THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608280123
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 58 lines
A five-member team from West End Baptist Church was part of the behind-the-scenes preparation for the Summer Olympics. Its mission: transforming a church basement into an international coffeehouse for Olympic spectators.
The team spent its time painting, building a stage floor and installing floor molding and columns for the ``Street Light Cafe.''
``They were very efficient,'' said the pastor, the Rev. T.F. ``Skip'' Irby. ``These boys produced better and quicker than they thought we would.''
The team consisted of Irby and his son, Andrew, and Roby Heard, William Johnson and Jason Robertson. They were in Atlanta from June 21 to 28, for the mission project sponsored by Youth On Mission.
The Suffolk group joined with seven other youth groups from Eastern states. Lodging was at a Holiday Inn, meals were served at Morningside Baptist Church, and numerous projects took place simultaneously around the city. Some groups taught Vacation Bible School classes in small, struggling churches, others led backyard Bible clubs, concerts or Christian block parties.
``Our four guys wanted to do hands-on construction work. . . ,'' Irby said. So they helped create a relaxing environment for ministry.
During the project, the Suffolk teens met with others for three large-group sessions, to meet new people, share daily ministry experiences and rejoice over the work being done.
For Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 10th-grader Will Johnson, it was a highlight of the trip. ``We met people from Hudson, N.C., and became good friends,'' he said. ``It was easy to relate with them because we shared the same interests and attitudes.''
Johnson has written to his new friends and plans to continue the friendship.
For Roby Heard, a 10th-grader at Lakeland High School, it was his second summer mission trip and something he'd recommend to his friends. ``It's great meeting other people and seeing what we all could do together,'' he said. ``It made me feel good that I helped with the coffeehouse to spread Christianity during the Olympics.''
Andrew Irby, also a 10th-grader at Lakeland, said, ``It was a lot of fun working with other groups, learning about teamwork and helping others. Things don't always go the way you plan, but I learned to appreciate the ideas and plans of others.''
Jason Robertson, a 9th-grader at Lakeland, said, ``It helped me understand what it really means to help others.''
Heard added, ``You sweat a lot, but it's a lot of fun. It's great to meet new people and see new places.''
This fall, West End's summer mission team plans to present a slide show and report session for the congregation. The teens also hope to channel some of their zeal for hands-on mission work into a local project. MEMO: West End Baptist Church is at 501 W. Washington St. Call 539-8771
for information about ministries. ILLUSTRATION: Will Johnson from West End Baptist decorates a wall in
a church basement that will become a coffee house. by CNB