Eighteen youth group members at Clarkston Free Methodist Church are a little closer to Nogales, Sonora, (Mexican border town) their intended destination for a sanctuary-building trip Aug. 4-11.
The group benefited from a congregational get-together Sunday afternoon in the church’s parking lot, where members took their best shot at soaking their favorite pastors in the dunk tank from Oakland County Parks.
The group makes a trip to a foreign nation every two years. Thus far this summer, they have sold baked goods, hosted a garage sale and held a car wash to earn money for the trip.
The group will first travel to Arizona, where they will meet a family of missionaries from the church, and then proceed to drive to Mexico. Spring of Life Church in Nogales has outgrown its building and needs more facilities and classrooms for its members.
‘We want to assist the (missionary family) in their first year of ministry,? CFMC Youth Pastor Chris Horvath said.
‘My hope is that the students and leaders that go will have a heart for God’s work around the world. That has an impact on what we do here.?
The group has been meeting monthly in addition to its fundraising activities to prepare for their mission, decided upon last November.
‘We’ve been working on different aspects of teamwork and serving,? Horvath said.
Allyson Mason, an 18-year-old member of the group, will be making her first mission trip with the youth group.
‘It’s surreal now. We’ve been preparing for so long. We’re so excited (to make) an impact and help them out,? she said.
‘I expect to help the community grow. (When) they see the church being built, a sense of community will be developed.?
Clarkston Free Methodist Church, at 5482 Winell Street, can be reached at 248-623-1224 or visit online at www.clarkstonfmc.org.