This summer I went on the high school mission trip with Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. A week of mission in Asheville -- only 15 minutes from home --and a world away.
Joining with 4 other churches (40 participants total) from the Presbytery of Western NC, we worked through the organization Asheville Youth Mission. Our group divided into 3 work teams that went out each day to volunteer with one or two different mission agencies who work to address the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized. Many of the organizations I'd never heard of.
Asheville Youth Mission's theme for the summer is Breaking Boundaries. We worked that week on seeing all people as God's children, full of humanity and promise. My work group spent time sorting out rotten tomatoes at Manna Food Bank, working with summer school students at Vance Elementary School, painting the prayer chapel and sorting the clothing closet at Haywood Street Community, cleaning at A Hope/Homeward Bound, and painting, gardening and tie-dying at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters.
I loved watching the youth as they served with these organizations. Whether interacting directly with the marginalized people or doing behind the scenes work, they put their all into it.
AYM places an emphasis on meeting people, acknowledging them as people and learning their names. Because making a connection with others is the best way to break down boundaries/barriers/preconceived notions. In my work team, I saw that best at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters. We ate lunch with veterans, finding topics of conversation that showed our similarities (went to Owen High School, ran cross-country at school), or that spoke of where the vet had served and what they like to do. Our afternoon activity was tie-dying t-shirts in the courtyard and I had a hard time picturing this working...veterans and tie-dye?! But it did! A youth would pair with a veteran as they picked colors and tried different designs (we don't knashevilleow how they turned out as they have to sit for a couple hours before the dye sets). Everyone was busy and at times we had veterans waiting for their turn. It was a beautiful afternoon.
The next day, a veteran saw us at the Asheville bus station and came over to thank us for coming. He was very excited to get back to see how his shirt came out.
Our evening devotions and debriefs were led by the AYM interns and were very hands on. We talked about physical, social, and spiritual boundaries--recognizing them (rivers, fences, location),ways to break and cross them (reach out, be aware, talk with someone new), and reasons to keep some boundaries (safety). Through discussions, art, acting, and activities we shared ideas and where we saw God in each other and in our work.
I'm so greatful for this ministry and for being able to participate!
