by Austin Marsman

Martin Reformed Church sent 21 teens and adults on a week-long mission trip in Neon, Ky., earlier this month.

After a day of travel, the group arrived Sunday evening, July 25, in the heart of Appalachia.

Martin Reformed shared the volunteer camp with Emmanuel Lutheran Church from Virginia and members of both churches became friends over the week.

Working with Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service (HOMES), the group was able to exercise construction skills and acquire new ones. The main focus of efforts was fixing up rental properties. All week youth could be found installing flooring, waterproofing crawl spaces, and building new decks at multiple locations.

Weather conditions were perfect for nearly 10-hour work days. The group took a zip line tour Wednesday, July 26, down one of the highest mountains in Kentucky.

Lasting bonds and memories were made as a few youth from Martin served their neighbors in Neon, Ky.

PHOTO: Robert Martin installs flooring as Tyler Sikkema looks for gaps. (Photo courtesy of Austin Marsman)