Summer service project engages youth group

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By Karisa Kukuchka

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

LAME DEER, MONT. — Amidst the scorching summer heat of late July, a group of humanitarian teenagers from the Saint John the Baptist Youth Group ventured from Draper to Lame Deer, Mont. for their annual mission trip. The group, known as "Yabbers," visited the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and helped the impoverished local community through various service projects organized by Youthworks.

Youthworks’ core purpose, according to www.youthworks.com, is "to provide life-changing, Christ-Centered mission trips." Youthworks programs are youth minded, focused on servant leadership, relationship oriented, life changing, multi-denominational, and ministry focused. This year’s trip achieved those high goals.

Each morning, the youth would spend time in reflective silence to help them prepare for the upcoming day. The reflection time was also a time to speak to God by writing in individual journals.

The numerous participating church groups were mixed into small groups and assigned to different work sites. Each group was assigned to work with a youth sports camp, kid’s club, or on one of the various community improvement work sites around the community. The group assisting the sports camp helped dozens of local youth learn basketball skills for four days. These youth participated in various skill clinics and even scrimmaged against the volunteers.

Those assigned to the kid’s club gave endless piggy back rides, colored, made crafts, played tag, and did anything else they could to make the children feel loved and put a smile on their faces.

The community improvement work site groups were assigned to fulfill community needs. By the end of the week, three buildings were painted, a playground set was assembled and cemented into the ground, and the landscape around one of the local Baptist churches was cleaned.

Each evening, the group participated in a cultural activity with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. One night, they visited Deer Medicine Rocks and learned about Sitting Bull’s prophecy, which was received during a Sun Dance prior to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Other evenings they enjoyed native drumming, singing, and dancing. Many youth joined in and learned how to dance the native dances. On the final evening, the group visited the Little Bighorn battlefield. Members of the Youthworks’ staff spoke of the events surrounding the infamous battle and emphasized its significance to the tribe.

After the evening cultural events, the group members reflected on their day. The participants gave "mad props" to their fellow volunteers, which allowed everyone to recognize the achievements made throughout the day. Additionally, the Youthworks’ staff asked everyone how they had seen God throughout the day. They also shared Bible verses, readings from "Letters from God," and sang worship songs.

Before turning in for the night, the individual church groups gathered and discussed their thoughts regarding the day’s events. The Yabbers took turns sharing their experiences and what they were most thankful for or wanted to pray for. On the final evening, each of the church group leaders washed the feet of everyone in their group. This proved to be a moving experience. Many a tear was shed and a hug was hugged. The sense of family and accomplishment, which radiated throughout the group, affected everyone present. Deacon Paul Graham, leader of the St. John the Baptist group, said he was pleased with the level of unity found in this year’s group. Several Yabbers indicated they could not agree more.