Overview of the West Virginia Mission Trip

Written by Mary Alice Ferguson

The mission trip to Montgomery, West Virginia began as the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church members met in the parking lot for a 2 pm departure. Bedrolls, crockpots, work boots, hammers, tape measure, and shampoo were loaded into cars.  West Virginia mountains welcomed us with green mountains flowing streams and CSX coal cars. Our church destination had a chapel with blue stained glass windows and vaulted wooden ceilings. 

We, however, moved into the upper level of the church that provided two bedrooms, two showers, two bathrooms, and a communal gathering room. The basement area had a large kitchen and dining area. Quickly, Lucy and Marcy organized the kitchen and delicious aromas filled the basement. Each day a gourmet meal greeted the hungry workers. The coffee was so delicious that we could have put Starbucks out of business. All the FHPC members helped to keep the kitchen and eating areas clean and functional. 
 
After two days the women's bedroom of 8 bunk beds looked like a refugee camp. Towels, shoes, clothes, and hammers were an organized chaos that looked homey and welcoming. On Monday the groups divided so that we could work at two sites. One group went to complete a red metal roof of a lovely woman's home. The second group arrived at the home of a grandmother and five grandchildren. 

Each evening we sang as Jim and Bradley played on the guitar. A bible selection was read and discussion followed. Our blessings and bummers (a chance for each member of the mission team to share something difficult and something great!) finished the day. Many of the group played games while others climbed into their sleeping bags. 
 
At the end of the week we had completed reinforcing a trailer's porch, two new porches, a red metal roof, and tarred the roof of a mobile home. 
 
On the last day each of us cleaned our hosts church and packed for the return trip to Martinsville. It was a wonderful experience and we were all drawn together by the fellowship of helping others and feeling that we were truly serving Jesus as we did!