Bethel United Church of Christ Youth GroupTakes Annual Mission Trip to Sunset Gap, Tennessee

In late July a group of 26 high school youth and adults from Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst packed up work clothes, bug spray and sunscreen and traveled to Sunset Gap in Cosby, Tennessee, on its annual mission trip. Sunset Gap, founded in 1924, was established to serve the local community, setting an example of Christian care and concern and training Christian leaders to care for their neighbors. Over the years Sunset Gap has served as a site for an elementary school, health care services for those with TB, Bible study groups, baseball teams, sewing classes and many other services the directors saw a need for in the community. It continues to be of great use as it houses mission camp volunteers, a thrift store, a food pantry, and a kitchen where over 100 people are served hot meals twice a week. In this area of the Great Smoky Mountains incomes are low and jobs are scarce. At Sunset Gap people with great hearts are trying to do the work of many.

During the past year Bethel youth, with generous help from friends, families and members of Bethel, raised money to help subsidize their trip. One family sponsored the vans the group used to travel to Tennessee. “Mission trips offer these young adults a great combination of work, education, new experiences, relationships and spiritual growth,” said Jenny Pozen, Bethel’s Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries. “On these trips the goal is to put our faith and love of Christ into action.”

When the Bethel group arrived at Sunset Gap they discovered that, due to a scheduling error, they were not expected. No materials were available nor had arrangements had been made for their work projects. Sunset Gap had lost several key staff members during the summer, and remaining staff were doing their best. Compassion and understanding were in order, and this was a lesson in what a mission trip is all about--coming to help those in need, build relationships and gain new perspectives.

But there was a silver lining. Three of the chaperones had brought along their tools—just in case. And they had the skills to act as project managers for the group. In addition, the group had the opportunity to work together every day, which had not been common on other trips. “It was a challenge at times to take turns to do the jobs,” said Pozen, “but this meant we all shared the same work, experiences, and jokes, and this group really became close. Our youth found ways to bond, laugh and enjoy working together every day. They shared the load and shared themselves.”

In spite of a delayed start, the group was able to secure materials and work on two projects to help those who needed ramps and decks on their homes. Their efforts were rewarded by the sight of one of those they helped enjoying time seated on his new deck and ramp built to accommodate his walker. The group was also able to help in Sunset Gap’s food pantry, relocating lumber and reorganizing the space to accommodate an incoming shipment of supplies. The youth had new experiences and learned new skills—using a tractor mower, a power auger, drills and levels; unearthing huge rocks with pick axes; mixing concrete; conquering their fears of white water rafting, finding blue tailed skinks and—a favorite--filling a washing machine with pans and buckets of water!

“These kids are all good with power tools and, more importantly, they are good at being kind to each other,” Pozen said. “They all have open hearts, they are all willing to help others, and they do it with grace – it comes naturally to them. And they are truly fun to be with. We are blessed to have enthusiastic adults who are willing to take a week from their busy lives and come to work beside these kids,” Pozen continued, “sharing their faith by modeling a selfless and generous spirit. Even though we had some struggles when our trip began I know that there was a plan and a purpose for this group to come together and serve at Sunset Gap. We had everything we needed.”

Once at home, the group shared its experiences with the Bethel congregation during a special youth-led worship service in August filled with bluegrass music, reflections, and a picnic in Bethel’s new Welcome Center. Those who went to Sunset Gap are; Rachel and Matt Atristain, Tim Carman, Kate Dempsey, Bridget and Janie Huels, C.J. Karwowski, Jonathan Keenan, Dani and Katelyn Kolosieke, Emily Landreth, Max and Sam Pozen, Ben and Charlie Rogers, Noriko and Rieko Scheib, Bruce and Hanna Smith, Haley Stewart, Jenny Pozen, Jim Karwowski, Todd Keenan, John Kolosieke, Kevin Rogers, and Roxanne Schwoch.

The group looks forward to next summer when they return once again to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi.