On July 5, seven children and five adults left Paul's Lutheran Church in Summit Hill to begin a mission trip in Raleigh, North Carolina.

After a year of fundraising and collecting donations, the members were very excited to begin to serve God through their work.St. Paul's Youth Group organized the mission trip, and accommodations were made through Youth Works, a large organization that assists churches, individuals and families with mission trips.The group did work at a park, nursing home and assisted an organization called With Love From Jesus. The group was deeply moved by their experiences as they helped the local community in Raleigh.The members cleaned up trash at a park in 100 degree weather. Everyone felt they were making a difference in the community.The group visited a nursing home, something they are familiar with doing in the Panther Valley region. They played bingo, talked and visited with the residents. The children were amazed that there was a woman who is 100 years old.With Love From Jesus was the group's favorite experience. The group accepts donations of food, clothing, household items and furniture to help those in need.Many stores regularly donate food that would normally be thrown away. The group provides a worship service and prayer for the local residents.The youth group volunteered their time to sort clothing, fill containers with food and pack freezers with items such as bread and desserts. The normal volunteers for With Love From Jesus were thankful for the help because of the amount of work that needed to be done.The group also helped distribute the items the next day. They were amazed at the number of residents who came in seek of help. Residents were given a short sermon followed by a prayer area if people desired.The group was moved by the stories, such as a 15-year old boy who is homeless and has no parents.Another homeless man was grateful to be able to use a public grill to cook meat he had received. A businessman who had lost his job had an interview the upcoming Monday and did not have enough money to buy a new shirt for the interview.The group was deeply moved by the poverty they witnessed. It was an emotional day for everyone and many cried after seeing how they helped.The entire trip was educational, humbling and emotional. Many members plan to donate to similar causes in the future. The youth group and their leaders are looking forward to another mission trip in the future.