Covelo -- July 20, 2005

Years ago I had the opportunity of being asked to accompany a team of youth going to Wallace SC to conduct a mission of low-income house repairs. I would have the opportunity of getting to go on a number of these missions -- and that pleasure would come to include the opportunity to meet so many young people. I seriously doubt that, I, at the time, would have ever been capable of comprehending the possible long-reaching effects such experiences would have.

One of the youth I met, and worked with, on these missions was a guy named Bob White. Since those days, Bob has gone to high school, college, gotten married, and begun a family and career of his own. I lost touch with him. This year, though, I received a contact right out of the past. Bob and his wife, and their daughter, are now members of the St. John's UMC in Rock Hill, SC. Bob contacted me to say that he had a group of youth looking for a location to be in mission service. Remembering me from years ago, he wondered what I could help him find in the California-Nevada Conference. I introduced him to Round Valley.

Last week, in the midst of our triple-digit heat wave, Bob's group of 29 worked on multiple projects, accomplishing amazing things, at the historic Round Valley church. They ripped out four out-dated and dilapidated toilet/shower facilities, constructed two porches, built a handicap ramp, replaced doors, built new rooms, re-built plumbing and electrical lines, sheetrocked, and insulated floors, walls, ceilings. For most of the time that the Rock Hill group was in California, I was on a Winnemucca UMC youth team to Florida, but on my return I got to go to Round Valley to meet the group and see their progress. I was amazed -- truly amazed -- at what they had accomplished. When I met with them I also got to talk, briefly, with some of the group. I was also amazed by their personalities - so up-beat at the end of a very long, hot, work experience. The St. John's UMC group was a great example of Christian witness - making "our deeds as good as our words."

I know the Round Valley church is as appreciative as I am for the hard work the Rock Hill group gave them; but I also know, from speaking with Bob, how appreciative the Rock Hill group is for the hospitality and generosity shared with them by the Round Valley folks. The Round Valley church is one of the oldest churches in our Conference. It serves an impoverished rural area on the Round Valley Indian Reservation. It is remote. And it is in need of so much to be done to help the physical plant. The desire to conduct and grow ministry by the folks at Round Valley is very strong - and they offer us a great location and opportunity to be in partnership with in ministry. My specific thanks go to Bob and his group, and also to Ernie Merrifield, trustee chair, and Rev. John Youngbird-Holt, pastor. There's still much to be done.

The next UMVIM team opportunity to Round Valley is the second week of August. I will be there to continue the work of the Rock Hill folks. Persons interested in attending should contact the UMVIM office.