Last week, two youth groups from Michigan and North Carolina served the community of Avondale (New Orleans). They traveled long distances to serve the Lord and grow in their faith. When thinking of how to summarize the week, the only word that comes to mind is love.

Teens from both groups LOVED on each and every child that walked in the door for a sports camp we hosted. Never once could you find a child that was bored, sad, or lonely. The youth groups could always be found throwing a ball around with an Avondale kiddo, making friendship bracelets with an Avondale kiddo, holding an Avondale kiddo, and much more. Amazing relationships were built in that short time as the teens became friends/mentors to the children within the community. The Good News was also shared many times with the kids through songs, stories, and scripture.

God was shining through these teens at all moments as they loved on the community of Avondale. In addition to the sports camp, the group served at a local food bank and hosted a block party for the church. The block party was a huge event - roughly 200 people attended! Teens worked various game/food stations and seemed to have a blast being a part of this event. 

All in all, this week was an out pour of Christ's love through the work of these amazing teenagers! At the end of our sports camp, the children were asked if they wanted to accept Christ into their hearts. Almost all of them raised their hand and repeated a prayer to be saved! It was a beautiful ending to the week and so impactful to see that these kids wanted to know our Lord and Savior. Please pray for the kids of Avondale as well as the youth that came to serve as they continue to seek the Lord.