450 teens show Christ by painting homes

Hundreds of teens from 14 states have gathered this week in Parkersburg, W.Va., for the annual Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp program. (Photo by Wayne Tower, The News and Sentinel, Parkersburg, W.Va.)

The News and Sentinel in Parkersburg, W.Va., reports:

PARKERSBURG – About 450 teens from 14 states are gathered in Parkersburg this week to paint the homes of people in need of assistance during the 11th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp organized by the local Churches of Christ.
Seth Miller, youth minister of Lynn Street Church of Christ, said the teens were split into groups Sunday and will work through Friday at 36 homes in Parkersburg, Vienna, Belpre, Marietta and other locations in the area.
The program helps people who are unable to paint their homes due to age or physical infirmity or lack of financial resources. Some contact the churches for assistance, others are recommended by other residents, by churches and the local cities have made a few referrals, Miller said.

• Feedback
  Ohio Valley University posted some pictures from this event to Facebook yesterday. Can anyone tell me if this is an annual event? If so, I’d like to get my daughter and other area youth from NJ involved next year.
  It helps to get word of these events ahead of time. I guess I’m just not sufficiently “connected.”

  Adam Gonnerman

  June, 23 2010

  Hi Adam, I believe it is annual event. I’d encourage you to call Teddy Tackett at the Lynn Street church. I bet he can help you or put you in touch with the right contact.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  June, 24 2010

  I was just looking him up when I realized that not only did I trade e-mails with him a couple of years ago, I also blogged about an article involving that congregation that appeared in the Christian Chronicle. Wow.

  Adam Gonnerman

  June, 25 2010

  Yes, this is an annual event. Been happening for several years and continues to grow each year.
  Ryan Ice is actually the contact person now. Grand Central Church of Christ, Vienna, WV.
  Bobby, THanks for the article. Nice job!!!!!

  Kim

  June, 25 2010

  I’ve sent both Teddy and Ryan messages via Facebook. Thanks for the info!

  Adam Gonnerman

  June, 25 2010

  A similar effort, Nashville Work Camp, was held earlier this month in Nashville, TN. I believe it, too, is an annual event that draws teens from all around, even other states.
  The Pegram (TN) Church of Christ youth group took part in that once again this year. They, like so many others, have also been helping area flood victims with clean-up & demolition work, both before & since Nashville Work Camp.

  Carl H Royster

  June, 25 2010