically relaxed pace of life. The Jr./Sr. High Youth encountered this town's resilient spirit as they participated in home improvement projects (house painting, etc.) and children's ministries.

 

This mission trip began in the parking lot of St. Christopher on the bright, sunny Sunday morning of July 14. Parishioners gathered outside for a commissioning and sending of our youth missioners, as well as a blessing of the vehicles. On their return, two of the group, who remain anonymous, chose to share their thoughts and impressions.

        

The following was written by a “first-time” youth missioner of St. Christopher:

 

When I first got to the church on Sunday, I thought it was going to be ‘just another mission trip.’ But it was the total opposite of what I expected. On the Monday and Tuesday, my group scraped paint off a very kind woman’s home. Ms. Cynthia, the owner of the house, had a great sense of humor, and she also told us how blessed she was by God. That was a very cool experience. Then on Wednesday and Thursday, we helped out at a kids club. These days were the hardest for me. The first day I helped with several kids, but there was one that really stood out to me. On Thursday, when it was time for us to leave he said, ‘Don’t leave me; you are the nicest person I have ever known.’ It really hit me hard, and made me tear up. Our youth group grew so much over the trip. I believe this mission trip is and will always be the best, not only because of what we did, but also because of who we met and how we impacted their lives... and how they impacted ours.

        

And these thoughts are from a “many-time” youth missioner of St. Christopher:

 

Basically, every mission trip is the same.  It’s what you do and how you react to situations that make it special for you. The first two days in Bayou La Batre, my group helped out at a worksite where the owner of the house, Ms. Cynthia, was one of the sweetest and funniest ladies I have ever met. Even though we did so little for her, her face lit up with joy when she saw all the paint we had scrapped off her house. The last two days, we help out at a kids club.  I was so excited. That was what I had been waiting for the whole week. I had no clue it was going to have as great an impact on me as it did. The kids were so excited when they saw we were there to play games, do arts and crafts, and just goof around with them. It was so sad to say goodbye to them. But you know you have made an impact when they asked for you that night at the community cook out. I had so many good experiences on this year’s mission trip, and I’m glad I got to spend it with the people of Bayou La Batre, the Youthworks staff, the other churches, and especially my church.

 

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St. Christopher Episcopal Church, located at 2508 St. Christopher Avenue, in League City, Texas, is a church with a heart for mission.  For additional information, please call 281.332.5553 or visit www.stchrischurch.org.