West Virginia Trip, July 3-7, 2013

Every year for the last four years, Restoration has taken a mission trip to Philippi, West Virginia, and this year we’ll be making the journey again from July 3-7. We’re hoping to pull together a team of 25-40, with a mix of veterans and first timers (I’ll be one of them!), and we’ll be volunteering with the organization Appalachian Community CARE. ACC is a non-profit organization that links teams from around the country with opportunities for home repair and outreach in and around Philippi, a beautiful former mining town.

From the reports that people have brought back in past years, participating in this trip is a truly formative experience. Relationships on the team lay the groundwork for friendships back home. Folks have come away feeling like there was a genuine encounter with the people of Philippi in which God’s love was communicated. New-found skills have been acquired. And most people who go are eager to go back the next year.

As you think through whether or not you’d be interested in going with us, here are a few questions you might ask yourself:

What do we do on a trip like this?
The trip consists of a mix of manual labor to do repairs on local homes, getting to know folks in the community, and thinking and praying through how our experience shapes us. Some moments involve a lot of hard work, while others are restful. But the main ideas are to share Christ’s love with the people there and to have fun in the process.

Am I qualified for this trip?
There are no prerequisite skills needed. The main thing we’re looking for is a willingness to work hard and be team player and to be open to what God will do in and through you. The trip is open to anyone as young as 8 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and there is a separate application process for unaccompanied middle and high schoolers.

How do I cover the cost of the trip?
RAC members raise the money for the trip through a combination of personal and group fundraising. You’ll get plenty of guidance on both, and from what I’ve heard, the group fundraisers are just as much a part of the adventure as the overall trip!

People from Restoration have been participating in this ministry since before our church came into being, and it’s great to know that serving in this way is part of who we are. I feel privileged to be able to participate, and I hope you’ll join us!

Registration will be open this Sunday, 2/24/13.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Clay
(202) 459-7203
clay@restorationarlington.org