Mattoon First United Methodist Church

After a leisurely drive from Illinois, making stops along the way at places like the  Huddle House to try some fried pickles, we have finally made it to Memphis! We are excited to see what God has planned for us this week. Prayers for our group and the work we will do in the communities of Memphis are greatly appreciated!

This morning we had worship with our church partner for the week, Second Baptist Church. During class time with the other youth, we were given good places to visit while in Memphis. We learned that Memphians really do love their city! For lunch we went to Memphis Pizza Cafe and had some delicious thin crust pizza.

All day today, our team worked in the Heights community beautifying and up-keeping repurposed vacant lots. In the Heights area alone there are over 1,200 vacant homes or lots that the community is trying to renovate and use for something that will benefit the neighborhood. Our team started off at a vacant lot that had recently been turned into an open area with a gravel walking path. We pulled some weeds and picked up some sticks along the path, in the open areas, and in the flower beds while also weed eating the perimeters. 

This morning, we went to St. Vincent De Paul Food Mission where we prepped and served food to about 200 homeless members in the Memphis area. We got to serve soup, zucchini, bologna, peanut butter & jelly, chips, donuts, coffee, lemonade, and more! We will be heading back again tomorrow morning and are excited to see who we will meet tomorrow!

Our team spent another morning at the Food Mission serving sack lunches to the incoming visitors. Then after going grocery shopping, we prepared and served lasagna for the homeless men at Calvary Rescue Mission.