log cabin democrat

Several youth from First United Methodist Church will spend part of their summer sprucing up homes of their neighbors for some on the job training. Several got their start on Saturday by painting a picket fence at the home of J.D. and Janet Gingerich.

Painting the fence at the Gingerich home on College Avenue will help youth to learn skills they will need this summer at Ozark Mission Camp (OMP). It is also a way to make money for their mission trip.

J.D. Gingerich said the idea to paint the fence came up last year in discussion of unique ways to raise money to help the youth pay for their summer mission work with OMP. The Gingerich's son, Zach, is one of about 50 youth and adults from First Methodist who will be participating this summer at OMP.

"This will be my fourth year to participate in Ozark Mission Project I wouldn't miss it," Zach Gingerich said. "I'm always amazed at the families we work with have almost noting in terms of money or possesions but they are rich in other ways. I feel like I receive much more than I give. It also helps me to understand how blessed I am."

OMP is organized by the Arkansas Area United Methodist Church to minister to persons in need. Youth and their adult drivers from across the state stay at camp sites to serve people in the surrounding communities. The project began in 1986 and has since expanded to 12 camps each summer, serving all corners of Arkansas.

Each camper pays a fee to work in OMP projects, including at Cold Springs Camp just north of Conway off Highway 65. Campers are tasked with a variety of jobs, including scraping and painting houses, building wheelchair ramps, repairing porches and mowing lawns.

For more information, call the church at (501) 329-3801 or visit the OMP Web site at www.ozarkmissionproject.org

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