The youth group from First Christian Church of Edwardsville, IL and the youth group from Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church of Edwardsville, IL just returned from a mission trip to Nashville, TN. This mission trip served as a wonderful ecumenical opportunity for two youth groups from the same community to not only serve together but also to enhance our relationship with God and one another.

While in Nashville, the youth and adults who attended served at three different organizations. Some of our volunteers spent one-on-one time with shoppers assuring them they are cared for and that they are important at The Little Pantry that Could. Others spent the majority of their time doing some much-needed cleaning and organizing at the domestic violence shelter, Morning Star Sanctuary. Our third group who volunteered at End Slavery Tennessee learned about the very real problem of labor and human trafficking while assisting with an annual fundraiser to promote the healing of survivors and to confront slavery in Tennessee.

These service projects helped us to open our eyes and see the many struggles that individuals are facing on a daily basis. It is easy for us to get wrapped up in our own problems which can often overshadow the problems and needs of others. It is our hope that we can share our mission trip experiences with others while highlighting the importance of caring for and serving those who need to experience God’s love throughout the world.

Thanks to Rev. Jeff Wrigley,
Associate Minister at FCC Edwardsville,
for this story and photos.