By BARBARA WALKIN
Senior FN Reporter
barbara@nasguard.com
After weeks of exams, proms and other school duties it is usually time for summer vacation, but for more than 20 young people part of their break is being spent helping with the rebuilding project at the YMCA.
Youth group members from Church of the Holy Apostles (COHA) Katty, Texas joined with Sons of Salvation (SOS) to lend a helping with getting the 'Y' in shape for the beginning of their summer programme.
Dow Warner, director of SOS said they have been working with the YMCA for five years, bringing teams to Grand Bahama to assist with camps and Vacation Bible School (VBS).
"I talked with Karon the other day and she told me they were preparing for the summer programme next week and they needed as much help as possible to get things up and running," said Warner.
"And as we believe in the ministry of the 'Y' we wanted to do anything to help and to be a part of getting the youngsters back into this system."
He explained that together the young people from SOS and COHA - 26 strong - are here for a day or two to help get things ready for the children.
"And with teams like this joining up with our ministry it is a big support and we get to accomplish a lot of things," said Dow.
Shelly Sorem, Youth ministry of COHA said, they came down to Grand Bahama to partner with SOS to not only share their ministry but to help with the YMCA.
"So we are here today just doing some amazing work, just cleaning out and helping them get ready for VBS and camp programmes that they have going."
Sorem added that the senior high students and six adults are feeling blessed to be on the island to serve "like this."
This, she noted, is a strong message for all young people.
"It shows that these kids trully have a heart for God and they feel called to serve, and we felt called to come to The Bahamas."
She added that they prayed and God directed them to come to Grand Bahama and serve the people here, "and let us be an example of Christ to the people of The Bahamas."
CLEANING UP — Youth group members from the Church of the Holy Apostle Katty, Texas joined with Sons of Salvation (SOS) for the clean-up campaign at the YMCA yesterday. Some 20 plus youngsters are spread throughout the YMCA building for the project. Seen here are Nick Leslie and Kimberly Rutkowky removing planks from the basketball court area. (Sports photo by BARBARA WALKIN)
HELPING HANDS — A team of youngsters from Church of the Holy Apostle and Sons of Salvation shovelled, swept, hammered and washed down walls and furniture yesterday as they assisted with the clean up of the YMCA, in preparation for summer camp.
THE GROUP — The combined group of Sons of Salvation (SOS) and Church of the Holy Apostle Katty, Texas worked until late afternoon tearing up tiles, clearing out old furniture and removing debris as part of their mission at the YMCA. At left Shelly Sorem, Youth minister of Church of the Holy Apostle Katty, Texas stand with the group of hard working younsters. At right is Dow Warner, director of SOS.(Sports photos by BARBARA WALKIN)
