MCH students join U.M. Army

Ashley's group painted a house and constructed a wheelchair ramp
during the mission trip in Tyler.

Several MCH residents found that doing good for others is its own reward. Five youth accompanied spiritual development minister Ron Britton to Tyler, Texas for a mission trip with U.M. Army from July 12-17.

U.M. Army, or United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth, is a national organization with a mission to “provide Christ-centered, quality youth work camps that serve people in need and promote spiritual growth and leadership development in youth,” according to its website. MCH representatives Noah, Marvin, Diego, Ashley and Rachael worked with volunteers from Kingwood UMC to help less fortunate residents in the area that were in desperate need of home repairs.

Ashley’s group worked on a wheelchair ramp for an elderly couple and painted their house.

“What I like best is I can get away from my normal routine and focus more on God and what work He can have me do,” Ashley said.

The volunteers were divided up between houses this year to build wheelchair ramps, repair porches, paint homes, or minor home renovations. The work groups spend the day out in the field and returned to their host church, Lanes Chapel UMC in the evenings for dinner and worship.

“The MCH kids bring such a special dynamic to this camp,” said Lisa Donoho, director of the U.M. Army camp. “Many of the kids and families (from Kingwood UMC) want to be in the groups with MCH kids.”

Britton said youth are selected for the trip with first priority given to those who served in the past who worked hard and made a positive impact. Students can also submit applications and staff recommendations if they would like to attend.

“I cannot express adequately just how much our kids blessed the clients they worked for,” Britton said. “Every one of our kids worked tirelessly, through days that were 112 degrees and higher, to help fix homes, build wheelchair ramps, paint, roof, lawn work, and anything else that came up. I heard nothing but praise about our kids from their adult team leaders!”

Noah was one of five MCH residents attending U.M. Army this year.

Noah's group built a wheelchair ramp and porch for their client.

Diego (Baylor shirt) and his group also built a wheelchair ramp for a family in Tyler.