Indiana team Experience more than expected

LaGrange First UMC in Lagrange, Indiana sent our team of 14 to Henderson Settlement in July 2024. The team was started by Jeanie Estep, a retired teacher. No one else on the team had ever been to Henderson before, and for over half the team this was their first mission trip ever. The team included members ages 80-13 with half of them adults and half teens. They power-washed and sealed a 200 ft. walking bridge,  built a covered porch for a family, packed over 50 boxes of food in the food pantry, and planted corn for fall decorations. Everyone grew a lot. This was already a group passionate about service, but they also learned the importance of their testimony and to look for how God is at work every day. Here are some quotes from our teens:

Colton, 13, “God brought us here to build a deck. I feel like we accomplished what we came here to do. I learned a lot.”

Hank, 14, “If felt like no matter what we did, there was more that needed done. It was a relief it finally got done.”

Zeke, 14, “On Thursday night we hosted the worship service. There was one part where people could share what touched them. It was really long. It kind of quantifies how much has gone right here. 

Zeke, 14, “I think it was great. I think I’m gonna come back again. I think you should come and try it out. It’s really nice.”

Lydia, 16, “I saw God working in our devotions. I got to hear testimonies from my brother and dad. It was really special to me because I was there when it was happening. It’s nice to hear that is part of their story.”

Kamilla, 16, “Getting to know everyone was awesome. I think Howe UMC and Lagrange UMC should mingle a lot more!”

Kamilla, 16, “I think they really felt God. I think I really felt God too. 

Zac, 18, “It brought us together as a little family inside a bigger family. It also brought us closer together as friends. 

Claire, 23, “I shared for the first time about what brought me to church a year ago.” 

Rev. Crystal Jacobson

LaGrange UMC