What Happens When United Methodist Youth Collide with Communities?
Nearly 500 youth representing every region of the
The first order of business was fun-in-the-sun. COLLIDE kicked off at Splashtown, where the teens also worshiped and heard a message from Rev. Diane McGehee, director of the Center for Missional Excellence. Then, on Sunday morning, the youth were dispatched to 21 community service projects – ranging from cleaning area parks to beautifying the yards of elderly homeowners. All of which proved to be ways to worship with their minds, bodies and souls. Learning about the dire situations of others was a call to action (or call to COLLIDE)
for Alyssa, a youth from First UMC Humble. “I learned what you need for a flood bucket.
People have lost everything – dishwashing soap, they can’t dry their clothes…I think we can do more than just sit around and watch it.” Another participant, 17- year-old
spirit was the undercurrent of the day, as the youth forfeited their Memorial Day weekend
to “remember their baptism and be faithful” by serving others. Kendall, a 12-year-old Bellville UMC youth, said: “I felt like it would be fun. Plus hard work always makes me feel good.”
Also on the Bellville mission team was Zachary, 14, who usually spends weekends with his
baseball team. He hopes to work in construction some day, and thought it was “funny how God worked,” since his COLLIDE assignment was light construction on a home in need of repairs. Countless numbers of the COLLIDE volunteers said they’d do it again – not only
because they’re helping others, but because service helps their relationship with God.
“This is a symbol for me,” said 16-year-old Zackery of Jasper. “There are people who have
lost everything, people who have nothing. But, even if you’ve lost everything, you still have
your relationship with God…We are the answer to people’s prayers. People are praying
for food, and I’m working hard to seal the bags and make sure they’re tight, so people can have a meal and keep their faith in God.”
The rice and beans were transported to
To find out what’s new and next in Youth and Young Adult Ministries, contact Rev. Dan