Unite Work Camp student volunteers made a visible impact in Morrison, IL. Three groups painted three homes in three days, Wednesday, June 19, through Friday, June 21, 2019. Three other teams worked their generous beautification magic in Clinton, IA. Five major churches were involved in this service project, to benefit residents who cannot do the work themselves, either physically or financially. Kingdom Life Community Church (formerly Open Bible Fellowship), 11429 Ward Road, Morrison, has sponsored the event for seven years.
In 2013, four local youth group leaders had a vision to unite communities, churches, and youth groups, to love and serve in ways that will transform lives socially, economically, and spiritually. They were from First United Methodist Church, Clinton; Second Reformed Church, Fulton, IL; Gateway Faith Fellowship, Fulton; Open Bible Fellowship, Morrison.
Their goal continues to be realized: “We believe [in] investing in, and training, youth to be a part of the solution to problems in their communities. We will see benefits for generations to come.”
218 Maple Avenue–Crew Chiefs were Samuel Vroman, standing far left, who was completing his sixth year, and Andrew Rinker, standing fourth from the left. Pastor Craig Sipes, Morrison Brethren in Christ Church, stands second from left. This is his third year of service; he described himself as “Supply Runner.” Eleven volunteers from five towns painted this house. One is missing from the photograph.
A Marion, IA, volunteer was here for the first time. Three Camanche, IA, students returned for a second year, as did three Morrisonians. Two Fulton painters included a second and third year volunteer. Two Clinton youth participated for the first and second time.
209 S. Genesee Street–Crew Leader Kyle Huebner, far right, began his fourth year with the 2019 service endeavor. He stated there were 70 students in grades seven through 12 and 20 adults working this week. Behind Huebner was first year volunteer Jerry Duey. He recently returned home to Clinton, after seven years of missionary work at a boarding school in the Republic of Kenya.
The men had a crew of 11 youths from Morrison (1), Fulton (4), Clinton (3), Camanche (1), Cedar Rapids, IA, (1), and Auburn, IN (1.) This Indiana student was Beka Grimm who grew up in Illinois; this was her fifth Unite Work Camp session. Five other teens worked for the first time; five worked for the second year.
521 E. High Street–Anna Foreman has lived at this home for 15 years, said her son, but she is elderly and uses walker now. So, he applied that his mother’s house to be considered for painting. At two stories with a garage, this was the largest task. Crew Chief Richard Harridge, Savanna, IL, walking at left, attends Kingdom Life Community Church. His dozen volunteers were ages 12 to 17, who spent the first day scraping flaking paint. After the other crews completed their painting, they joined this one. Most of the paint was donated by sponsors and included primer. Home owners chose the color.
This crew came from six towns: Clinton; Morrison, Fulton, Fenton, and Chadwick, IL; a youngster from Oxford, OH, who was painting for the second year. Four others also have two years of experience. One person each has painted four years, five years, and six years.
